Volga Military District
In 1989, Shpak became the commander of the 6th Army of the Leningrad Military District, and was later the chief of staff and first deputy commander of the Turkestan Military District. Since 1992 he was chief of staff to the first deputy commander of the Volga Military District. From December 4, 1996 to September 8, 2003 he was Commander of the Russian Airborne Forces.