from april 1920, he was a platoon commander, company commander and assistant chief of intelligence of a reserve regiment of the 9th kuban army. in february 1921, rodin became a platoon commander of the 2nd rifle regiment of the 18th kuban army. he fought on the southern front against the white army led by anton denikin and konstantin mamontov, as well as against rebellions in chechnya, kabardia and ingushetia. for his actions, rodin was awarded honorary weapons by the military council of the north caucasus military district.