Whether the special forces of the airborne. The special forces of the Airborne Forces are an elite unit of the airborne troops. Why does the GRU special forces wear the uniform of the Airborne Forces

Thanks to cinema and television, most Russians know about the existence of special forces units that are subordinate to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (GRU special forces). However, these special units are by no means the only ones in the Russian armed forces, their “colleagues” are simply less well-known and not so “promoted”. At the same time, with their professionalism and combat experience, they are hardly inferior to the glorified GRU special forces. First of all, we are talking about special forces of the Airborne Troops of the Russian Federation or special forces of the Airborne Forces.

Special units of the Airborne Forces appeared quite a long time ago, even during the Great Patriotic War. In February 1994, on the basis of two separate special-purpose battalions, a special forces regiment of the Airborne Forces was formed. Closer to our time, this unit took an active part in both campaigns in the North Caucasus, and was later involved in the war with Georgia in 2008. His place of permanent deployment is Kubinka near Moscow. At the end of 2014, the airborne regiment was deployed into a brigade.

Despite the fact that the tasks that the GRU special forces and the special forces of the Airborne Forces perform are largely similar, there are still differences between these units. However, before talking about the special forces of the Airborne Forces, a few words should be said about the history of the special forces in general.

Special forces history

Parts for special operations were created in the USSR almost immediately after the Bolsheviks came to power. The units were engaged in reconnaissance and subversive work in unfriendly territory. In neighboring countries, pro-Soviet partisan detachments were created, the work of which was supervised by military intelligence from Moscow. In 1921, a special department was created in the Red Army, which was engaged in the collection of intelligence information for the leadership of the Red Army.

Having gone through several reorganizations, the intelligence department of the Red Army in 1940 was finally transferred to the subordination of the General Staff. The GRU special forces were created in 1950.

Special units of the Airborne Forces appeared in the 30s, immediately after the appearance of this type of troops in the USSR. The first part of the Airborne Forces was formed in 1930 near Voronezh. Almost immediately, there was an obvious need to create their own airborne intelligence.

The fact is that the Airborne Forces are designed to perform specific functions - operations behind enemy lines, destroying especially important enemy targets, disrupting its communications, seizing bridgeheads and other operations of a predominantly offensive nature.

For a successful landing operation, preliminary reconnaissance of the landing site is necessary. Otherwise, the operation is threatened with failure - this happened more than once during the Great Patriotic War, when poorly prepared landing operations cost the lives of thousands of paratroopers.

In 1994, on the basis of two separate special forces battalions of the Airborne Forces, 901st and 218th, the 45th separate regiment of special forces of the Airborne Forces was formed. A few words should be said about the units that became part of the regiment.

The 218th battalion was formed in 1992, and before joining the special forces regiment of the Airborne Forces, he managed to take part in several peacekeeping missions: in Abkhazia, Ossetia and Transnistria.

The history of the 901st battalion is much longer and richer. It was formed in 1979 in the Transcaucasian Military District as a separate air assault battalion, then was transferred to Europe, to the site of the proposed theater of operations. In the late 80s, the Baltic States became the location of the unit. In 1992, the 901st battalion was renamed into a separate airborne assault battalion and transferred to the command of the Airborne Forces headquarters.

In 1993, during the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, the 901st battalion was on the territory of Abkhazia, after which it was transferred to the Moscow region. In 1994, the unit became a separate special forces battalion and became part of the 45th Special Forces Regiment.

The servicemen of the regiment took part in both Chechen campaigns, in the operation to force Georgia to peace in 2008. In 2005, the 45th Special Forces Regiment received the honorary title "Guards", the unit was awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky. In 2009, he was awarded the St. George banner.

In 2014, on the basis of the 45th separate regiment, a special forces brigade of the Airborne Forces was formed.

More than 40 military personnel from the unit were killed in various conflicts. Many soldiers and officers of the regiment were awarded orders and medals.

Why do we need special forces of the Airborne Forces

The functions of the special forces of the Airborne Forces are very similar to those performed by their counterparts from the units of the Main Intelligence Directorate. However, there are still differences. And they are associated with specific tasks that the Airborne Forces must solve.

Of course, the special forces of the Airborne Forces can conduct sabotage and reconnaissance operations behind enemy lines, but first of all, they must prepare the possibility of landing for the main units of the Airborne Forces. The concept of "prepare" in this case is interpreted very broadly. First of all, we are talking about reconnaissance of the landing area: the leadership must have maximum information about where the paratroopers will land and what awaits them there.

In addition, scouts, if necessary, prepare a platform for landing. This may be the capture of an enemy airfield or a small foothold. If necessary, sabotage is carried out in the area, infrastructure facilities are destroyed, communications are disrupted, chaos and panic are created. The special forces of the Airborne Forces can also carry out operations to capture and short-term hold important objects behind enemy lines. Most often, such work is carried out during offensive operations.

It should be noted one more difference between the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces. The units of the Main Intelligence Directorate can operate anywhere in the world (it's not for nothing that they have a globe on their emblem). The special forces of the Airborne Forces usually operate closer, within the range of the airborne transport aircraft, usually no further than two thousand kilometers.

The special forces of the Airborne Forces are rightfully considered the elite of the Russian army. Therefore, the requirements for the training and equipment of fighters are very strict. Not everyone is able to pass the selection and become a fighter of this unit. A special forces fighter of the Airborne Forces must be distinguished by stress resistance, endurance, and be proficient in all types of weapons. The special forces have to operate deep behind enemy lines, without any support "from the mainland", carrying tens of kilograms of weapons, ammunition and equipment.

The fighters of the unit are equipped with the best types of weapons, ammunition, equipment of Russian and foreign production. They do not spare money for special forces. It should be noted that any special forces (Russian or American) are a very expensive "pleasure". The Vintorez sniper rifle, Kalashnikov assault rifles of the 100th series, domestic-made large-caliber rifles - this is far from a complete list of small arms used by scouts.

The airborne troops of the Russian Federation are one of those branches of the armed forces where traditions, morality and physical strength are best known. Vasily Filippovich Margelov - the legendary founder of the airborne troops, "BATYA" - as the paratroopers themselves call him, at the dawn of the winged infantry laid down the basic principles and standards for those who aspired to serve in an army capable of passing through Europe in a week.

It was in the Soviet Union that by the mid-80s, 14 separate brigades, two separate regiments and about 20 separate battalions in blue berets were formed. One brigade corresponded to a separate military district, in which a special instructor monitored the physical form of the fighters for each company.

The standards for entering the service in the Airborne Forces of the Soviet Union were, if not sports, then near-sports for sure - pull-ups 20 times, running a hundred meters, marathon running 10 kilometers, push-ups - at least 50 times. The morning hour of physical training of Soviet paratroopers was generally different from almost all military branches - there were both jumps and jumps with a 360-degree turn, pulling up and of course push-ups.

In the Russian army under Minister Sergei Shoigu, the Soviet direction of the physical training of paratroopers began to grow qualitatively. The requirements for entering the service in the airborne troops of Russia, although somewhat softer than in the Soviet Union, however, this is only the minimum set in order to obtain a pass and be able to serve in the ranks of the country's best conscripts.

To get to serve in the Airborne Forces, you must have a weight of 75 to 85 kg and a height of 175 to 190 centimeters. If growth is a value that cannot be influenced, then it is advisable to lose excess weight with a strong desire to serve in the Airborne Forces. Such strict selection criteria are due to the specifics of the service, because most special forces are selected precisely with the wording "Fit for service in the airborne troops." The general state of health is an equally important factor that directly affects whether a conscript gets to serve in the Airborne Forces or not.

Smoking, heart disease, addiction to alcohol - the conscript must be deprived of all this in principle, so that the draft commission does not have any questions during the examination. The hardest physical activity for people who smoke and have bad habits in general, according to the military, is categorically contraindicated.

Particular attention in the Airborne Forces is paid to vision - even a slight deterioration in it can be a reason for refusing to enroll in this type of troops. In addition to almost absolute health, after a conscript is enrolled in the Airborne Forces, it is also necessary to have endurance, since about 20% of conscripts cannot cope with standard loads after enrollment and can be sent to serve in other branches of the military.

Marines

"Marines" are one of the most prepared and physically strong guys in Russia. Interspecific competitions, military reviews and other events where it is necessary to show the level of physical strength, traditionally cannot do without representatives of the Marine Corps.

In addition to the general physical “strength”, a potential “marine” must have: height from 175 cm, weight up to 80 kg, not be registered in psychiatric, narcological and other dispensaries both at the place of registration and at the place of residence, and it is desirable to have one of the sports " ranks." The rule of having sporting achievements also works in the Airborne Forces, however, according to the established tradition, it is in the Marine Corps that recruits-athletes are given increased attention and entrusted with the most responsible tasks.

“The essence of this tactic is that a conscript athlete does not need to inspire and instill a sense of responsibility and discipline. Athletes who have serious achievements, as a rule, are already disciplined people and they do not need additional motivation in this regard, ”Viktor Kalanchin, deputy head of the draft commission of one of the capital's military registration and enlistment offices, said in an interview with Zvezda.

Also, it is in the Marine Corps that special attention is paid to conscripts with certain technical knowledge: radio engineering, electronics, and computing devices. Such qualities help to prepare for a military specialty right during military service and in the future will give serious help when entering the service under the contract.

As for the physical requirements necessary for service in the Russian Marine Corps, everything is simple - excellent health in category A, the ability to pull up at least 10-12 times and the absence of chronic diseases. The rest, according to the military, will be consistently and diligently brought up in the conscript.

Special requirements are imposed on people performing special tasks. It should be remembered, however, that in special forces, whatever it may be, this is not combined arms training, but hard and daily work, which is far from being able to cope. However, it is precisely with the offer to serve in special forces that recruits are “suited” precisely after, and even during, service in the airborne troops or marines.

In any case, according to the military commissars, the percentage of conscripts from these military branches in the special forces is the highest. The rules of standard training (both physical and psychological) do not work in special forces. Here, every fighter is made into a universal soldier, capable of doing everything and doing it with high quality.

Running, pull-ups, grueling forced marches at a distance three times greater than the usual army - all this is present in abundance in the preparation of special forces. However, special forces are different for special forces and each special forces unit has its own specifics.

The special forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff and the special forces of the FSB stand apart among the special forces: 20 or even all 30 pull-ups, 30 push-ups on the uneven bars, running a distance of a thousand meters in three minutes - far from a complete list of what needs to be done in order to begin to be considered as a candidate for service in the best detachments of Russian special forces.

Andrey Vasiliev, an instructor of one of the Moscow rapid reaction units, in an interview with Zvezda, said that physical activity is the most insignificant thing that people who aspire to serve in the special forces will face: “In intelligence, in addition to endurance and physical fitness, the mind is also important . Therefore, analytical thinking, the ability to quickly make certain decisions that will effectively complete the task is no less important than, for example, physical strength. The main attention in such things is given to people who, before serving in the army, received higher education in some technical specialty. I know for sure that they have shown and are showing increased attention to such people.

One of the most serious tests for those who want to test their physical and psychological abilities can be an exam for the right to wear a "maroon" beret. It is this insignia of the special forces of the internal troops that is the best proof of the “professional suitability” of a fighter. The exhausting test, which includes an almost marathon forced march, an obstacle course, hand-to-hand combat with an instructor, not everyone passes.

According to statistics, only 20-30% of examinees pass the test. Contrary to popular belief, the exam for the right to wear a maroon beret does not end with physical activity.

The basics of shooting skills against a background of extreme fatigue, the basics of storming a building using special equipment, high-speed shooting - all this is included in the mandatory list of tests for those who want to devote their lives to special forces. The set of rules, both for army units and for special-purpose units, says one thing - service for the good of the Fatherland is not a vacation.

This is hard, difficult and truly masculine work, requiring absolute physical health and serious mental abilities. It is the combination of these qualities that allows yesterday's ordinary guy to get into the elite troops, and those who have served or are serving improve their professional skills and move up the ladder of military service.

Now they are talking a lot in newspapers, on TV, on the Internet about the GRU special forces and the special forces of the Airborne Forces. Since these two communities of military professionals are very similar, we will try to figure out how they still differ for an inexperienced person who is far from all this.

Let's start with a historical excursion. Who came first? Spetsnaz GRU is definitely accurate in 1950. Since a lot of tactical blanks and other chips were borrowed from the partisan actions of the Great Patriotic War, it is still fair to designate its unofficial appearance in the second half of the thirties of the last century. The first sabotage groups of the Red Army successfully operated in the war in Spain. And if you look at an even earlier historical period, when the need to conduct sabotage operations forced many countries of the world (including the Russian Empire) to keep completely autonomous "scout" units in their armies, then the origins of the appearance of the GRU special forces go back to "the depths of centuries".

The special forces of the Airborne Forces appeared in 1930, along with the Airborne Troops. With the very first landing near Voronezh, when there was an obvious need to start our own intelligence. The paratroopers can't just land in "paws to the enemy", someone has to shorten these "paws", break off the "horns", and file the "hooves".

Main tasks. GRU special forces - conducting reconnaissance and sabotage (and some other, sometimes delicate) operations behind enemy lines at a distance of 1000 km. and further (how long the radio communication range is enough) to solve the problems of the General Staff. Previously, communication was on short waves. Now on short and ultra-short via satellite channel. The communication range is not limited by anything, but still, in some corners of the planet there are "dead zones", there are no mobile, radio or satellite communications at all. Those. It is not for nothing that a stylized image of the globe is often found on the symbols of the GRU.

The special forces of the Airborne Forces - in fact the "eyes and ears" of the Airborne Forces, are part of the Airborne Forces themselves. Reconnaissance and sabotage units operating behind enemy lines to prepare for the arrival and preparation of the landing (if necessary) of the main forces ("cavalry"). Capturing airfields, sites, small bridgeheads, solving related tasks with the capture or destruction of communications, related infrastructure and other things. They act strictly on the orders of the headquarters of the Airborne Forces. The range is not as significant as that of the GRU, but still impressive. The main aircraft of the Airborne Forces IL-76 is capable of overcoming 4000 km. Those. there and back - about 2000 km. (refueling is not considered, although the range in this case increases significantly). Therefore, the special forces of the Airborne Forces operate behind enemy lines at a distance of up to 2000 km.

Let's continue the research. An interesting question with the form of clothing. At first glance, everything is the same. Bertsy, camouflage, vests, blue berets. But this is only at first glance. Take, for example, takes. This piece of clothing is of medieval origin. Pay attention to the old paintings of artists. All beret wearers wear them asymmetrically. Either right or left. The special forces of the GRU and the special forces of the Airborne Forces are behind the scenes to wear a beret, bent to the right. If you suddenly see a commando in the form of the Airborne Forces and in a beret bent to the left, then this is just an ordinary paratrooper. The tradition has been carried on since the time of the first parades with the participation of the Airborne Forces, when it was necessary to open the face as much as possible to the podium, and this can be done only by breaking the beret on the left side of the head. And there is no reason to shine intelligence.

Let's move on to signs. During the Great Patriotic War, the Airborne Troops made many landings and landing operations. Many awarded heroes. Including the units of the Airborne Forces themselves were awarded the title of Guards (almost all). The GRU special forces for the period of that war were already in the process of formation as an independent branch of the armed forces, but were outside the legal framework (and in general everything was secret). Therefore, if you see a paratrooper, but without the "Guards" badge, then with almost 100% certainty - GRU special forces. Only a few GRU units bear the rank of Guards. For example, the 3rd Separate Guards Warsaw-Berlin Red Banner Order of Suvorov III Art. SPN GRU brigade.

About food. Those. about satisfaction. GRU spetsnaz, if it is in the format (i.e. under the guise) of an airborne unit, receives uniforms, clothing allowance, monetary allowance, and all the hardships and deprivations that are due, both in sickness and in health, and food, strictly in in accordance with the standards of the Airborne Forces.
Special forces of the Airborne Forces - everything is clear here. This is the airborne troops themselves.

But with the GRU, the issue is more tricky, and this detail always brings confusion. A friend wrote to me after the Pechora training of the GRU special forces in the eighties. "Everyone, ** ***, arrived at the place, in the company. We sit for the first day, ****, rip off blue shoulder straps, gave out fuel oil, everything is black, **** today is mourning (((((((. Berets , vests were also taken away. Am I now in the signal troops or something, *****?". So, they arrived in Germany, in the Western Group of Forces, and changed clothes. They immediately became signalmen. And changed their shoes (boots with lacing were replaced with ordinary boots). But Germany is small, there our sworn "friends" are also not fools. They are watching. There is a strange signal company. All signalmen are like signalmen, and these stir up something all day long. in full swing, then digging trenches (similar to a comfortable bed in a forest belt behind the autobahn), then hand-to-hand combat, then shooting for the whole day, then at night something happens. to a distant airfield." And for you, dear, there is a field post. Forward! The trumpet is calling! Soldiers! On a campaign!". - signalmen).

In this way, the GRU special forces can disguise themselves (at times successfully) under absolutely any branch of the armed forces (as the Motherland orders, and to what quiet / rotten distance they send).
The unmasking signs will be numerous badges with sports ranks, badges of paratroopers, all the same vests (stubborn boychins will still be put on them under any pretext, but you can’t see everyone, and it’s good that paratrooper vests are terribly popular in all branches of the military), tattoos in the form of clothing No. 2 (naked torso) again airborne theme with an abundance of skulls, parachutes, bats and all sorts of different living creatures, slightly weathered muzzles of faces (from frequent running around in the fresh air), always increased appetite and the ability to eat exotic, or completely artless .

An interesting question about another invisibility. This stroke will give out a commando who is used to getting to the place of "work" not on comfortable transport to invigorating music, but on his own two with all parts of his body worn in calluses. The gulley style of running with a huge load on the shoulders forces the arms to straighten at the elbows. Longer arm lever - more economical effort in transporting trunks. Therefore, when one day they first arrived at a unit with a huge concentration of personnel, then on the very first morning run they were shocked by the huge number of fighters (soldiers and officers) who ran with their hands down, like robots. Thought it was some kind of joke. But it turned out not. Over time, my personal feelings about this appeared. Although everything is strictly individual. Though pick your finger in your nose and wave your wings, but do what you have to do.

And the most important thing is not this. Clothes are clothes, but what is inherent in absolutely the same as the GRU special forces and the special forces of the Airborne Forces is the eyes. The look is so completely relaxed, friendly, with a share of healthy indifference. But he looks right at you. Or through you. You never know what to expect from such a subject (only a megaton of trouble, if anything happens). Complete mobilization and readiness, complete unpredictability of actions, logic that instantly turns into "inadequate". And so in ordinary life, quite positive and inconspicuous people. No self-admiration. Only a tough and calm focus on the result, no matter how desperately hopeless it turns out to be. In short, for military intelligence, this is a kind of philosophical salt of being from ever-memorable times (a lifestyle, that is).

Let's talk about swimming. The special forces of the Airborne Forces must be able to overcome water obstacles. Are there many obstacles along the way? All sorts of rivers, lakes, streams, swamps. The same goes for the GRU special forces. But if we are talking about the seas and oceans, then for the Airborne Forces the topic ends here, the diocese of the Marine Corps begins there. And if they have already begun to distinguish someone, then more precisely, a very specific area of ​​\u200b\u200bactivity of the reconnaissance units of the Marine Corps. But the GRU special forces have their own units of brave combat swimmers. Let's reveal a little military secret. The presence of such units in the GRU does not at all mean that just the same, every special forces officer in the GRU has undergone diving training. The combat swimmers of the GRU special forces are a really closed topic. They are few, but they are the best of the best. Fact.

What can you say about physical training? There are no differences at all here. And in the special forces of the GRU, and in the special forces of the Airborne Forces, there is still some kind of selection. And the requirements are not that high, but the highest. Nevertheless, in our country there are a couple of every creature (and there are many who want to). Therefore, it is not surprising that all sorts of random people get there. Then they read books, from the Internet there are videos with window dressing, or they watch enough films. Often they have an abundance of sports diplomas, awards, categories and other things. Then, with such a hard-boiled porridge in their heads, they arrive at the duty station. From the very first forced march (named after the Great Special Forces), enlightenment sets in. Complete and inevitable. Oh fuck, where did I go? Yes, you got it ... For such excesses there is always a stock of personnel recruited in advance, just for the subsequent and inevitable screening.

Why go far for examples? Finally, for the first time in the Russian army, six-week survival courses for contract soldiers were introduced, which end with an examination 50-kilometer field trip, with shooting, overnight stays, saboteurs, crawling, digging and other unexpected joys. For the first time (!). Twenty-five thousand contract soldiers in three military districts were finally able to experience for themselves what the average soldier-special forces intelligence officer has always lived for. Moreover, they have it for "a week before the second", and in special forces for every day and for the entire period of service. Even before the start (!) of the field exit, every tenth soldier of the personnel of our armed forces turned out to be a kalich, a slipper. Or even refused to participate in a safari show for personal motivation. Some parts of the body suddenly bench-press.

Therefore, why talk for a long time? Survival courses in the conventional army, ie. something so unusual and stressful, they are equated with the average way of unremarkable ordinary service in the GRU special forces, and in the special forces of the Airborne Forces. Nothing new seems to be here. But the special forces also have an extreme pastime. For example, "races" have been traditionally arranged for many years. In ordinary language - competitions of reconnaissance and sabotage groups of different brigades, different military districts, and even different countries. The strongest fight the strongest. There is someone to take an example from. There are no longer any standards or limits of endurance. At the full limit of the capabilities of the human body (and far beyond these limits). Just in the GRU special forces, these events are very common.

Let's sum up our story. In this article, we did not pursue the goal of dumping stacks of documents from staff briefcases on the reader, we did not hunt for some "fried" events and rumors. At least some secrets must remain in the army. Nevertheless, it is already clear that the GRU special forces and the special forces of the Airborne Forces are very, very similar in form and content. It was about the real Big Special Forces, which is ready to complete the assigned tasks. And they do it. (And any group of military special forces can be in "autonomous navigation" from several days to several months, occasionally getting in touch at a certain time.)

Recently, exercises took place in the USA (Fort Carson, Colorado). For the first time. Representatives of the special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces took part in them. And they showed themselves, and looked at "friends". Whether there were representatives of the GRU, history, the military and the press are silent. Let's leave everything as it is. Yes, and it doesn't matter. One point is interesting.
With all the differences in equipment, weapons and approaches to training, joint exercises with the "Green Berets" demonstrated an absolutely amazing similarity between representatives of the special forces (the so-called special operations forces based on parachute units) in different countries. And here you don’t go to a fortuneteller, you even had to go overseas to get this long unclassified information.

As it is now fashionable, let's give the floor to bloggers. Just a few quotes from the blog of a man who visited the 45th Special Forces Regiment of the Airborne Forces during an open press tour. And this is a completely unbiased view. Here's what everyone found out:
“Before the press tour, I was afraid that I would have to communicate mainly with oak martinet special forces who beat off the remnants of their brains by breaking bricks on their heads. This is where the stereotype collapsed ...”.
“Immediately, another parallel cliché dissipated - the special forces turned out to be not at all two-meter ambals with bull necks and pood fists. I don’t think I’m lying much if I say that our group of bloggers, on average, looked more powerful than the special forces group of the Airborne Forces ... ".
"... for the entire time of my stay in the unit, out of hundreds of military men, I did not see a single ambal there. That is, absolutely not a single one ...".
"... I did not suspect that the obstacle course could be more than a kilometer long and that it could take an hour and a half to complete it...".
"... Although at times it really seems that they are cyborgs. How they carry such heaps of equipment on themselves for a long time, I do not understand. Far from everything has been laid out here, there is no water, food and cartridges. The main cargo itself is not there! .. .".

In general, such drooling does not need comments. They go, as they say, from the heart.

(From the editors of 1071g.ru, we will add about the obstacle course. In 1975-1999, at the height of the Cold War between the USSR and the USA and later, there was an obstacle course in the Pechora training of the GRU special forces. The officially common name for the entire GRU Special Forces is "trail reconnaissance officer". The length is about 15 kilometers, the terrain was successfully used, descents and ascents, there were impassable areas, forests, water barriers, some in Estonia (before the collapse of the Union), some in the Pskov region, a lot of engineering structures for classes. battalions (9 companies, in others up to 4 platoons, this is about 700 people + a school of ensigns of 50-70 people) could disappear there in small units (platoons and squads) for days at any time of the year and in any weather, day and night. the units not only did not intersect, but could not even enter into visual contact at all. The cadets ran "admittedly", now they are dreaming about it. A fact based on real events.)

Today in Russia there are only two, as we found out, exactly the same (with the exception of some cosmetic details) special forces. This is the GRU special forces and the special forces of the Airborne Forces. To perform tasks without fear, without reproach, and anywhere in the world (by order of the Motherland). There are no more subdivisions legally authorized by various international conventions. Forced marches - from 30 kilometers with a calculation or more, push-ups - from 1000 times or more, jumps, shooting, tactical and special training, development of stress resistance, abnormal endurance (on the verge of pathology), narrow-profile training in many technical disciplines, running , run, and run again.
Complete unpredictability by opponents of the actions of reconnaissance groups (and each fighter separately, in accordance with the current situation). Skills to instantly assess the situation, and also instantly make decisions. So move on (guess how fast)...

Yes, by the way, does the dear reader know that the burden of hardships of military intelligence during the entire war in Afghanistan was assumed by the special forces of the Airborne Forces and the special forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Ministry of Defense? There, the now known abbreviation "SpN" was born.

Finally, let's add. "Graduates" of the harsh school of the Special Forces of the Airborne Forces and the Special Forces of the GRU are ready to accept with open arms any law enforcement agencies and departments, from the FSB to small private security companies. This does not mean at all that the Bolshoy Spetsnaz are ready to accept employees of any power structures, even with an impeccable track record and the highest level of training. Welcome to the club of real men! (If you are accepted...).

This material was prepared based on the forum of the Landing Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, various open sources, the opinions of professional experts, the blog gosh100.livejournal.com (credit to the blogger from military intelligence), reflections (based on personal experience) of the author of the article. If you have read this far, thank you for your interest.

Many do not even know what this military unit actually is. In fact, these are the eyes and ears of the Airborne Forces, reconnaissance and sabotage units that operate behind enemy lines, preparing the arrival and preparation of landings if necessary, seizing airfields, small bridgeheads, and sites. Their functions also include the solution of many related tasks, including the capture or destruction of communications, other infrastructure, and much more.

This is the special forces of the Airborne Forces, which operates, speaking in an artistic and more understandable language, like a ray of light, just as quickly and easily, breaking through any, even the slightest gap.

The use of special forces of the Airborne Forces is considered the most successful in conditions when the army of our country is conducting active offensive operations.

The special forces of the Airborne Forces perform their tasks without fear and without reproach, in any corner of the planet. Tactical and special training of special forces is the development of fighters of absolute stress resistance, irregular, bordering on pathology, endurance, narrow-profile training in many disciplines, including technical ones, and running, running, and many more times running, performing in training forced marches for a distance of 30 kilometers or more.

So what is the activity of this almost mythical unit, the name of which causes delight, hidden fear and alertness in the soul.

Special forces of the Airborne Forces can be used everywhere: behind enemy lines to create discord and chaos, in solving tasks of assisting in the capture and holding of strategic objects until the moment when the main parts of the army approach, in capturing strategically important bridges, airfields, transport hubs, etc. And since the capture and retention of such important objects for a sufficiently long time is an impossible task for a few special forces groups of paratroopers, their main purpose is to create a favorable environment for further actions of the already numerous airborne assault units of the airborne forces.

To carry out operations, separate groups of special forces are thrown into areas predetermined in the enemy rear areas, with a clear indication of the deployment zone for each of them, once in which, reconnaissance paratroopers attack places where enemy forces are concentrated. The meaning of such attacks is obvious: by carrying out raids that are unexpected for the enemy, the entrance of which causes maximum destruction and damage, the landing groups of special forces, as a result of their attacking operations, eventually cause panic among the enemy.

This happens until the recollected enemy begins to come to his senses. Then the special forces of the Airborne Forces, in order to prevent unnecessary casualties on their part, turn in the opposite direction in order to hide or continue their work elsewhere.

We saw a lot of what was said in feature films and documentaries, read in books. But all this is shown and written is true, albeit sometimes in an embellished form, but this is the work of the special forces of the Airborne Forces.

Just like in the movies, special forces huddle in tight groups, begin to retreat, hiding and changing direction. And when they fail to quickly break away, they set up mines and stretch marks behind them on the move in order to slow down the pursuit of the enemy and be able to “dissolve” on the ground.

Due to the fact that the tactics of these special forces of the Airborne Forces are based on high maneuverability and swiftness, combined with universal firepower, the landing groups are created by their leadership on the basis that they have optimal numbers and are well targeted.

There are no additional or spare people in these groups; it is customary in them to ensure the life and safety of each soldier.

A little . Already from the first moment of the introduction of our troops into Afghanistan, the special forces of the airborne forces constantly participated in various operations, therefore, when the 45th regiment of the special forces of the airborne forces was formed in the summer of 1994, there was already enough experience so that the soldiers were as versatile as possible and truly prepared for war. In addition, numerous foreign developments and technologies have already been introduced that have positively affected the quality of the created special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces.

The 45th regiment is, perhaps, one of the legendary regiments in the modern history of the Russian Armed Forces. He is well known in Chechnya. They say that even unverified information about the approach of the special forces of the Airborne Forces forced the spooks to withdraw from their positions and leave. The leaders of the militants during the first Chechen war promised fabulous sums for the capture of at least one fighter of the 45th regiment. Honor and praise to our fighters: the promises remained in words, since not one of them got to the militants, neither alive nor dead. But this regiment is considered the youngest part of the army of our country, but what!

The 45th regiment is a unique combat unit of Russia, which has everything to solve its tasks: the necessary weapons, equipment, and devices. In addition, it is armed with unmanned aerial vehicles.

The regiment also includes a psychological detachment, whose task is to demoralize or disorientate the enemy troops, to destroy his faith in the meaning of the resistance. This detachment has the skills and abilities to persuade the neutral civilian population to its side, which is especially important in the information age, sometimes this is done with the help of an existing compact television station that broadcasts the necessary programs over a radius of many kilometers.

And that's not all. The capabilities of the special forces of the Airborne Forces of our country are truly enormous.

These units fought during the Transnistrian conflict, participated in operations in the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, mainly ensuring the safety of refugees and the remaining civilians.

According to many, the special forces of the Airborne Forces are the first in the world, bypassing even the British special forces and the Green Berets.

But these are just facts, and in life not everyone can achieve the status of a universal soldier from the special forces of the Airborne Forces. It is foolish to think that this is an easy task. In order to become a real special forces officer, an applicant first passes numerous tests in psychology, then in physical fitness, and only then, having determined his abilities and readiness, the commission directs him to a certain military specialty as part of special forces.

And the learning process begins. After this rigorous type of selection, the learning process begins. To say that it is very difficult to serve in special forces, especially in the Airborne Forces, is the same as just keeping silent.

Constant training, which is replaced by forced marches, night shooting, facade climbing, and then tactical exercises, training of sappers, marching again, night shooting .... And so all the time in a circle.

It is clear that not all future fighters of the formidable special forces will withstand such a pace and loads, which is why after about six months the screening begins: someone’s health cannot withstand the loads, someone cannot stand it himself, someone is expelled by commanders , and in the end, there remain those, the real ones, who are fluent in both weapons and skills. They are the real special forces soldiers who have neither a face nor an estate for us. They never cease to be at the right time in the right places, whether it is hostage-taking, military operations in hot spots, and outside them, in the center of conflicts in Bosnia, Dagestan , Chechnya, Kosovo and many other places.

For all the years that the special forces of the Airborne Forces exist, its fighters do not stop fighting, looking for warehouses with enemy weapons, drug warehouses, saving many lives of civilians, preventing many troubles. That is why these units are considered the real elite of the Russian army, and the 45th regiment is the regiment of the future.

Materials used:
http://www.logocode.narod.ru/speznas.htm
http://onepamop.livejournal.com/838688.html
http://steppewolves.com/?p=443
http://stratagem36.ya.ru/replies.xml?item_no=49
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/45-%E9_%EE%F2%E4%E5%EB%FC%ED%FB%E9_%E3%E2%E0%F0%E4%E5%E9%F1 %EA%E8%E9_%EF%EE%EB%EA_%F1%EF%E5%F6%E8%E0%EB%FC%ED%EE%E3%EE_%ED%E0%E7%ED%E0%F7 %E5%ED%E8%FF

Almost every army has special forces or special forces. The Russian Airborne Special Forces is a special regiment of the Airborne Forces, designed to perform various specific operations, which is part of the Russian airborne troops. The 45th Special Forces Regiment of the Airborne Forces in 2015 was renamed the 45th Separate Brigade of the Special Forces of the Airborne Forces.

The history of the appearance of the special forces of the Airborne Forces

In the days of the USSR, there were not only special forces, but also no specialized detachments. The first Russian special forces detachment appeared only in 1994. Although there were many legends about special forces in Soviet times, in fact, dangerous missions were carried out by airborne troops, and secret missions were mainly scouts and secret agents.

The 45th Special Forces Regiment of the Airborne Forces was formed in February 1994, specifically for the elimination of gangs in Chechnya. In 1995, when the entire regiment was withdrawn from Chechnya, he had already managed to show his effectiveness in battles.

In 1997, the 45th Special Forces Regiment took an active part in the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, for which he received the Battle Banner and the Order of Kutuzov. With the resumption of hostilities in Chechnya from 1999 to 2006, the regiment's detachments actively participated in many military operations against terrorists and bandits.

Although the history of the special forces regiment of the Airborne Forces begins in 1994, he has already managed to cover himself with glory, since many of his fighters and officers are Heroes of the Russian Federation.

Weapons and equipment of the special forces of the Airborne Forces

Since the special forces of the Airborne Forces solve very specific and complex tasks, their weapons and equipment are of higher quality and more diverse than the standard weapons of the Airborne Forces units (which are already one of the best in the Russian army). Such weapons require huge funding. Soldiers of the special forces of the Airborne Forces often use such types of weapons that are practically inaccessible to other types of rifle troops.

Weapons that are most often used by special forces soldiers of the Airborne Forces:

• SVD is a famous sniper rifle. Although this weapon is not something outstanding, many veterans of the special forces of the Airborne Forces are accustomed to using this particular model of a sniper rifle. From this rifle, some skilled snipers even managed to shoot down planes, hitting their pilot;
• Currently, the SVD rifle is being replaced by the Vintorez, which is a silent model of a sniper rifle. A powerful "sniper" not only allows you to hit targets that are at considerable distances from the shooter, but is also capable of penetrating a modern steel helmet at a distance of up to 400 meters. The first combat use of the Vintorez sniper rifle was recorded in the first Chechen campaign. This weapon is in service only with units of the special forces of the Airborne Forces, other types of troops do not have access to this weapon;
• The Steyr automatic rifle is also used by the special forces of the Airborne Forces. Although this weapon has a high price, its scope is quite wide. The Steyr rifle has the ability to install and use an underbarrel grenade launcher, which is often a necessity when performing special tasks. The use of such a combined weapon makes it possible to do without a regular grenade launcher, which can significantly reduce the mobility of a special forces group of the Airborne Forces performing a special task. Although the Steyr rifle has only recently appeared among the standard weapons of the special forces of the Airborne Forces, the fighters rightfully appreciated its reliability and versatility;
• Silent automatic machine AS "Val" entered service in the days of the USSR. In the late 80s, they were recommended for use by special forces when performing various sabotage missions that require noiselessness and secrecy. AS "Val" is equipped with a sniper and night sight, and its transportation is most often carried out in a compact case. Assembly time and preparation of AS "Val" for firing takes no more than 1 minute;
• The main assault rifle of the Russian army, the AK, is also used by special forces units of the Airborne Forces. True, these are not ordinary modifications that are used in the Russian army, but export models of the hundredth series. Most often, the special forces of the Airborne Forces use the AK-103, which, in addition to being of a better assembly, uses a caliber of 7.62 × 39 mm;
• For sudden operations, for which it is impossible to take overall models of weapons, they most often take AK-74M, which have a folding butt, the ability to use a sight and an underbarrel grenade launcher. In some cases, special forces soldiers use a shortened model from the Kalashnikov line of small arms - AKS-74. At short distances, this model is practically not inferior in performance to standard Kalashnikov assault rifles;
• Naturally, the most popular machine gun, both for the entire Russian army and for the special forces of the Airborne Forces, is the Kalashnikov machine gun. Developed back in the 60s of the 20th century, it still has not lost popularity. There are many variants of the PC, which are used both for infantry and for installation on combat vehicles. The special forces of the Airborne Forces use the latest modification of the Kalashnikov machine gun - PKM, which is distinguished by its lower weight and ease of use. There is also a "night" version of the modernized Kalashnikov machine gun, which is called PKMN;
• A more modern model of a machine gun, which is in service with the special forces of the Airborne Forces, is the Pecheneg machine gun. This model is not just a modification of the PKM, but a really new model, the basis for the creation of which was the PKM. This machine gun is suitable not only for firing at enemy manpower, but also for destroying transport and even air targets. The Pecheneg machine gun is exported to the countries of the CIS and the East;
• For hostage rescue operations, the AN-95 Abdukan assault rifle is used, which outwardly resembles a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Its main difference from the "Kalash" is the incredible accuracy and accuracy of shots. At a distance of 100 meters, an experienced sniper is able to hit the same point with two shots. In hostage rescue operations, people's lives often depend on the accuracy of the fighters involved in their rescue. The AN-95 "Abdukan" submachine gun is capable of significantly reducing the death rate of hostages in such operations, since a few accurate shots can quickly eliminate terrorists;
• In addition to small arms, the special forces of the Airborne Forces often use grenades. The most common is the RPG-26. This type of rocket-propelled grenades, which were developed back in the mid-80s, still has not lost its relevance and is an effective tool for destroying enemy equipment and fortifications. Since the range of application of these grenades is very wide, they are used by different types of troops of the Russian Federation.

In addition to the above models of weapons, the special forces of the Airborne Forces also receive the latest models of equipment, which are developed taking into account the specifics of the combat missions of the special forces.

The specifics of special forces

Since the fulfillment of the special tasks that are assigned to the special forces of the Airborne Forces requires specialized weapons, equipment and equipment, the funding that is allocated for the needs of the special forces differs significantly in a big way. The training of personnel is particularly thorough, and specialists are trained only in the best training centers, under the guidance of veteran instructors. In addition, joint international exercises are being carried out, in which the special forces of different countries exchange combat experience.

Service in the special forces of the Airborne Forces is carried out, as a rule, under a contract, which is concluded for at least 3 years. This is due to the fact that almost every special forces soldier is a highly qualified specialist in some field, and a huge amount is invested in him during training, and the departure of such a soldier can disrupt the entire established structure in the detachment, where each soldier clearly performs exactly his tasks. For example, having lost a mining specialist, the squad will spend much more time penetrating the militants' hideout, which can cost the life of the entire squad, as it will give the bandits the opportunity to prepare for the attack.

Tasks that the special forces of the Airborne Forces should solve

The main task of the special forces is the complete demoralization of the enemy. Suddenly appearing behind enemy lines, experienced fighters who have excellent training are able to cause significant damage to the enemy in a matter of minutes. Seeing how a small detachment easily copes with many times superior forces, the enemy loses faith in victory and easily turns into a panic. The task of the regular troops at this moment is to support the special forces and occupy the captured positions.

In addition, the special forces of the Airborne Forces are capable of conducting sabotage activities behind enemy lines, organizing resistance units and "poaching" the civilian population to their side. To this end, special forces units of the Airborne Forces not only undergo special psychological training, but also have mobile television stations capable of broadcasting within a radius of about 10 kilometers.

In peacetime, there is also a lot of work for the special forces of the Airborne Forces. In addition, Russian special forces annually take part in competitions that are held among the special forces of the leading countries of the world. Russian special forces constantly take first place, bypassing both the famous Green Berets and British special forces.

The training of the special forces of the Airborne Forces is still at its best, but every year it becomes more and more difficult to recruit recruits. There are enough applicants, but among them it is quite difficult to choose worthy ones. If earlier each applicant had a sports category (often even in several sports), now such recruits are quite rare.

How to get into the special forces of the Airborne Forces

Those applicants who want to get into the special forces of the Airborne Forces must already have served their military service and have high health indicators that are required for future special forces. After passing a medical examination, applicants are subjected to a variety of tests that should determine their mental health and readiness to serve in the special forces.

The most calm and balanced applicants are taken as snipers or sappers, the rest are distributed according to military professions according to temperament and psychological stability. Those applicants who have not passed the tests are offered service in other parts of the Russian army.

After the selection, exercises begin, which are passed by no more than 40 percent of applicants. If too few people remain after the exercises, the empty places are filled with the best fighters of the Airborne Forces, who have shown themselves excellently during their military service. Such a tough selection leads to the fact that after a year of training, the fighters are already experts in the use of various types of weapons and special devices. The best fighters of the special forces of the Airborne Forces are real universal soldiers, although almost every one of them knows any military profession better than others.

In the short time that the special forces of the Airborne Forces exist, its officers and fighters managed to take part in all the military conflicts in which Russia was drawn. Until now, the special forces of the Airborne Forces are the most elite soldiers of the army of the Russian Federation. Numerous medals and orders, which were awarded to the soldiers and officers of the special forces of the Airborne Forces, serve as a clear proof of this.