Features of the special forces uniform of the GRU, FSB, riot police and alpha group - camouflage of the Russian army. The difference between the GRU special forces and the airborne special forces Form of the USSR special forces

Military uniforms - field, everyday and ceremonial uniforms - are always regulated by the relevant decrees of the Ministry of Defense. However, there are special forces formations in the law enforcement agencies of ministries and departments not related to the Russian Armed Forces, which perform specific tasks, for which they use a very wide range of military and universal uniforms.

Classification of special purpose units

Existing divisions special purpose in Russia they belong to different departments. The Russian Armed Forces have the following special forces units:

• Ground Forces (ground forces) - DShB brigades and DShP regiment;
• GU - 25th regiment and brigade;
• MO – center of Senezh;
• GRU - PDSS detachments of reconnaissance points Parusnoye ( Baltic Fleet), Tuapse (Black Sea Fleet), Animal Farm ( Northern Fleet) and about. Russky/Dzhigit Bay (Pacific Fleet);
• Airborne Forces – 45 guards brigade(Cuban);
• Navy - detachments of the Caspian Flotilla, Black Sea, Baltic, Pacific and Northern Fleet.

The Russian intelligence services also have Special Forces units:

• FSB - operational support departments, regional departments and services, departments A (Alpha), B (Vympel) and C;
• Border Service of the FSB - regional services and departments, DShM of border detachments, special intelligence groups OGSpR;
• SVR – Zaslon detachment;
• Ministry of Internal Affairs - Thunder squad;
• National Guard troops - instead of internal troops, detachments were created: Wolverine (Krasnoyarsk-26), Rus (Simferopol), Skif (Grozny), Peresvet (Moscow), Svyatogor (Stavropol), Bulat (Ufa), Ratnik (Arkhangelsk), Kuzbass (Kemerovo) , Bars (Kazan), Mercury (Smolensk), Mechel (Chelyabinsk), Typhoon (Khabarovsk), Ermak (Novosibirsk), Edelweiss (Minvody), Vyatich (Armavir), Ural (Nizhny Tagil), Rosich (Novocherkassk), 604 TsSN;
• Rosgvardia - combat units of SOBR and OMON;
• FSIN - republican departments Saturn (Moscow), Rossy (Sverdlovsk), Typhoon (Lenoblast), Iceberg (Murmansk), Guardian (Chuvashia), Akula (Krasnodar), Yastreb (Mari El), Vulcan (Kabardino-Balkaria);
• Ministry of Emergency Situations – special risk center Leader;
• FSUE Communications-Security – Mars department.

Some of the above special purpose units are military, that is, by default they are staffed by military personnel. The other is departmental, that is, it employs employees who are assigned special ranks, not military ones. The two largest ministries of the Russian Federation include both:

• Ministry of Internal Affairs - the special forces of the National Guard are staffed by military personnel, riot police and special forces are not military formations;
• FSB - special forces of the border troops and departments A, B and C, respectively.

Special forces formations perform combat missions V populated areas and forests, under water and in the air, therefore field uniform clothes, ammunition and weapons are very different. A presidential decree in 2005 prohibited the use of insignia and military uniforms in the security units of the FSB, FSKN, Ministry of Internal Affairs, FSIN, PPS and other departments formed not from military personnel.

These highly mobile units reach combat missions, perform guard duty and learn skills in various forms.

Military special forces

When passing urgent, extra-urgent or contract service As part of special forces, a serviceman is obliged to comply with the rules of wearing uniforms and insignia. The state provides special forces formations with VKBO sets (all-season basic uniform set) consisting of 19 items of clothing. Independent configuration of VKBO elements is allowed, depending on combat and training missions and weather conditions.

Any third-party “camouflage,” “body armor,” or “unloading” that does not meet the requirements of the statute is considered a dress code violation. However, the Special Forces are considered the elite of the Russian Armed Forces; commanders may allow the use of more comfortable clothing, for example, American or European special forces.

Special purpose squads of combat swimmers actually arose during the Second World War, but the units were so secret that field and everyday clothing was altered by their employees independently from the most suitable uniforms of various branches of the military.

In 1974, during the formation of the famous Alpha (Group A of the KGB of the USSR for the fight against terror), working in a less secret mode, the problem of equipment also arose, so the officers wore blue jackets and suits for pilots and technical workers, which turned out to be most convenient for their tasks.

When a limited contingent of troops was introduced into Afghanistan in 1979, the special forces field uniform for hot climates and mountainous terrain was urgently developed based on the uniform of the troops of Congolese President Colonel Mabuta; the suit was sewn according to GOST 17 6290 from raincoat fabric with water-repellent impregnation.

Officially, the “Mabuta”, “jump suit” or “sand” was the uniform of “Alpha”, GRU units and the newly formed Vympel department; in fact, paratroopers and infantrymen bought it for cash with the permission of their commanders for everyday wear.

The modern Russian special forces uniform is comfortable and functional, but there are Western analogues that are superior to it in some properties/qualities. For example, until recently protective helmet did not have devices for fixing a tactical flashlight, night vision device and other devices. The colors and patterns of some camouflage fabrics and clothing styles from American and European manufacturers are better suited to specific local conditions.

Rules for wearing uniforms by Russian military personnel

In 2015, the Russian Ministry of Defense signed decree number 300 on the rules for wearing military uniforms. The latest changes were made to it in 2017, but before that significant adjustments were made three times:

• 1997 – symbols were added, wearing rules were introduced;
• 2008 - the dress uniform was simplified, field uniforms were improved;
• 2011 – partial return to the form of the USSR, development of the VKBO.

Until 2008, the equipment of special forces of the Armed Forces and non-armed forces departments was almost identical. Moreover, the guard’s uniform almost completely copied the uniform of the elite units participating in hostilities, therefore, in these formations and organizations military symbols and army uniforms were banned.

VKBO kit

In 2011, a new uniform was developed for general purpose units and special forces units. The customer of the project was the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the contractor was a domestic holding company light industry BTK Group. An integrated scientific approach was used, so the design bureau included:

• University of Technology and Design St. Petersburg;
• Naval engineering institute GOU VPO;
• Institute of Medicine RAMS.

A ready-made VKBO set was tested in 8 military units for 3 months in 2012. different regions countries - the south of the Russian Federation, the Trans-Urals, the Central region, the Arctic. The customer put forward the following requirements:

• anti-slip surface of shoe soles;
• petrol and oil resistance of the upper part of the shoe;
• ergonomics of each element;
• durability, compactness, low weight;
• camouflage properties (camouflage);
• protection from adverse conditions;
• provision and ability to regulate heat balance;
• moisture management at any level of physical activity.

The final VKBO set consists of 3 pairs of shoes and 20 items that provide a multi-layer effect. In other words, each subsequent layer is put on the previous layer to achieve a comfortable thermal balance in any weather conditions and climatic zones in different seasons of the year.

The delivery schedule was carried out in stages from 2013 to 2015. The transition from the existing uniform to the new uniform occurred gradually. Some of the personnel dressed in VKBO, and at the same time they wore old-style uniforms.

The uniform is considered casual and field, so the summer kit is intended for indoors all year round and outdoors at an air temperature of +15 degrees. The winter kit is effective for temperatures from -40 degrees to +15 degrees. Three pairs of shoes are designed to be worn in temperature ranges-40 – -10 degrees, -10 – + 15 degrees and above + 15 degrees. Clothes that are not currently in use are transported and stored in a special backpack-trunk.

1. moisture-wicking underwear short (T-shirt and shorts) made of 100% polyester or long (long johns with a codpiece, sweatshirt with a round neck, long sleeve, silhouette adjacent);
2. fleece underwear made from a long-sleeved sweatshirt (zip to the middle of the chest, chin protection, thumb hole) and long johns (selective brushing, elastic band inside the waistband) made of 7% elastane and 93% polyester;
3. fleece jacket (100% polyester), 2 internal and 2 external pockets, chin protection, elbow, shoulder pads and stand-up collar made of finishing fabric, has a windproof flap, side zipper, double-sided fleece, wears with insulated, protective or demi-season suit ;
4. windbreaker (2% elastane and 98% polyester), digital camouflage, worn with trousers of the next level, cord at the bottom with fasteners, ventilation valves in the pockets, water-repellent finish;
5. demi-season suit (1% elastane, 99% polyamide) made of trousers with removable suspenders, the seat area and knees are reinforced with high-strength pads, side seams with zippers, and jackets with a two-way zipper, hood, front pockets, stand-up collar, elbow pads;
6. windproof suit (PTFE membrane inside 100% polyamide) made of jacket and trousers, linings, double flap, hood, waterproof zippers, side seams of trousers with zippers;
7. insulated vest (100% polyamide and PTFE membrane), one internal pocket is tightened with a cord, the second is closed with a zipper, front external patch pockets, windproof placket with hidden buttons;
8. insulated suit (100% polyamide), hood is adjustable to fit the face, pockets in the sleeves, reinforced linings, mitten clips, bottom of trousers with elastic bands, top to mid-thigh with zippers.

Fleece underwear weighs 516 g, regular 281 g (long), insulated suit 2.3 kg. The summer suit (digital camouflage) has an increased cotton content (65%). The thread is reinforced using rip-stop technology, the fabric practically does not tear. A headdress is provided for him - a cap. The second cap is worn with a demi-season suit. The scarf is made in the shape of a bib and is adjustable in volume.

Universal hat-balaclava made of 30% polyamide and 70% wool, transformable. An insulated hat with two elongated flaps allows for wearing in several positions. Winter socks made of wool with the addition of polyamide. The mittens have removable insulation and fasteners for jacket sleeves. Five-fingered woolen gloves, black.

However, the basic kit does not provide 100% equipment for solving special forces combat missions, so special forces units use additional equipment, ammunition, and weapons. For example, body armor, unloading vests, camouflage suits, wetsuits, jumpsuits for paratroopers.

Casual dress

Unlike rapid reaction forces, special forces plan operations in advance, so daily activities traditionally include:

• classroom training (theory, tactics);
• performing guard duty;
• rest and personal time.

Thus, army special forces use the new VKBO kits, which are quite sufficient for these tasks. For training in special disciplines, field uniforms are used - camouflage suits, body armor, wetsuits, jumpsuits.

Field uniform

Due to the special status of special forces, they solve very different tasks:

• sabotage and anti-terrorism activities;
• intelligence and counterintelligence;
• ensuring the safety of one’s own unit and eliminating enemy structures of the same name;
• organization riots on enemy territory and fighting them in their own regions;
• protection of objects/persons and their physical destruction.

The field black uniform of the OMON of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the FSB provides visual control - friend/foe, demoralizes the enemy, and the diving suit of the PDSS GRU naval combat swimmer ensures covert penetration under water. The “Izlom” camouflage is good for moving through the forest as part of a group, and the “Leshy” camouflage suit is used by a sniper in a long-term firing position.

Ceremonial uniform

The dress uniform of military personnel and employees of special forces units is much easier to understand:

• they belong to certain branches of the military;
• ceremonial uniforms are used during dismissal, at a gala event or during vacation, that is, at events not related to combat missions.

Special forces soldiers are dressed according to the rules of wearing military uniforms.

Airborne Forces

Usually the special forces demobilization uniform is decorated with aiguillettes and numerous piping elements of ceremonial clothing. In fact, aiguillette is an element of the dress uniform for special ceremonial occasions according to Decree No. 300 of 2015 of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation.

The ceremonial uniform of an airborne special forces officer includes:

• jacket, trousers and cap made of blue (sea wave) wool;
• a vest with blue stripes instead of a white general-arms shirt;
• ceremonial golden belt;
• black boots with high tops;
• blue beret or cap.

in winter landing troops dress in the same uniform, and over it a casual warm jacket of blue color and black gloves. Instead of a beret/cap, a fur hat with earflaps or a cap can be used.

In the summer, soldiers, sergeants and cadets wear a blue beret, combat boots, a vest and a casual suit.

Navy

The uniform of the Special Forces belonging to the Navy is completely identical to the uniform of the Airborne Special Forces. Since the rules for wearing a dress uniform clearly state that all special forces, regardless of belonging to a specific branch of the military, receive the right to wear a blue vest and ankle boots. The beret has the color of the military branch.

PS FSB (border service)

The jacket of an FSB officer is no different from the uniform of a serviceman - three buttons, sea wave color, fitted. The shoulder straps of employees of departments A, B and C have a cornflower blue edging on a silver or gold field, the border service has a green edging. The ceremonial military uniform is equipped with boots or boots (for formation), and a golden belt. The color of the overcoat is steel gray, it is fastened with 6 buttons.

Special Forces National Guard Troops (maroon berets)

A distinctive element of the dress uniform of the special forces of the former Internal Troops, preserved after their renaming to National Guard, is a headdress. The maroon beret appeared in 1978, until 1989 it remained a non-statutory element of the uniform, to which senior officers turned a blind eye. The qualification test for the right to wear it was legalized only in 1993.

Simultaneously with the maroon beret of the VV special forces, vests with stripes of a similar color appeared, by analogy with the Airborne Forces and Marine Corps (blue and black vests in the color of the berets of these branches of the military, respectively).

PDSS and MRP GRU (combat swimmers)

PDSS units were created to identify and eliminate enemy underwater saboteurs. However for effective fight with them are included combat swimmers(the same saboteurs, but their own). In addition, there are separate formations in each fleet for highly specialized tasks, for example, protecting the water area and ships inside it under water or organizing sabotage.

These formations Russian special forces considered the most secret to this day. During the Soviet era, they were provided with the standard uniform of privates and sergeants of the home fleet. We wore it on leave and on vacation; we never took part in parades.

Currently the situation continues. The dress uniform of the MRP and PDSS detachments is completely identical to the uniform of the Navy.

Dress code for particularly hot regions

The Russian Army does not provide dress uniforms for hot regions. But for the Russian soldier there is a special everyday uniform from the manufacturer BTK Group consisting of 8 items:

• socks;
• t-shirt;
• baseball cap;
• Panama;
• shorts;
• trousers;
• jacket.

This is the uniform worn by the MTR units of the Russian Armed Forces in Syria. All clothing is sand-colored without a camouflage pattern.

Female form

In Special Forces formations, women's everyday and field clothing has special sizes. Shirt-tunic is included big amount pockets. The dress uniform is distinguished by the presence of a blouse and skirt made of wool instead of a men's jacket and trousers. Berets, ankle boots and vests are preserved in full for the special forces that the Russian Army has.

Special units of law enforcement agencies and ministries

After 2008, special forces uniforms staffed by non-military personnel use differences from army uniforms. This was done on purpose to avoid confusion. However, even before the renaming internal troops The Ministry of Internal Affairs received the right to wear maroon beret and vests.

By default, employees use a full police uniform (MVD) or similar uniforms of their own department (FSB, FSIN). In most cases, a domestically produced VKBO kit is used as an everyday uniform. The field uniform corresponds to the tasks of the units and differs significantly from the army uniform.

For example, the Special Forces formations of the FSB and the Ministry of Internal Affairs use a black uniform.

Standard uniform

By analogy with the army, the latest edition of the Rules for Wearing Uniforms of the Ministry of Internal Affairs took place in 2011, so the special forces “parade” is practically no different from the PPS uniform. The main nuances are:

• even at special events, riot police are allowed to wear gray camouflage, and SOBR is allowed a black summer suit;
• instead of an army field uniform, there is an analogue - uniforms for performing service and operational special tasks;
• instead of a jacket, the suit set may include a “Gorka” (mountain suit) of an anorak style (put on over the head) or a single-breasted jacket with a zipper;
• By analogy with the airborne troops, a beret is provided, only green or black.

Unlike the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the GRU special forces uniform is subject to the rules of wearing of the Ministry of Defense, that is, by default it is army.

Individual uniform and ammunition

If the army Special Forces are characterized by covert operations, police special forces often confront armed formations “face to face”, therefore the cut of the clothes of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB and its protective characteristics often turn out to be unsatisfactory when using a standard set. Uniforms of American and European production are purchased, including by the special forces officers themselves:

• bulletproof vests Redut, Defender and Bagariy of modular type;
• unloading vests manufactured by Armak;
• Molle pouch sets;
• OpScore, Omnitek-T and ShBM helmets;
• submachine guns Veresk SR-2M and PP-2000.

Standard AKs are equipped with length-adjustable stocks and Picatinny rails, allowing you to attach additional devices to the machine gun.

Special Operations Forces MTR

The unit reports to the Minister of Defense, was created in 2009, and the data of the current SOF commander is classified. They are considered a rapid reaction force and conduct operations abroad (Somalia, Aleppo) and within the country (North Caucasus).

From its inception until mid-2014, exclusively foreign special forces uniforms were used to equip these units:

• Propper BDU (multicam colors);
• special equipment kits for hot climates;
• Arcteryx Leaf;
• Tactical Combat, Field or Performance;
• tactical suit Fortrex K14;
• helmets Warrior Quiver and 6B7-1M;
• ballistic helmet Spartan;
• diving suit GKN-7 set Amphora diving;
• anti-fragmentation suit Reid-L;
• body armor 6B43;
• unloading vest 6Sh112.

Currently, the BTK Group holding company provides decent quality materials, design and functionality of equipment; domestic uniforms are used, with rare exceptions.

In the media, this unit is usually called " Polite people"because of the corresponding attitude towards journalists during the maintenance of order in Crimea in 2014. During the operation, his disguise was either a security guard's uniform or civilian clothing.

Options for camouflage suits

Domestic camouflage for military uniforms comes in several types:

• Deciduous forest - created during the Second World War in 1942, suitable for forest;
• Silver leaf - has additional names “birch” and “sunny bunny”;
• Amoeba - appeared in 1935, the spots are large, there are options for any season of varying color intensity;
• VSR-93 – “Butane”, more often called “vertical”, the design completely merges the form with the vegetation;
• VSR-98 - “Flora” or “Watermelon” because of the corresponding stripes, is considered basic for the European part of the Russian Federation;
• Flora digital - called the “Russian number”, is the youngest option.

Initially, camouflage was used to disguise special forces weapons and their uniforms to match the surrounding terrain. like this field clothes worn by all Special Forces units. However, for special operations there are better camouflage options:

• Goblin - the cape is hung with bunches of green, brown and yellow color, blends in with any vegetation and tree trunks;
• Kikimora is a high-strength shapeless fiber of a marsh color.

There are known options from third-party manufacturers of camouflage fabric and ready-made sets of tactical uniforms made from it:

• Twilight – color from black to light gray (twilight);
• Cobra - looks like the scales of a large reptile, blends in with the woodland and tall grass;
• Kink – waterproof fabric for hardwood and coniferous forest;
• Frog – large digital squares;
• Multicam - the American version for urban areas, slums, communications, not suitable for forests;
• Suprat - a domestic development of a forest camouflage pattern and suit style, costs three times less than imported analogues;
• Amoeba - created from illogical tissue, has the most great experience operation;
• Black - for units of departmental security forces (Ministry of Internal Affairs, FSB and UPSIP) for the purpose of quickly identifying each other;
• Winter - clean White color or with black spots;
• Desert – advantage of sandy and brown colors;
• Jungle – yellow and green;
• Urban – considered basic, has a gray background, dark “number”.

In addition to the Special Forces, camouflage clothing is used by combat units and units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Armed Forces, GRU, FSB and even civilians and organizations. For example, a police officer and a fisherman can be dressed in camouflage. Until recently, the uniform of a security guard was practically no different from army uniforms.

Foreign analogues of camouflage fabric are most often superior to domestic developments:

• Apu Pat - the name of the style of clothing and the color of camouflage fabric, does not change color when wet;
• Woodland - a budget version of the previous material, darkens when wet, nicknamed “NATO”, has four shades - rich green for swamps, moderate for forests, brown for mountains and basic universal;
• Marpat - has three options for desert, city and forest, digital spots with black, brown and green shades, breaking the symmetry of human anatomy, which the observer’s eye usually clings to.

Digital drawing is considered the best option, since it is being developed in a special camouflage department of the Karbyshev Central Research Institute. The shape of the pixel interferes with the concentration of the gaze on it and “falls out” from the field of view. For example, the “kink” option has the following masking properties:

• the scheme is divided into color parts - mustard, dark green and brown;
• the fracture imitates the three main coverings of a coniferous forest - moss, foliage and fallen needles;
• the deforming visual perception of the silhouette behind the camouflage fabric is achieved by increasing the size of the pattern;
• digital areas of green color should be close to the real size of the needles, brown - to the dimensions of moss spots, and mustard - to dry foliage.

Camouflage colors are often used for sewing everyday uniforms, since the fabric is very strong.

Special uniforms

In addition to the Kikimora and Leshy camouflage coats, several categories of military specialists have special uniforms:

• scuba divers and divers;
• paratroopers and snipers;
• saboteurs and anti-terrorism groups;
• sappers and miners.

For the same reasons, special forces weapons are diverse:

• Pecheneg and AKM machine guns;
• pistol Vityaz PP-10-01, Glock-17 and PYa;
• AK-105, 74M and APS (underwater) assault rifles;
• sniper complexes VSK-94 and Vintorez;
• PRTK Kornet complexes;
• hand grenade launchers GM-94 and under-barrel grenade launchers GP-34.

Special forces move overland in SUVs, KamAZ-Mustangs, BTR-82 armored personnel carriers, armored vehicles and ATVs.

Delivery by air is carried out by AN-26 transport personnel and Mt-8MTV-5 helicopters, by water by BRP SEA-DOO jet skis, and under water by tugboats and nuclear submarines.

Thus, the dress uniform of special forces units is a kind of camouflage. Everyday uniforms are most often the same, but field uniforms are very diverse and unique.

Today it is difficult to find truly high-quality uniforms. In most cases, you have to deal with dubious variants originating from China.

The form looks quite beautiful, and it is almost impossible to distinguish it from the original. However, as soon as such attributes appear in “field” conditions, quality takes precedence over visual superiority - it simply gives in.

For the military, every little detail is very significant, especially important is physical mobility and a number of directly tactical, defensive and protective functions, which become possible thanks to workwear.

Uniforms are issued to military units, including the organ foreign intelligence represented by the GRU special service. This is a form of special purpose, which must be functional, convenient and practical.

Nowadays it is not uncommon to see reports on television channels, articles in the media, and Internet programs about various special forces.

People ignorant of this issue can simply comment on the appearance of the fighters like this - they are all the same: camouflage, berets, vests... But this is only at first glance.

All uniforms have historically established features. In addition to everyday quality, the military uniform of the GRU special forces, both in the old days and to this day, is not only facilitates the service, but also protects its own owner.

The protective function allows a person, when performing job responsibilities protect yourself from the effects of negative natural factors. Tactical clothing for GRU special forces also helps minimize accidents and the risk of unpredictable situations.

Types of clothing, styles

As a rule, the entire variety of uniforms of law enforcement agencies is focused on its classification according to seasonality:

• summer;
• winter

You can also notice the division of the form according to its direct application:

• Types of clothing for field activities. Used in combat. As a rule, the field uniform of the GRU special forces is accompanied by its use in the most difficult moments of service, therefore, special requirements are placed on it.
• Front door- ideal for presenting military and state awards, as well as special honors, and performing a guard of honor. You can't do without it on special days and weekends.
• Casual uniform. Applies in all other cases.

The ceremonial and demobilization uniform of the GRU special forces looks like in this photo:

Thanks to the high-quality uniform, the fighter is comfortable and comfortable even during unexpected combat missions.

For men

The variety of shapes and colors of clothing used by GRU units is mostly inherited from the USSR period. The main ones can be listed:

• "Amoeba". The most durable example of camouflage, the history of which goes back to 1935. At one time it was the basis of the developments of Soviet designers of military uniforms. It has currently been finalized and various variations are available.
• "Deciduous Forest" — perfect option military camouflage fabric. The uniform underwent a “baptism of fire” and served the soldiers of the Great Patriotic War well. Patriotic War 1942
• "Silver Leaf"(“Sunny bunnies” or). Sketches of this sample were created back in the 50s.
• VSR-93, or folk “Vertical”(based on the vertical stripes on the form). The shape of the field character allows you to effectively merge with the surrounding background.
• VSR-98 "Flora". In wider military circles it is known as the “Watermelon” camouflage because of the stripes. This option is basic for special forces. In addition to its specific color, it has excellent camouflage characteristics, suitable for the central part of Russia.
• “Digital flora” or “Russian digital”. These are innovative developments of new summer and winter uniforms for special forces soldiers of the GRU, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB, which was developed by V. Yudashkin (Russian fashion designer).

Are you interested in knowing what the requirements are for? There are also certain rules and requirements for it.

Find out what materials safety split-leaf gaiters for welders are made from here.

What features does a black special forces uniform have and what requirements it must meet, read this.

For women

Military special uniform for women is created based on the male version, taken as a basis. At the same time, all the basic principles of reliability, comfort and resistance to any weather conditions are preserved.

The women's version of GRU special forces clothing is stand-up and has a special sizing chart intended exclusively for women. The jacket-shirt has a large number of necessary pockets. The pockets are presented with a straight version with Velcro.

Convenience is achieved by the fact that summer time Always you can roll up your sleeves. On the back of the pants there are reflective meshes that allow you to move without fear of getting dirt and perform a ventilation function.

What the GRU special forces uniform looks like for men and women, look at the photo:

In order for the item to retain its presentability and last as long as possible, you will need to follow the recommendations for washing it (look at the label).

Storage rules and care

Absolutely any uniform, regardless of its area of ​​application needs special care. Due to daily wear, persistent stains appear on the uniform.

Before you start washing the GRU uniform, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the recommendations indicated on the product. In this case, woolen products need to be hand washed in warm water or in a washing machine with the most gentle mode selected. Because of high temperature water, the material can “shrink”, so things will decrease by 1-2 sizes. And don’t forget about spinning, which is absolutely “contraindicated.”

The most problematic to clean are police, military and GRU uniforms.

Mistakes in care can simply ruin it, which will entail a sufficient amount of trouble, which may even lead to an official reprimand.

Everyday uniforms can be cleaned in any mode - it can withstand exposure to any temperature and detergents.

Given the high degree of contamination, these clothes are made from the strongest fibers. Even with the best wishes of the owner, dry cleaning the dress uniform would still be the best option, since attempts at home can only damage the dress uniform and lead to irreversible consequences.

A flag for a car with a suction cup "Special Forces of the GRU and Airborne Forces" will be an excellent gift for both paratroopers and intelligence officers. After all, their functions, goals and methods are so closely intertwined.

Flag for the car with a suction cup "GRU and Airborne Special Forces"

The special forces units of the GRU and the Airborne Forces have long been firmly entrenched in the public consciousness as a single whole; the boundary separating different, in general, departments is often extremely blurred. For special forces, both airborne troops and military intelligence are equally close. The second of August for special forces is the same “red day of the calendar” as the sixth of November; paratroopers and reconnaissance officers are united by the flag of the Airborne Forces, blue berets and vests, a truly special spirit in these branches of the military.

What do GRU special forces and the Airborne Forces have in common?

If strictly - in accordance with the existing charter, operating scheme armed forces, the existing combat regulations approved by the Ministry of Defense - consider the organization Special Forces troops, then the special forces of the GRU and Airborne Forces are units of different formats. Moreover, part of the special purpose in airborne troops oh, just one - this is the legendary 45th Guards Reconnaissance Regiment, here, as you can see, without belonging to military intelligence it didn't work out either. Cuban paratroopers very often conduct joint operations with the troops of the GRU Special Forces, the last major combat operation special forces of the GRU and Airborne Forces - South Ossetia 2008, then 45 ORP worked in the conflict zone together with detachments 22, 10 and 16 OBRSpN.

Individual special forces brigades are subordinate to the leadership of the GRU and the military district to which they are assigned; organizationally they have no relation to the airborne troops, which is why the connection between the GRU special forces and the Airborne Forces does not become weaker. Back in the middle of the last century, when special forces were just beginning to be created in the country, some identification of the GRU special forces and the Airborne Forces appeared. Firstly, soldiers were drafted into the newly created formations of Special Forces troops conscript service, marked “fit for service in the Airborne Forces.” Secondly, new units were formed primarily on the basis of airborne regiments and individual battalions; airborne officers also took an active part. Finally, the dress uniform of the GRU and Airborne Forces special forces is initially almost identical.

Why do GRU special forces wear airborne uniforms?

For the Special Forces troops, whose very existence at that time was a military secret, no special uniform was developed, and there were no insignia. Veterans say that during training exercises, military personnel of other types of troops even mistook mobile groups without identification marks for saboteurs, and the GRU special forces fighters chose the airborne uniform as the ceremonial clothing - they were most often mistaken for paratroopers.

Further, the kinship intensified more and more - the training and combat missions of paratroopers and special forces are in many ways similar, in general, both of them are essentially saboteurs. Of course, the tasks of the GRU Special Forces troops directly behind enemy lines are completely different from those of the assault groups of the airborne troops. One way or another, the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces consist of formations of constant combat readiness, but the training of fighters is always higher than the standard in the troops. Well, of course, one cannot help but mention the mandatory airborne paratroopers - the sky makes the special forces of the GRU and the airborne forces more similar than all of the above, the jumping program in the ObrSpN and airborne formations is approximately the same, they often jump together.

Combat interaction between GRU special forces and the Airborne Forces

The joint use of GRU and Airborne special forces in real combat conditions is a practice that has brought more than one victory to the command of the Russian armed forces. It all started with the introduction of formations of Special Forces troops into Afghanistan, when a few special forces detachments of the GRU and Airborne Forces managed to carry out operations that seemed impossible. The story continued in Chechnya, GRU and Airborne special forces troops resolved issues in which motorized rifle formations were powerless. It’s scary to imagine how many people our generals would have killed in Grozny in 1995 if special forces had not taken part in the assault.

So, if you do not take into account the subtleties of subordination, the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces are in many ways related organizations to each other, primarily in spirit.

Special forces suits are popular not only among representatives of law enforcement agencies. Such heavy-duty and comfortable clothing has gained great popularity among civilians. It is suitable for sports games, active rest, fishing and hunting. Some parts of the uniform can be used as regular clothing. For example, a warm jacket or trousers look stylish. But at the same time, it is special forces representatives who most often need such equipment.

Varieties of form

To begin with, it’s worth finding out what kind of overalls there are for law enforcement agencies. The form is divided into summer and winter. The task of the first type is to ensure the removal of heat from the body, while winter clothes, on the contrary, retain heat.

Russian special forces use uniforms in two main colors: khaki and black, but the camouflage patterns vary greatly. The most popular types of special uniform colors for many law enforcement agencies are:

• amoeba - camouflage developed by the famous artist Malevich, used since 1935;
• birch tree, silver leaf - design developed in the 50s;
• VSR-93, vertical - field special uniform;
• VSR-98 is the basic uniform used by special forces of the Russian Armed Forces;
• digital flora - winter and summer special uniforms for fighters of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, FSB, GRU.

The US special forces uniform is no less popular among our compatriots. These are MARPAT, Woodland and ACU PAT products. The first type is special forces clothing Marine Corps. Woodland is a NATO camouflage pattern that comes in four colors. ACU PAT is a special uniform for the US Army.

How to choose the right clothes for special forces?

Uniforms for such structures are highly durable and well-designed. Typically, the jacket and pants have different pockets in different places to carry weapons and ammunition.

The presence of a weapon should not hinder the fighter’s movements, so the jacket and trousers must fit exactly. When trying on a set, you need to subject things to thorough testing. It consists of various exercises: running, jumping, changing direction of movement. There should not be any uncomfortable sensations, as they can cause delays, which should not be allowed.

Purchasing uniforms for special forces in the Ataka online store

On our website, residents of Russia can profitably buy special uniforms at best prices. We offer a lot of advantages: affordable prices for goods, prompt delivery, and bonuses for purchases. After registering on the site, each new user receives an individual 5% discount.

All clothing can be returned within 30 days of purchase if any item of clothing does not fit. You can also use the convenient “Delivery with fitting” service.

What does the Military Pathfinder EDC* contain?

John Hurt of TYR Group talks about his gear.

*EDC = (Everyday carry - literally “worn every day”. That is, this is not an EMERGENCY supply, but a regular set to ensure your work - approx.)

A scouting party must travel as lightly as possible, but everyone in it carries the right equipment to survive on the battlefield. In order for the Pathfinder and his team to successfully complete their combat mission, mobility becomes a key factor. The scout's ability to respond to the enemy is reduced when he is burdened with a heavy load, causing physical/mental fatigue and putting the "pathfinder" in danger of having to react quickly to enemy contact.

The Pathfinder's combat load is critical to the need to work, fight and survive in the environment that surrounds him. He cannot rely on a general set for all possible contingencies or combat missions; his “unloading” must be based on his specific mission and the ability to remain mobile, but maintain combat effectiveness. When choosing equipment, you need to choose those items that are lightweight and multifunctional. The combat load should be light so that the “pathfinder” remains alert, agile and careful.

The equipment required for the mission is divided into 3 categories:

Level 1: Describes uniforms and personal items. These are elements of the uniform, boots, belt, tags, compass, tourniquet and any other survival items carried by the fighter personally.

Level 2: Describes the payload carried by the Pathfinder, which must not exceed 48 pounds. This is the scout's personal weapons, ammunition and equipment for carrying it.

Level 3: Describes the cruise load for long operations, which should not exceed 72 pounds (32.7 kg - approx.) (including combat load).

Level 1

1. Camouflage jacket. Must have a 1-inch panel for an infrared identification friend or foe tag (hereinafter referred to as the “IFF tag”).

2. Camouflage headdress. The IFF tag is placed on the top of the gear to facilitate identification of the fighter from the air.

3. Signaling devices. Phoenix IR-15 is a programmable transmitter with a 9V battery for indicating your own position at night and a 10 * 10 inch signal fabric panel cut from VS-17 fabric. This panel is used as a signal recognition device to communicate with other ground elements of the group.

4. Identification Tags.

5. SAR Eclipse signaling device. SAR offers very compact device, the effectiveness of which has been tested and confirmed at a distance of 10 miles (~16 km - approx. per.) in sunlight.

6. INOVA Microlight. This small flashing beacon operates in the white, green, blue and red spectrum and is ideal for signaling or checking maps at night.

7. Signal Mirror. In addition to being able to signal, camouflage your face, or shave, a signal mirror is also a good way to manipulate light to see details or marks.

8. Whistle. The whistle is very convenient when you have to relay commands to other friendly group members while shooting.

9. Magnetic compass. While a GPS is an important piece of equipment, it will never take the place of a good compass.

10. Camouflage pants.

11. Trouser belt.

12. Lighter.

13. Notepad. This notebook contains information obtained during the mission, along with a map of the area.

14. Map, protractor and pencil.

15. Field repair kit. For quick restoration of uniforms in case of damage (patches, fastex, etc. - approx.)

16. Diet. Must contain high energy foods.

17. Shoes.

Level 2

1. Load Bearing Equipment (LBE). In this case it is the MAV Tactical Tailor, with a split front panel.

3. Shops. The “unloading” should contain only the main ammunition - no more.

4. Electrical tape. For connecting various parts in the field.

5. Colored electrical tape. For marking based on the last known characteristic.

6. GPS. GPS is an important piece of equipment that can track a squad's route and give an accurate location. However, I wouldn't rely heavily on battery-powered technology. If you don't know your location, keep your GPS turned off to extend battery life.

7. Flashlight with IR attachment. For signaling to friendly forces.

8. Multitool. They are great for small repair work and usually have a knife, a flathead and Phillips screwdriver, a can opener and pliers.

9. Spare batteries. In quantities sufficient for all your equipment for the period of operation. When choosing equipment, be guided by equipment that requires the same type of batteries as the one you have. AA batteries are compact and besides, they can be found anywhere in the world.

10. Gun oil and shaving brush. A bottle of oil to protect and lubricate your gear is essential in any environment. The shaving brush is also useful when cleaning equipment from dust and debris.

11. Ruler (measuring device). For taking measurements or demonstrating scale when shooting.

12. Headlamp. A good thing at moments when you need to keep both hands free - for example, searching a prisoner.

13. 550 paracord. 25-30 feet of paracord can be used to repair, tie, or secure various items.

14. Knife sharpener. It is very important, since a dull knife has no use.

15. Camouflage Face Paint.

16. Water bottles.

17. Knife. A multifunctional knife, with a blade at least 6 inches long (~ i.e. about 15 cm - and it should be noted that this is one of the signs of a bladed weapon according to the legislation of the Russian Federation, so be careful - approx.). The knife should be heavy, sharp, and versatile enough to be used for home construction, various survival tasks, or for combat use. The knife in the photo above is the result of a joint development between the author of the article and knifemaker Jeff Crowner.

18. Smoke grenade. For camouflage or signaling.

19. Fragmentation grenade. Take at least 2 frag grenades with you on patrol.

20. Individual first aid kit. This kit provides the necessary equipment to help yourself or a comrade and addresses the two leading causes of death on the battlefield, extremity hemorrhage and airway obstruction. Kit linked above includes: tourniquet, 2 elastic bandages, 4-1/2" gauze dressings, adhesive tape, nasopharyngeal catheter, 4 pairs of sterile gloves, 2 Pri-Med gauze dressings, EMS scissors, bandage and cleaning tablets water.

21. Protective Gloves. Used to camouflage and protect hands from cuts.

22. Mag-Lite Flashlight/Blast Match Lighter. Mag-Lite is necessary for reconnaissance at night. The Blast Match is another great all-weather survival tool that can be used with one hand in case of injury.

23. Rifle. The rifle is issued. Contrary to popular belief, soldiers and employees law enforcement do not choose their weapon system or weapon caliber. No matter what type of weapon he is issued, the operator must be an expert in its use.

24. Weapon Accessories. Optical sights or red dots may be required for the mission depending on the METT-T. Besides, laser pointer/ under-barrel flashlight would be nice to have for night operations.

Level 3

1. Backpack. This is the piece of equipment in which the "pathfinder" carries all his equipment on long outings. The size of the backpack is dictated by the amount of supplies needed by the fighter for the entire time when supply from outside is not possible. The estimated time for the operation, the terrain and weather conditions in which one will have to work - all these factors must be considered by the “pathfinder” when packing a backpack.

2. Dry rations. It is necessary to have a reserve of at least 48-72 hours.

3. 3-liter hydration pack. The Scout needs enough water to remain in formation throughout the entire operation, or until a suitable water source is located (or supplies are obtained). Water is consumed from the hydration pack first. If for any reason the hydration pack is dropped during an operation, the fighter must always have a full canteen on his LBE.

4. Carlton's CAT PAWS ("cat's paws"). CAT Paws are a great item for a "tracker" to cover their tracks.

5. VIPER Cape. VIPER camouflage hood breaks up the visual silhouette human head and shoulders. The best side VIPER is that it performs its functions without blocking access to equipment, and without preventing the fighter from reaching the pockets on his LBE.

6. Large trash bag. For waterproofing or for storing debris during surgery.

7. Weapon cleaning kit. This kit should be able to support your weapon in the field. At a minimum, the kit should contain a dismountable cleaning rod with various attachments (bristle brush, visors, etc.), a flat-head screwdriver, rivets, lubricant, an optical brush and a universal brush.

8. Night vision device. The device will be required when performing operations at night.

9. Spare Magazines. Three additional loaded magazines.

10. Binoculars. Should be used whenever possible to detect an enemy from a distance. It also provides a wider field of view than a monocular or riflescope.

11. VS-17 Panel. The VS17 can be deployed on the ground to identify troop positions from friendly aircraft or to determine where assistance is needed.

12. E-Tool. The E-Tool is a lightweight collapsible shovel that can be used for digging or chopping.

13. Hammock. Depending on the operational environment, a hammock can be essential to staying dry while sleeping at night.

14. Repair kit for uniforms and equipment. It should include thread, needles and pins.

15. Personal hygiene kit. Minimum hygiene items such as nail clippers, Toothbrush, toothpaste and small wash cloth.

16. Compression or waterproof bag.

17. Tent-basha. It should be large enough to shelter a fighter, or be used as a makeshift stretcher to transport a casualty.

18. Bedding. Depending on the conditions, it can vary from sleeping bags with a mat (karemat) to extreme temperatures, up to a poncho liner for more tropical climates.

19. Gore-Tex bivy bag. Bivy provides waterproof, breathable cover that protects against wind, snow and rain.

20. Elastic cords (ties). For quickly packing items such as awnings.

21. 550 paracord. 25-30 feet of paracord can be used to repair, tie, or secure various items.

22. Spare socks. Monitoring your feet is a must! Dry, clean socks will help prevent blisters, calluses and mildew.

Once again, when deciding on gear, choose items that are lightweight and multi-functional. The combat load should be light so that the “pathfinder” remains alert, agile and careful.

Note from It's Tactical Editor-in-Chief: John (John Hurth) is a retired American special forces soldier who was assigned to the 1st SOF group at Fort Lewis, Washington. During his service, he took part in several overseas assignments, including two combat tours in support of the Global War on Terror. He now puts his years of experience to use as the owner and lead instructor of TYR Group, where he and his staff provide training in a variety of surveillance techniques.