Russian Airborne Forces: history, structure, weapons. Elite troops of Russia: names, list and rating. How to get into Russia's elite troops? Airborne Special Forces Regiment - Soldiers of the Future
45th separate regiment special purpose Airborne Forces
Special forces units are separate units of troops that are designed to carry out special missions and operations. Can be part of the navy, land and air forces, and part of the police and internal authorities. They use special tactics and means to carry out operations.
One type of special forces is the airborne special forces. This is a special forces unit that is part of the airborne forces. The Airborne Special Forces were formed in Russia in 1994. On the basis of two special purpose battalions - the 901st OBSpN and 218 OBSpN, a single 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment was formed. By July 1994 it was fully equipped. Already in December, the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment was sent to the war in Chechnya to destroy armed gangs.
Separate units of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment took part in hostilities until February 1995, and from March to June of the same year, a free detachment of the regiment continued to operate in Chechnya. The 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment is considered one of the most legendary in the military history of Russia - many of its soldiers and officers were awarded medals and orders, including the title of Hero of the Russian Federation.
Airborne special forces weapons
Airborne special forces are equipped with more quality equipment, equipment, weapons than the rest of the troops, and this requires a lot of funding. Airborne special forces use weapons that are rarely available to conventional troops. For example, the SVD rifle is often used, which is very powerful and reliable. There is a known case when a good shooter shot down a jet attack aircraft with an SVD rifle, hitting the pilot.
Very often the so-called “Vintorez” is used - a silent sniper rifle. With its help, a well-trained sniper can hit a target at great distances. The Vintorez rifle is so powerful that it can penetrate a steel helmet at a distance of up to 400 meters. The first use of Vintorez occurred during the First Chechen War. Vintorez is available only to special forces units; regular troops do not have access to this weapon.
Many countries use the Steyr AUG universal rifle to equip special forces. This weapon is designed for combat in urban environments and for performing lightning-fast combat missions. The rifle's magazine is made of translucent material, which even allows you to visually control the number of cartridges remaining in the magazine.
The Steyr rifle is automatic - it is also possible to install a grenade launcher, which makes it truly universal and indispensable for carrying out tasks by special units. It is not for nothing that at the end of the 19th century, Austria-Hungary adopted the very first sniper rifle from this company - the Steyr Mannlicher. This already indicated at that time that the weapon was reliable and effective. Since then, the rating of Stair's weapons has not decreased. Stair rifles entered service with the Airborne Special Forces quite recently, but they have already earned the respect of soldiers for their fighting qualities.
One of the types of weapons that are supplied to airborne special forces soldiers is the AS “Val”. This machine is silent weapon, which is why it is used by special forces in sabotage operations. AS "Val" has the ability to attach night and sniper sights to it, which allows you to identify targets at a distance of up to 300 meters. AS "Val" is usually transported in a special case; its assembly takes from 30 to 60 seconds, depending on how prepared the shooter is.
Many countries purchase Russian export, so-called “hundredth” versions of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. This list also includes the AK-103 assault rifle. This weapon is much more effective than a conventional Kalash, and is therefore used by the armies of many countries. Moreover, the AK-103 is also used by some special forces units.
Another interesting version of the modernization of the Kalashnikov assault rifle is the AK-74M assault rifle. The AK-74M has the ability to mount an optical and night sight, and a stock that can be folded to the side. It is possible to use an attached grenade launcher, which is very important and convenient for special units. This is why the AK-74M is used by many special types of troops.
Also notable among the modifications is the AKS-74 model - a shortened Kalashnikov assault rifle. Moreover, the mobility and compactness of the machine gun does not make it worse in terms of characteristics in comparison with versions with a long barrel. The AKS-74 is complete in every sense, and is capable of hitting a target at a distance of more than 400 meters.
But of all the versions of Kalashnikov weapons, the most powerful, of course, remains the machine gun. Moreover, there are so many variations of the Kalashnikov Machine Gun that it is used from weapons of transport to infantrymen. The Kalashnikov machine gun was developed back in the 60s of the last century, but its popularity and the popularity of modified versions has not faded to this day. Many countries use the Kalashnikov machine gun, including for arming special units.
If in the arsenal of conventional troops all famous machine gun Kalashnikov, then the special forces use the PKM - a modernized Kalashnikov machine gun. The power of the PKM is significantly greater than that of a conventional machine gun and therefore the machine gun is used in special forces for assault operations.
Another popular weapon among all airborne special forces weapons is the Pecheneg machine gun. The Pecheneg machine gun is developed on the basis of the PKM and is suitable both for destroying enemy personnel and for hitting firing and transport positions and air targets. Widely used in many countries, Russia actively exports the “Pecheneg” machine gun.
In addition to the Kalashnikov assault rifle, a very similar weapon, the AN-94 Abakan, is widely used. This machine gun is created according to the classic design, with a clip in front, like the Kalash. The AN-94 Abakan is distinguished by its particular accuracy and accuracy of shots. For example, from a distance of one hundred meters, a good shooter can hit the same point on the target with two shots. This makes the AN-94 Abakan suitable for special combat operations, where the lives of many people depend on the accuracy of the shot.
In addition to all the rifles, machine guns and machine guns used by special troops and airborne troops, RPG-26 grenades are widely used. These grenades were developed back in the 80s of the last century and since that time have been in constant service with the army. This once again confirms the effectiveness of RPG-26 grenades both against manpower and equipment and various fortifications and positions. RPG-26 grenades generally play a big role in the conduct of any combat operations, which is why they are used so widely in any wars.
Features of special forces units
Airborne special forces troops have a special status due to their specific activities. Each special forces mission requires special weapons, equipment, and equipment. Consequently, the financing of the units special purpose significantly more than the funding of other troops. The preparatory level of soldiers has an enhanced training base and special training centers. The most powerful centers train special forces for the Airborne Forces.
Usually, they serve in the airborne special forces under a contract. The contract is due to the high cost of the exercise and preparatory tests. As a rule, a contract in the Airborne Forces is concluded for no less than three years. The special forces of the Airborne Forces are very high level moral, physical, ideological and psychological preparation, which is due to the need of future special forces soldiers to work in special conditions.
Airborne special forces require special weapons and equipment, as mentioned earlier. This is due to the specific operating conditions of the departments. Therefore, the equipment and weapons of the troops are of a very narrow profile. Reconnaissance companies, battalions and other special forces perform tasks autonomously and in extreme conditions. This type of unit is also engaged in reconnaissance. Usually special forces are thrown behind enemy lines, where the most important strategic points and centers are located.
Special forces of the Airborne Forces (Russian landing forces) travel very long distances on foot and carry all the equipment and equipment on themselves, which requires special training under a contract in the Airborne Forces. Our military store offers a wide selection of paratrooper symbols, which can be purchased at the best prices. Photo of a soldier of the 45th Separate Special Forces Special Forces:
A brief history of airborne special forces
There were no official special forces of the USSR Airborne Forces. Similar units in Russia date back to the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment in 1994. After the withdrawal of these troops from Chechnya in 1995, a monument was unveiled in Sokolniki in honor of those killed during military operations. In May of the same year, the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment was awarded a diploma from the President of the Russian Federation, and the regiment took part in the parade on Poklonnaya Hill in honor of the victory over the Nazis 50 years ago.
From winter to spring 1997, a detachment of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment took part in peacekeeping operations in Gudauta - the zone of separation of forces of Abkhazia and Georgia. In the summer of the same year, 45 Guards. OPSPN were presented with the Battle Banner and a certificate of the Order of Kutuzov, 3rd degree. From the autumn of 1999 to the spring of 2006, a detachment of the regiment participated in operations against terrorists in the North Caucasus. In the summer of 2001, a memorial was opened in Kubinka in honor of the fallen soldiers of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment. Every year, Days of Remembrance for fallen soldiers take place within the regiment. The glory of the Airborne Forces comes precisely from such heroes, in whose honor the monument was erected.
In February 2008 it was renamed the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment of the Order of Alexander Nevsky. In the summer of the same year, individual units participated in operations to persuade Georgia to peace. Officer Anatoly Lebed was awarded the Order of St. George, IV degree. In the spring of 2010, a group of regiment soldiers carried out tasks for the security of Russian citizens on the territory of Kyrgyzstan. In 2012, the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment participated in joint exercises with the Green Berets in America, at Fort Carson.
Creativity associated with airborne special forces
About heroic deeds and the operations of the special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces, many films have been shot and many songs have been written. Many materials are also presented in the Voenpro informational feed. Read about this in our numerous articles. Watch movies and listen to music - Voenpro has it all. The airborne special forces in Chechnya went through a lot and greatly influenced the course of the war. Therefore, war veterans deserve eternal memory and respect. A bunch of documentaries they talk about what it was like for the soldiers in Chechnya. They talk about the horrors they saw and what they went through.
A huge number of songs are still written about veterans of the Chechen war and about those who died in it. Comrades sing songs in honor and memory of their fallen friends, in honor of those with whom they were in conditions of life and death. There are also many amateur films on the Internet, both of combat operations and other special operations. The special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces are extremely popular among young people and many also want to serve in it.
Facilities mass media created a certain cult of airborne special forces, which is why it is so popular today. Young people are simply “dizzy” at the thought that they can freely use weapons and kill people. Computer games and television is filled with murder and violence, and people turn into animals ready to tear to pieces the enemy.
So, many films related to the actions of the airborne special forces in Chechnya can be found here. Videos of airborne special forces can be found, for example, this landing video:
An interesting clip was made about the special forces of the Airborne Forces “Leshy” - Vyacheslav Korneev. This clip can be viewed at the following link:
45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment - soldiers of the future
Oddly enough, in Chechnya the special forces are well remembered and known about it. Only the information that special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces would soon approach forced the militants to leave their positions and leave their place of stay. When was the first Chechen War, the leadership of the Chechen militants promised a huge bonus to anyone who could bring at least one soldier of the 45th regiment into captivity. But no one received such a prize, because during those hostilities, not a single special forces soldier of the Russian Airborne Forces ended up with the Chechens, either dead or alive.
The 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment is, one might say, the youngest part of the Russian army. The regiment was created from two battalions in order to be ready to fight the Cold War. The units were supposed to conduct active reconnaissance and sabotage operations, mainly behind enemy lines. They also had to prepare a place for the landing of landing troops. Considering that the airborne special forces were created after the Cold War, they are still capable of solving similar problems and preventing such situations.
Since the time when Afghanistan was introduced Soviet troops, the Russian Armed Forces are constantly involved in resolving various conflicts. Therefore, when the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment was formed, there was already enough experience to make the soldiers universal and truly prepared for war. In addition, many foreign developments and technologies were introduced, which affected the quality of the created special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces only in a positive way. Therefore, the main goal and purpose of the special forces soldiers of the Russian Airborne Forces is to resolve any military conflicts and problems of a local nature.
Consequently, the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment is a unique combat unit in Russia, which has all the necessary weapons, equipment, and devices to accomplish its missions. In addition to the battalions directly comprising the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment, it also has a detachment of aircraft that do not require pilots, a special purpose detachment for solving extremely important tasks, and a detachment for performing psychological operations.
The main task of the psychological detachment of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment is to demoralize and disorientate the enemy troops - that is, to destroy his faith in victory, in the meaning of resistance. Moreover, the detachment can turn “for” neutral civilians who have not yet decided which side to defend. And this is especially important in our information era. Therefore, the psychological detachment of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment, among other things, also has a compact television station, which provides the opportunity to broadcast programs within a radius of ten kilometers. That is, the influence on the civilian population is thus intensified.
The capabilities of the special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces are enormous. The core of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment are special units. These units did not arise, naturally, without reason - the battalions combined into one regiment already had accumulated experience under their feet. Battalion fighters fought during the Transnistrian conflict, and regimental fighters took part in operations during the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict. Basically, during the Georgian-Abkhaz war, the special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces ensured the safety of civilians and refugees.
But it was not only in the war that the fighters showed their worth. For several years, during international competitions of special units that take place in Bulgaria, the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment has taken first place, beating the Green Berets and British special forces.
But the goal to achieve the status of a universal airborne special forces soldier is not so close. If previously ordinary conscripts entered the school, now there are few of them. Consequently, there is no one to choose soldiers from. Previously, almost all applicants had sports categories in several categories, but now there are only a few such conscripts.
Basically, people enter service under a contract in the Airborne Forces, and from these recruits it is practically impossible to choose anyone intelligent. A few only have higher or specialized education, while the majority have completed secondary education. And then there is joy - if it is completed. But even such applicants are turned into real Russian special forces. First of all, the applicant undergoes many psychological and physical tests to determine his readiness and ability to serve in these troops.
After they determine your personal characteristics, they tell you what military specialty you are heading to. For example, people of a very calm and balanced character are better suited than anyone else to work as a sniper or sapper of the airborne special forces. The remaining part of the recruits who were not distributed anywhere are transferred to support units or to other military units.
After this type of selection there is a quarantine, an oath, and then, naturally, they move on to the exercises. To say that it is very difficult to serve in the airborne special forces, for example, in military unit 33842, is the same as remaining silent. Constant training is replaced by forced marches and night shooting, facade mountaineering is replaced by tactical exercises or sapper training. And so constantly in a circle.
Naturally, not all potential special forces fighters of the Russian Airborne Forces can withstand such loads and pace. Therefore, after about six months, only about forty percent of those new students who entered are left. Moreover, the number of various reasons. Some people develop health problems from such stress, some cannot stand it physically, some are kicked out by commanders due to poor performance. Those places that remain from the departed airborne special forces are filled with the best paratroopers. As a result, after the first year of training, no one turns into real fighters Airborne elites who are fluent in weapons and various devices.
But it should be noted that, despite the complexity of the training and workload, there are no fewer people willing to serve in the special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces. All this is because the service is very interesting and useful for guys. There is no hazing here, and service in the 45th Special Operations Division great start for work and service in other structures of the internal bodies of the state. After finishing your service, you will be gladly hired into any type of security, security and protection, or secret units. The 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment provides excellent military and career prospects for young man, capable of withstanding complex service and loads.
The result of your studies may be, if you wish, participation in hostilities. Although the experience accumulated by previous generations is little used as usual in our country, the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment resolves many issues independently. The soldiers have manuals that are printed by some regiment officers, which leads to the correspondence of what is written with reality. Nowadays, when the main actions in Chechnya have ended, the role of the airborne special forces, which can very usefully carry out reconnaissance, search and all sorts of raid missions, is significantly increasing. Therefore, the complete withdrawal of special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces from Chechnya is not yet planned in the near future.
IN given time Airborne special forces in Chechnya operate as a free detachment near the village of Khatuni. The importance of this place is very great for the state, and therefore special forces have enormous tasks and responsibilities on their shoulders. The combined detachment also includes units of the FSB, special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and others. Everyone has their own tasks within the overall goal. Fire training of fighters in this operation is especially important, so the exercises train fighters as needed. The loads are enormous, because of this, fighters lose five or even eight kilograms in a couple of months, even taking into account the fact that the nutrition here is enhanced.
Moreover, the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB sometimes have to perform tasks that are not within their competence. Therefore, they work together with the special forces of the Airborne Forces in Chechnya, which specializes in this type of combat operations. All these parts of the squad are friends with each other and actively help and support each other in difficult situations in order to achieve a common goal. No one pays attention to departmental subordination in this situation.
Some part of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment is stationed in Sokolniki. There they are in the barracks of the Preobrazhensky Regiment. And this unit is very actively fighting to be part of the Preobrazhensky Regiment, according to all official documents. And there are several reasons for this.
Historically, the Preobrazhensky Regiment is the first regiment of regular weapons in Russia. And the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment - one might say, the first regiment new army Russia, regiment of the future. And the attitude towards fighters is completely new, compared to the old views. Now every airborne special forces soldier is a valuable asset into which a lot of finance and other resources have been invested. Previously, fighters were cannon fodder without much specific training, whom no one valued or counted in the war.
Now the fighters are highly professional and qualified. Now the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment is the place where experienced and skilled special forces personnel are trained. Many of those who went through this school serve in internal organs, "Alpha", "Omega" and many others promising places. But it is worth noting that after many years of service in the regiment, most officers do not want to be transferred to other places for a service that is more promising. This is because over the years, the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment has truly become a family and home for them, which they cannot and do not want to leave.
In the regiment itself, special psychological and moral principles, which make his officers friendly and brotherly. This can be seen from the fact that those officers who retired and settled well regularly sponsor those fighting in Chechnya. It is interesting to note that veterans of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment help not only with material means.
It happened that when we had to replace fighters in the Caucasus in 1999, there was no suitable replacement. Then the reserve officers decided to come to the aid of the regiment. They abandoned their lucrative official and career positions and formed their own detachment of veterans, which went to the Caucasus. Their very first task was to occupy an important height and ensure that they would repel enemy attacks for four hours. At this time, the regiment was able to train new special forces soldiers of the Russian Airborne Forces to send them to the Caucasus.
Over all the years of existence of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment, its officers have not stopped fighting. All conflicts that occurred in Chechnya, Bosnia, Dagestan, Kosovo were resolved with the help of special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces. During this period, there were awards from the minister and awards to five soldiers of the regiment as Heroes of Russia. And, oddly enough, various accusations were also present in the history of the regiment. But, be that as it may, the airborne special forces are still the real elite of the Russian army.
His warriors performed excellently during all conflicts and wars. A bunch of enemy weapons and drug warehouses were found, many civilian lives were saved, and many disasters were prevented. As a result, the officers have earned their proud existence with a strong and resilient body, and the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment is truly a regiment of the future.
News related to airborne special forces
There is news that the special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces recently adopted a foreign Steyr Mannlicher rifle. Their total, which the soldiers received amounted to more than thirty units. The representative of the Russian Ministry of Defense for the Airborne Forces, Alexander Kucherenko, spoke about this news. He says these are the first Mannlicher rifles of foreign origin to enter the regiment. In general, the purchase of Austrian weapons began in 2010.
Moreover, they say that the supply of Austrian sniper rifles will not end there, and the regiment will be provided with them regularly. The fighters have already completed all the necessary training courses on how to use of this weapon in the centers of the Ministry of Defense and are ready to use it. They do not specify which model of the Mannlicher rifle was adopted. Before this, the airborne special forces used the SVD sniper rifle.
They also say that the replenishment also affected equipment. The number of aircraft that do not require a pilot has increased significantly. Again, it does not say which devices were received. The Airborne Special Forces also received about two dozen reconnaissance location stations, more than three dozen other reconnaissance devices and several ground observation stations.
More about what's new
It was recently reported that an airborne special forces detachment destroyed a monument to the fallen SS soldiers in Lithuania. The state is trying by all possible means to prove that no such order was officially submitted from the headquarters. They're still trying to figure out what's going on.
According to the first information, it turns out that the commander of the airborne special forces detachment took all the blame upon himself. It seems that he, having gotten drunk, gave the order to his detachment, which at that moment was on training exercises in the Pskov region, to cross the border with Lithuania and destroy the SS monument there. The state confirms this version, citing the fact that there was no communication with the headquarters during the exercises, and therefore he could not give such an order for objective reasons. The airborne special forces commander himself is under guard and cannot comment on this matter.
The fact is that no one would probably have known that it was the special forces of the Airborne Forces who destroyed the monument, but surveillance cameras recorded the crime. But the detachment worked so quietly that not a single civilian and not a single policeman saw the action itself. In addition, microphones were installed on the cameras.
And the Lithuanian government heard everything that the Russian airborne special forces said about those who allowed the installation of the SS monument. In general, at first the Lithuanian government was at a loss, because it is not every day that a special forces detachment of the Russian Airborne Forces destroys a monument in the center of a Lithuanian city. It couldn't even believe it if it weren't for the video. The Russian government did not initially give any comments, but was forced to do so under the influence of photographic evidence provided to it. Now all the details of the circumstances are being clarified.
One day of training
The Airborne Special Forces detachment moved very secretly and quietly through the dense forest. On all sides the detachment had gun muzzles sticking out, ready to fire at any necessary moment. The soldiers walked, covering each other, constantly observing and analyzing the situation around them. It was necessary to constantly listen and sniff everything around.
It was already the third day of training, and the scouts of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment were actively preparing for the previous competitions. The main composition of the detachment is soldiers who are under contract in the Airborne Forces and young conscript soldiers. The instructor said that in order to fully train a full-fledged airborne special forces soldier, it takes at least three years. It turns out that the conscripts were of no use, and they do not support the group in any way. Although the detachment commander said that the conscripts performed very well for last days and they are not a burden.
In addition to the detachment commanders, the group also included snipers, demolitions and signalmen. Of course, each has his own type of activity, task and specialization, but in the case of a missing link, each of the fighters is able to replace the other in a full-fledged manner. The special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces are, indeed, universal soldiers capable of performing a wide variety of tasks.
The detachment's weapons were very diverse. Some fighters had in their hands sniper rifles SVD, others received Vintorez as their weapon. Some of the fighters were also armed with Kalashnikov machine guns. Of course, all fighters are trained to master bladed weapons in an excellent manner, so everyone must have a blade. In addition, everyone has pistols, and in some cases - with a silencer.
On this day of exercises, the tasks were very diverse and varied. At first, airborne special forces fighters had to carefully move through the forest, well camouflaged and preparing for a possible attack. After this, it was supposed to simulate the injury of one of the fighters and provide him with first aid. After this, it was necessary to capture the car, taking the enemy from it, and at the end it was necessary to overcome the water barrier.
The squad members had a wide variety of clothing and equipment, but mostly of high quality. In general, the airborne special forces soldiers wore what they didn’t mind and what was cheaper and better. This was explained primarily by the fact that the soldiers dressed entirely at their own expense. But, since the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment are universal soldiers, they are accustomed to working in the most diverse and specific conditions.
The shoes attracted particular attention. It was, oddly enough, non-standard, but, apparently, comfortable, high quality and expensive. What also aroused interest was what the airborne special forces soldiers use - socks or foot wraps. It turned out that there is no special law; you can wear both the first and the other. The only difference is which one is more convenient to use. Shoes are very important for airborne special forces, because they have to carry weight on themselves, sometimes reaching forty to fifty kilograms, but in this case they told me that the weight was about twenty to thirty kilograms.
After the detachment left the forest, the fighters crossed the road and successfully clashed with an unexpected enemy, as a result of which one of the special forces soldiers of the Russian Airborne Forces was seriously wounded. The wound was in the lower limb, and another bullet hit the eye. Everything was complicated by the fact that there was active bleeding that needed to be stopped.
The injured Airborne Special Forces soldier had his leg tied with a tourniquet and his head heavily bandaged. After this, it was necessary to inject the drug into a vein. The injection was done for real, only instead of cardiac stimulants, ordinary harmless glucose was injected.
Before capturing the enemy, the airborne special forces detachment split up on different sides of the road. As the truck approached the required distance, bags of paint flew into the windshield.
Under real conditions, bullets would have flown, but since there were exercises, bags of paint were flying. After this, the detachment successfully captured the prisoner. This took about thirty seconds. The 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment, as always, worked promptly and professionally. What aroused interest was what they do with the prisoner, because he can also remain silent, as we often see in films. But I was informed that such situations when a prisoner is silent practically never happen in history.
If a prisoner refuses to speak, such psychological and physical methods are applied to him by the airborne special forces that his will breaks and he gives out everything he needs. After interrogation, the fate of the captured person can be decided in two ways. The first is that he will be left alive if the Russian Airborne Forces special forces command still needs him. Then his will is limited, but he remains alive. If there is no longer any need for the prisoner, he can be destroyed.
When the time came to carry out the last task, that is, to cross the river, the soldiers were noticeably happy. The airborne special forces took off everything except their hats and T-shirts. In combat conditions, black fins are used for swimming, but during exercises - yellow ones, so that if they are lost they can be found. After completely collecting the things and packing them in special waterproof bags, the airborne special forces tied weapons to them. Next, a rope is tied from plastic bottles.
Two swimmers swim to the other side, and the rest prepare for swimming and defend themselves. When two special forces soldiers of the Russian Airborne Forces have crossed, the next two swim, using a rope made of bottles to facilitate movement. And so the swimming continues. After all the soldiers of the detachment moved to the other side, everyone was very tired and hungry. The commander said that the detachment had four to five hours to rest, and after that they could move on. If, of course, it is necessary.
Each element is assigned a number of special functions, which, in general, guarantee full-fledged defense capability. But, as in most other structures, there are privileged, elite units where every fighter dreams of getting into.
The army fulfills its duties not only in the military, but also in Peaceful time, because she must be in good shape all the time.
The classic version of this rather large industry is divided into:
- naval;
- air force;
- land.
Especially the developed countries, such as the Russian Federation, also have space forces.
Special elite troops do not belong to the vowel division. Getting there is considered prestigious, not only due to the mass of advantages for employees, but the very status of such a soldier will say a lot about him, even to a civilian.
What does “elite” mean when it comes to troops?
This stable concept is not thoroughly understood by everyone. The first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name “Russian Elite Troops” is something incredibly terrifying and powerful. These are the most experienced masters of their craft, professional warriors. But it's not that simple.
Being a completely journalistic name, it has no legislative basis and is not secured in any way at all. A popular expression that has taken on prohibitive national scale and nothing more.
Therefore, it is impossible to call it elite by singling out any single structure of the armed forces. There is no single evaluation criterion by which to determine the status of specific troops.
In fact, based on the fact that the expression was invented by the people, the rating of warriors who are considered supposedly elite is chosen by the same population of the state.
Surveys of this kind are conducted primarily to identify the most combat-ready unit. Additionally, elite status is granted to troops who demonstrate heroic deeds or highly professional skills during various types of tasks from the state.
In this article we will look at the generally accepted list of elite troops, and how likely it is to get there.
FSO
The department, which appeared thanks to the internal traditions of the country, has existed since the founding of the notorious 9th Department of State Security of the USSR.
Nowadays, conscript soldiers are recruited there. The most prestigious unit in this industry is considered the Presidential Regiment, which annually includes 240 conscripts according to a very strict selection principle. It is not enough to have excellent physical fitness and the appearance of the average Slav, but if you are under 180 cm tall, your path there is already closed.
Among novice military personnel who plan to devote their lives to serving the security of the Motherland, getting into the Presidential Regiment means opening a “green path” to the SOP of the Russian Federation, and this is nothing less than the protection of the most significant person in the country - its guarantor.
Space Force
The possibility of non-contact armed confrontation has become practically a necessity in the 21st century. The Space Force is the crown of evolution on this moment and is developing every hour. Key role of this industry is to protect the territory of the state entrusted to the unit from space attack with the help nuclear warheads or other innovative weapons.
Serving in the space forces is not just prestigious - it is a big step into the future, which will certainly be endless, like space. But how safe it is depends directly on the specialists themselves who serve there. Why not warriors? Because there is no educational institution in Russia that prepares people for service in the Space Forces. Personnel are recruited there from the most prestigious technical universities of the Federation.
Marines
The previously mentioned troops are not as wildly popular as the Marines among conscripts and military professionals. Naval forces The Russian Federation is the most combat-ready and lethal unit of the entire structure. Currently it consists of five fleets:
- Northern;
- Pacific;
- Caspian;
- Black Sea;
- Baltic.
To get into their ranks, you must successfully pass two stages of verification on a competitive basis:
- During distribution at the military registration and enlistment office, undergo a special selection into the ranks of recruits for the naval forces.
- To prove oneself during service in the navy from the best side as strong-willed, decisive and strong man with excellent physical health and a developed body, be ready to make morally difficult decisions.
It is at the second stage that most recruits are eliminated, because not everyone can handle the enormous physical and psychological stress.
On August 2, Russia celebrates Airborne Forces Day. As always, groups in vests and blue berets will try to find mutual language with the police and go swimming in the fountains. And in Moscow they are planned procession and a festive concert.
Paratroopers are often called the elite of the army. Experts interviewed by Radio Liberty talk about the criteria for elitism in general, applicable to the Soviet and Russian armies, and about airborne troops in particular.
Military observer Alexander Golts considers the definition of “elite troops” to be purely subjective:
Eliteness is determined, first of all, by the severity of selection into the troops and the skills possessed by the serviceman of these troops. By definition, elite troops cannot be massive. An example is the Marine Corps. For Russia, where there are only a few marine brigades, these are, of course, elite troops.
The Soviet Union also, of course, had elite troops. This applied to the above-mentioned intelligence units, marines, airborne troops and special forces brigades of the Main Intelligence Directorate.
Many films were made about the airborne troops in the Soviet Union, which made many boys want to serve in the Airborne Forces. However Chief Editor website "Agentura.ru" Andrei Soldatov says that the real elite had no direct connection to the landing:
In Soviet times there was a big difference between special forces and airborne forces. And even if special forces officers were trained at the Ryazan Airborne School, it was still a separate course. Physical strength has always been cultivated among the paratroopers - all those broken bricks, big biceps, vests. And the special forces always looked down on this somewhat. The special forces recruited mostly people who were small in stature and rather fragile, who treated flaunting their physical power not only with contempt, but with a smile. The special forces valued intelligence, the ability to plan some daring actions, and not brute physical strength. And the formation of the famous 45th Special Forces Regiment as part of the Airborne Forces is a new phenomenon that has appeared in the Russian army.
Artem Sheinin, a television journalist working in a senior position in one of the largest Russian television companies, talks about his paratrooper past. In the mid-80s, he was drafted into the Airborne Forces, ended up in Afghanistan, and fought in an airborne assault battalion. In the Armed Forces of the USSR, Artem Sheinin, wearers of blue vests and berets were truly the elite, including due to the fact that they were looked after in advance:
On a national scale, there was a system of pre-conscription, pre-army training of people for service in the Airborne Forces. This was a widespread practice. WITH for the most part We met those people with whom I was later in Fergana back in February 1984. I was drafted in April 1984, and in February 1984 we jumped at the Volosov airfield in the Moscow region.
Everything that is happening to the Russian army now does not correspond to my idea of a combat-ready army. It is difficult for me to judge the state of aviation and Missile Forces strategic purpose, but I know for sure that in a year of service it is impossible to raise a normal Airborne Forces fighter, even if during this year, as they say, he will not be engaged in kitchen orders and household work. I know quite a lot of people from big cities who are for Lately served in the army and were drafted into the Airborne Forces. But I have not heard anything about how now, as in Soviet times, military registration and enlistment offices would organize the mass transportation of those conscripted into the Airborne Forces for training jumps.
Nevertheless, Artem Sheinin is confident that the landing force still remains the elite of the Russian army, if only because of the tasks for which these units are prepared. Artem says this with the hope that in real life the order to carry out such tasks will never come.
For three minutes you are an eagle, and then you work like a horse - why do all conscripts strive to become paratroopers, despite the fact that the airborne forces require exorbitant physical exertion? The author of “Star” Viktor Sokirko, who himself served in the Airborne Forces, writes about this.
The eyes are full of stripes - a few days ago sailors in black and white vests celebrated their professional holiday, today the most popular color in Russia is blue and white. On August 2, the airborne troops, especially revered in the country, celebrate their day. Landing mission. Blue berets. At the military registration and enlistment offices, even the weakest recruit first declares his desire to serve in the airborne forces. The best are selected - the status of the troops obliges us, especially since the specifics of the service here are somewhat exaggerated compared to other branches and branches of the Armed Forces. And the holiday is just a beautiful sign for the ceremonial days, behind which the harsh and intense service is hidden.
The history of the Airborne Forces is inferior in terms of time of formation to sailors, artillerymen, border guards, tank crews, sappers, and certainly infantry. The starting point is the exercises of the Moscow Military District near Voronezh, when the first airborne assault was launched on August 2, 1930. But this is a glorious story, which, since the Great Patriotic War, was replenished with the exploits and courage of the troops, which became a symbol of courage and readiness to complete any assigned tasks. It is no coincidence that the paratroopers’ motto is: “Nobody but us!” and “No task is impossible.”
But the peak of the popularity of the Airborne Forces came during the command of the troops of the legendary Army General Vasily Filippovich Margelov, who was in this position from 1954 to 1979 (with some interruption in demotion to the level of deputy). Margelov “gave” the paratroopers not only blue berets and vests, which are now a symbol of the Airborne Forces. Under his command, new D-6 parachutes, armored vehicles BMD and BTRD, adapted for parachute landing, appeared in service. The foundation was laid for the development of airborne troops as special forces. Even modern paratroopers who did not see Commander Margelov in their service continue to believe that among other abbreviations of the Airborne Forces - Airborne troops, there is also one like Uncle Vasya’s Troops, which was named in honor of Vasily Filippovich.
By the way, the decoding of the abbreviation VDV, in addition to the official one, is very broad. Here are just a few options. “Two Hundred Options Are Possible,” hinting that the paratroopers have to act in different situations, including without the use of landing, and to constantly changing combat missions.
“A paratrooper can withstand everything” is an axiom that is instilled in a paratrooper from the first days of service, when the extreme physical activity can break even a very trained young man. There is an unwritten law in the troops - those who are not ready for such tests are transferred to other units without any special incriminating comments. And they accept into their ranks guys who ended up in other troops, but wrote reports asking to be transferred to the Airborne Forces.
“In my memory, there were dozens, if not hundreds, of cases when requests for a desire to serve in the airborne forces came from soldiers assigned to other troops,” recalls ex-commander of the Airborne Forces (1996-2003), Colonel General Georgy Shpak. - I always put the resolution: “I agree.” If the young man is so persistent in his desire to serve in the Airborne Forces, already understanding that airborne service will not be sweet, then why not give him a chance? Many of these guys subsequently entered the airborne school and became professional soldiers. We also had to deal with situations when applicants who did not pass the high enough competitive exams at the Ryazan Higher Military Airborne Command School did not go home, but remained to live in an almost illegal situation near the training center. They dug dugouts, it was unclear how they ate, they organized their own daily routine and did physical training. With the hope that they will still be accepted into the school. And some of them achieved their goal - when places were freed up at the expense of those cadets who could not stand the test airborne service and wrote a dismissal report. One must not only love service in the airborne forces for the sake of the beauty of the uniform and the admiring glances of the girls, one must be devoted to it to the core. It is precisely such men who receive the right to bear the title of paratrooper.”
The Airborne Forces have more than once been the reserve of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Now they also remain in this status, but not only because of their professional characteristics. In recent years, the “Winged Troops” have transformed into a force that is capable of solving tasks of a high degree of responsibility. Now strike units have appeared among the troops - these are those landing formations that, in addition to being equipped modern weapons and equipment, show excellent results in combat training. The title of “percussion” is given not by involvement, but precisely by merit. This is the stimulus that every connection strives for or military unit Airborne Forces The first to receive this title were the paratroopers of the 104th Airborne Regiment of the Pskov 76th Airborne Division, as well as three parachute battalions and two parachute companies. Among the candidates are almost the entire composition of compounds and airborne units.
Now in combat strength The Airborne Forces have four divisions - air assault divisions in Novorossiysk and Pskov, airborne divisions in Ivanovo and Tula. Separate brigades are deployed in Ulyanovsk, Ulan-Ude, Kamyshin and Ussuriysk. The special-purpose brigade, in addition to its location near Moscow in Kubinka and Solnechnogorsk, is also located in other regions of Russia. The total strength of the Airborne Forces is estimated at 45 thousand people, most of whom are professional military personnel.
Just one list of equipment and airborne weapons could take several pages, starting from BMD-4M, BTR-MDM “Rakushka”, ending with shooting knives (their tactical and technical characteristics can be found on the website of TC “Zvezda”). But still, the main “trick” of the airborne troops is parachute jumps. There are also plenty of special landing systems here. The main parachute for airborne units is the D-10, which is now being modernized for landing from both military transport aircraft and helicopters and other light aircraft. The Arbalet and Lesnik parachute systems, which have received positive reviews and are already actively used by the troops, are considered the best in the world and, in addition Russian units special purpose, are also used in regular airborne units.
“The first parachute jump is the first step for initiation into the great airborne brotherhood,” says the first deputy chairman of the Committee on Defense and Security of the Northern Fleet, Franz Klintsevich, who served in the airborne forces. - The feeling is incomparable when you soar above the ground and even control the dome above your head. But, as they say in the Airborne Forces, you are an eagle in the sky for three minutes, and then you plow like a horse. And our paratroopers gained fame precisely on the ground, because a parachute is only a means of delivery to the earth’s surface. The sky is romance, daisies in the sky, and then the main combat work begins. I would like to point out to you that our airborne troops deserve their glory and pride precisely for their cohesion and willpower. This is a special caste, where even a young fighter is instilled with a sense of community, collectivism, responsibility for his comrades and an indispensable rule - to complete the assigned task. For me personally, service in the airborne forces has become the core of my life that dictates - not a step back, only forward.”
Well, in order to dispel the myths about the reasons for paratroopers to bathe in fountains on Airborne Forces Day, which are tied to the patron saint of paratroopers, Ilya the Prophet, revered on August 2, you can note that everything depends only on the weather. Now, it seems, Hydromet gives the go-ahead for water procedures at least in the Central region of Russia. For the airborne forces!
Do you remember the old Soviet joke? At a meeting at NATO, generals decide in which army in the world, which elite units are best trained. English Green Berets? Or American? Or someone else? Finally, one old general says that the most terrible troops are in the Soviet Union. They are called a strange word, and due to their special savagery, they are not even trusted with weapons. The Soviet Union conveniently collapsed. In the Russian army, the construction battalion was abolished (replacing it with more prosperous phrases “railway troops” and “engineering troops”), but it is still interesting to know which country owns the most powerful elite special forces.
Of course, it is difficult to compare these troops with each other, since it is impossible to hold a tournament between them according to the Olympic system in the manner of gladiator fights practiced in Ancient Rome, but you can try to evaluate the entry requirements, training, as well as the track record of these military formations. So….
8. Black Stork Squad, Pakistan
A special forces group that got its name from its unique headgear. During training, the fighters of this formation must complete a forced march of 58 km in 12 hours and with full equipment. It fights mainly against Afghans, including the Taliban.
7. Special Operations Unit of the Spanish Navy
Created in 1952, initially only volunteers were recruited there. It was called a “company of mountaineering divers” (the original name, isn’t it?) Later it was transformed into an elite unit. The selection for this unit is very strict. Based on the results of the qualifying course, 70-80% of applicants are usually eliminated.
6. Russian special forces "Alpha"
Created in 1974, of course, under the KGB, later, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it came under the control of the FSB. After the collapse of the Union, this special unit clearly had more work. All kinds of operations in the North Caucasus and beyond. Alpha fighters fight both with and representatives of organized crime. As you understand, there are an order of magnitude more of both of them in Russia than in the former USSR.
What can you do, the world is changing. For Beslan and Nord-Ost, Alpha is still criticized to this day, making unjustified accusations against the security forces a large number of victims. But, it must be said that in the same notorious Moscow theater, Alpha people corrected the mistakes of other people who showed phenomenal carelessness and indifference. The result was 129 dead hostages, mainly from the effects of paralytic.
However, the professionalism and highest fighting qualities of the Alpha fighters are beyond doubt. Suffice it to recall the storming of Amin’s palace in Kabul in 1979, numerous operations in Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and others. For example, the liquidation of the leader of Ichkeria Aslan Maskhadov and the representative of Al-Qaeda in Chechnya and adjacent regions Abu Havsa, release of hostages in Mineralnye Vody in 2001. As for criticism, it seems that the peculiarities of the Russian mentality have an effect. Criticize, look for those to blame, and sometimes even curse, accusing of all known mortal sins, but when it gets hot, tearfully beg for help.
5. Special forces of the French gendarmerie, the so-called intervention group. GIGN
The main combat missions are operations to free hostages, this is the specificity of the group. When seizing the Al-Harak Mosque in 1979 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, special forces were faced with the fact that only Muslims could be allowed into the territory of the holy city. Then three fighters of the group, and after that immediately joined the troops Saudi Arabia who liberated the mosque from terrorists. In total, the group’s combat account includes more than 600 freed hostages.
4. Special unit Sayeret Matkal, Israel
The main tasks are reconnaissance and information collection. Therefore, the fighters of this unit spend a lot of time behind enemy lines. Not everyone can withstand the extreme stress of the qualifying course (gibusha). are carried out under the supervision of doctors and a psychologist. Based on the results of the death, only the best are accepted into the unit. One of the group's most memorable operations was the release of an Israeli taxi driver named Ilyahu Gurel, who had been kidnapped by three Palestinians whom he had taken to Jerusalem. His captors held him in a 10-meter shaft in an abandoned factory on the outskirts of Ramallah. However, special forces soldiers found him there too. As for the terrorists, they were given what they deserved.
3. UK Special Air Service, or SAS (Special Air Service)
This is, in a way, a double of the SBS Marine Corps special unit. The motto of this unit is “He who takes risks wins.” The SAS saw action in Iraq following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. As noted American general Stanley McChrystal, “Their participation was critical. We couldn't have done it without them." This statement best characterizes the role of the SAS in those events, as well as the level of combat training.
2. Special unit of the British Marine Corps - SBS (Special Boat Service)
There is also a very tough selection and high intensity of training. The training course includes all kinds of endurance tests, training in survival skills in combat conditions, training in the jungles of Belize, plus intensive interrogation of candidates for admission. You can take the test course no more than twice.
1. SEALs are an elite unit of the US Armed Forces
The main tactical unit of the US Navy's special operations forces. They are mainly engaged in reconnaissance, sabotage activities and the release of hostages, and also solve other tasks of a tactical nature (clearing mines, combating illegal border crossings). The formation of the detachment began in 1962. First of all, fighters who could swim well and wield bladed weapons were selected for the detachment. From 1962 to 1973, SEALs fought in Vietnam, both as part of reconnaissance teams and as instructors for Vietnamese soldiers. Invaded Grenada (Operation Flash of Fury, 1983). Participated in the war in Persian Gulf(Operation "Main Chance"). They fought in Panama and Afghanistan. On May 2, 2011, a Navy special forces detachment conducted successful operation to eliminate Bin Laden.
Specifics of preparation fur seals is that they perceive water not as an obstacle, but as natural environment. Service in the SEAL places increased demands on the health of fighters, both physical and psychological, and therefore the training there is appropriate. What is “” worth when for 5 days the fighters sleep only 4 hours a day, and the rest of the time is occupied with survival tests. The motto of the Navy SEALs - “the only easy day was yesterday” - clearly indicates the progressive nature of the loads, which would already seem prohibitive to an ordinary person.