What are the special forces units. Special forces units of the Russian Federation
Talk about special forces units of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces in recent times on the lips of many. Some military observers call them one of the most famous military units in Russia. There are legends about the GRU special forces, films are made, books, essays and articles are written. The GRU special forces are indeed considered the elite of the armed forces, but often what is shown in films has almost nothing to do with reality.
The real operations in which the army "specialists" participated, as a rule, are not advertised, they are not heard about on TV and they will not be written in the newspapers. Almost. Thus, the hype in the media can only mean the failure of certain missions. Although Grushnikov punctures are extremely rare. Nevertheless, in connection with the latest events in the world, here and there slips information about "some Russian special forces."
It is clear that only the best of the best can get into this special forces, because in order to be accepted into this unit, candidates will have to go through the most severe selection. And in general, the ordinary training of the GRU special forces can shock ordinary people, but the special forces pay special attention to their training.
Unlike other special units of other power structures, the GRU special forces do not have their own name. And, in general, these harsh guys do not have the habit of "lighting up" once again. So, for example, when conducting special operations, they may be given the uniform of one of the armies of the world, and the image of the globe on their emblems means that the area of \u200b\u200boperations of the GRU special forces can be limited only to the globe.
The GRU special forces are the "eyes and ears" of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces behind enemy lines, and often effective tool to carry out a wide variety of "delicate" operations. So what is the main Intelligence Directorate, and also what is the history of the special forces included in its structure?
Main Intelligence Directorate: from the tsarist to the present day
The need to create some structures that would be engaged in intelligence activities for the military department arose with the formation of the Red Army. So the end of the autumn of 1918 is the creation of the Field Headquarters of the Revolutionary Council of the Republic. And the presence of the Registration Department in its composition spoke of serious intentions to collect and process intelligence. In general, this organization was engaged in ensuring the work of agents for the Red Army, as well as counterintelligence.
The field headquarters (together with the Registration Office) was established by order of November 5, 1918. From this date, the Soviet, and later its successor, Russian military intelligence counts.
However, this does not mean at all that in pre-revolutionary Russia there were no bodies involved in collecting information for military structures. However, as well as special military units engaged in the execution of special, specific tasks.
So, for example, in the 16th century, Tsar Ivan IV established a guard service. It selected Cossacks, distinguished by excellent health, excellent ability to handle any type of firearms and edged weapons. One of the tasks that were assigned to them was tracking the "Wild Field". From it, the Muscovite kingdom was constantly threatened by the raids of the Tatar and Nogai hordes.
Later, during the time of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, the organization of the Secret Order took place. This body gathered not only military information about probable adversary but also about neighboring powers.
Under Alexander I (1817), a detachment of cavalry gendarmerie, an analogue of our SOBR, was formed. He was mainly engaged in the tasks of maintaining internal order in the state. In the 19th century, units were formed in the Russian army in which Cossacks-plastuns served.
Besides, Russian empire It also had units resembling the likeness of a modern army special forces. So, in 1764, Jaeger divisions were formed by Suvorov, Kutuzov and Panin. With their participation, special operations could be carried out independently without the main army forces. The huntsmen participated in raids, sat in ambushes, fought in hard-to-reach mountainous and forest areas, and in 1810 Barclay de Tolly created a Special Expedition (Expedition of Secret Affairs).
In 1921, a decision was made to form the Intelligence Directorate of the Red Army Headquarters. The order stated that the Razvedupr should be engaged in conducting military intelligence. In the 1920s, the department carried out undercover intelligence, pro-Soviet partisan formations were created in neighboring states, and active subversive activities were carried out.
After several reorganizations in 1934, the Intelligence Department of the Red Army was subordinate to the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR. In the 1930s, Soviet saboteurs and military advisers had to successfully operate in the Spanish campaign. However, by the end of the 1930s political repression inflicted serious damage on Soviet military intelligence officers, many of them were arrested and shot.
In February 1942, it was decided to form the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of the General Staff of the Red Army. Actually, under this name, the organization will exist for many more decades. In the post-war years, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff was abolished for several years, but in 1949 it was restored again.
In October 1950, according to a secret directive, special units (SpN) were created. Their tasks included conducting reconnaissance and sabotage behind enemy lines. Immediately, such units began to be created in all military districts (a total of 46 companies were created). Later, special forces brigades were formed on their basis. The first one was created in 1962. 1968 was marked by the formation of the first special forces training regiment in the Pskov region, and two years later the second in the Tashkent region.
At first, special forces units were prepared to counter the NATO bloc. So, with the beginning (or before the start) of hostilities, the special forces had to operate deep behind enemy lines. For example, to collect intelligence and transfer it to the Main Intelligence Directorate, to act against headquarters and other command posts, to commit sabotage and terrorist attacks, to sow panic, to eliminate infrastructure facilities. As always, special attention was paid to weapons of mass destruction, namely, missile silos and launchers, airfields, and submarine bases.
GRU special forces took an active part in the war in the DRA, in the suppression of North Caucasian separatism. GRU special forces were involved in civil war in Tajikistan, in the Georgian campaign. Many media outlets are trumpeting to the whole world that Special Forces units are now in Syria.
These days, the GRU is not just DRG groups. The GRU actively conducts undercover electronic and space intelligence, collects data from cyberspace. Russian military intelligence officers are successfully using information warfare technologies, working with foreign political forces, as well as some politicians.
Since 2010, the Main Intelligence Directorate has been renamed. It became the Main Directorate of the General Staff, however, the old name is still on everyone's lips.
Main Intelligence Directorate: main tasks
As soon as the special forces of the GRU of Russia were formed, before new structure serious challenges were
- Organization and conduct of intelligence;
- Destruction of any means of nuclear attack;
- Identification of military formations;
- Conducting special operations behind enemy lines;
- Organization and conduct of sabotage activities;
- Creation of insurgent (partisan) detachments in the enemy rear;
- Fight against terrorism;
- Search and neutralization of saboteurs.
Among others, the following tasks are performed:
- Creation of radio interference;
- Violation of power supply;
- Liquidation of transport hubs;
- Inciting unrest in the military and state structures countries.
Most of the tasks sound fantastic, to say the least. However, the GRU spetsnaz may well cope with them, because they have the appropriate technical means and weapons, along with portable nuclear mines.
In addition to the usual tasks for many special forces, the GRU special forces were engaged in the elimination of prominent political or public figures enemy states. It is alleged that later these tasks were decided to be canceled. Although, most likely they were even more classified.
Main Intelligence Directorate: personnel policy
Since 1968, the training of highly professional intelligence officers began at the Ryazan Airborne School. special purpose. Actually in those days they formed the legendary 9th company. Recent graduates The 9th company went to the troops in 1981, after which it was disbanded.
Soviet special forces officers were trained at the Frunze Military Academy, and future officers were trained by the intelligence department at the Kiev VOKU, although their specialization was more like military intelligence.
The total number of personnel of the GRU special forces is unknown. They talk about six to fifteen thousand fighters.
Preparation and training of the GRU special forces
It is rather difficult to get into the special forces, but not impossible. For the most part, candidates must be in perfect physical health. It is not at all so important to stand out with an impressive size, because for a special forces soldier his endurance is of no small importance. Scouts during raids during the whole day have to cope with many tens of kilometers, and all this is not done lightly at all. On their shoulders it is possible to carry more than a dozen kilograms of weapons, equipment and ammunition.
Applicants will have to submit necessary minimum, which includes:
- Three-kilometer cross in 10 minutes;
- Pull-ups - 25 times;
- Run for a hundred meters - 12 seconds;
- Push-ups from the floor - 90 times;
- Rocking the press - 90 times in two minutes.
One of the standards for physical training includes hand-to-hand combat. It is clear that the most thorough medical examination of all candidates is carried out.
In addition to physical fitness, another important factor is the presence mental health candidate: special forces must be completely "stress-resistant" and not get lost even in the most difficult circumstances. Candidates for without fail interviews with psychologists must take place, after which polygraph tests will follow (this is a “lie detector”). In addition, all relatives of future intelligence officers are scrupulously checked by the relevant authorities. Parents will be required to give written consent for their son to serve in the GRU special forces.
If the servicemen still managed to get into the ranks of the special forces, then they will have long months of long and exhausting training. Soldiers are trained in hand-to-hand combat. This approach significantly enhances the morale and strengthens the character of any commando.
It is clear that all special forces must be fluent in hand-to-hand combat techniques. At the same time, to be able to beat not only with bare hands, but also to use a wide variety of objects in battle, sometimes not at all intended for combat. Recruits are often put up against stronger and more experienced opponents (and sometimes even several). In such cases, it will be more important for them not to win, but to stay in sparring as long as possible. With the beginning of training, future special forces are inspired by the idea that only they are the best.
The training of special forces soldiers may differ in increased intensity. It is usually carried out using an individual program. So, every three or four soldiers are assigned one officer. He watches over his subordinates around the clock. It is clear that the officers themselves were trained according to a much more intense program. After many years of training, it will not be difficult for each of them to independently become a replacement in any combined arms unit.
It is hardly worth saying that the GRU special forces were classified in Soviet times more than any nuclear developments. At the very least, absolutely everyone knew about strategic nuclear missiles, bombers with nuclear warheads on board and nuclear submarines. Whereas not every marshal could know about the GRU special forces, and then what can we say about the generals?
Future special forces soldiers are trained to endure the most severe hardships and deprivations that will put the ordinary person above the limits of his physical capabilities. The tests include prolonged sleep and food deprivation, as well as the addition of extreme physical exertion and psychological pressure. It is clear that in the GRU special forces, future fighters will be taught mastery of all types of firearms and edged weapons. Despite some specific tasks performed by the GRU special forces, its military personnel most often use standard Russian weapons.
Special forces units(SpN), (commandos, special forces, English special forces) - specially trained units of state intelligence and counterintelligence services, the army, aviation, navy, the protection of senior state officials and the police (police), whose personnel has a high combat, fire, physical and psychological preparation, whose task is to solve specific combat missions in extremely extreme conditions.
RUSSIA
In the photo: soldiers of the airborne troops
Special forces of the GRU of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
Special units of the SVR
Russian Airborne Troops
Marine Corps of Russia
Special forces of the border troops of the Federal Security Service of Russia
Special Forces of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
The tasks of the center and detachments include carrying out anti-terrorist measures in the operational service zone, searching for and eliminating illegal armed formations, liquidation of riots, detention especially dangerous criminals, freeing the hostages.
Police special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs
Special forces of the Federal Penitentiary Service
Special units of the Federal Penitentiary Service. Currently, they have the name "Special Purpose Departments". The task of the unit is to prevent and suppress crimes and offenses at the facilities of the Federal Penitentiary Service, search for and capture especially dangerous criminals, ensure security at special events, release hostages taken by convicts, and also protect senior officials of the department.
Special Forces of the Ministry of Emergency Situations
In the photo: fighters of the "SEAL" unit ("fur seals")
The US Armed Forces has a Command special operations United States, which includes the "Special Operations Forces" (MTR) of the United States (United States Special Operations Forces). A common mistake is to call the MTR "US Special Forces", which is incorrect, since only the "Green Berets" are "special forces".
ISRAEL
In the photo: fighters of the anti-terrorist unit "Shayetet 13"
Israeli Navy Special Forces
Special Forces Mossad
Israel Police Special Forces
Other
FRANCE
In the photo: fighters of the anti-terrorist unit "GIGN"
Special Operations Command (General Commandant les Operations Speciales (GCOS)
It unites under its command all units and formations in the armed forces intended for conducting reconnaissance deep behind enemy lines, as well as carrying out sabotage operations and other special events, and units that support their activities. Tasks - Providing military assistance, which consists in training foreign military, mainly African states that have concluded a military assistance agreement with France, conducting military support operations - consists in using the experience of conducting deep raids on enemy territory, combating terrorism, influence operations imply conducting psychological operations.
The GCOS includes:
Parts of the Separate Special Command (GSA) - Groupment special autonome:
The 1st company is intended for carrying out operations outside the city, forcing water barriers and guarding and escorting VIPs. The 2nd company specializes in operations within the city limits, sabotage and sniping. In addition, the company's fighters are trained in the use of mines and explosives, and also work out the technique of "breaking and entering". The 3rd company provides fire support with heavy mortar fire, air defense, and also conducts reconnaissance on light all-terrain vehicles.
Air Force Special Forces. These include:
French Army Special Forces
French Navy Special Forces
Traditionally, the special forces of the French Navy are named after the officers who were the first commanders.
The five remaining units are the French equivalent of the British SBS - Special boat squodron and US SEALs units. However, the Hubert detachment stands out from the general list. It is fully equipped with combat swimmers.
Special Forces of the French Gendarmerie
Since the middle of the 20th century, special anti-terrorist units for special purposes began to appear in the armed forces of different countries. Today they exist in more than 50 countries. We will talk about the most famous and powerful of them.
United Kingdom
"22 Regiment of the Special Airborne Service" (SAS-22). Formed during World War II. In terms of combat training, it is comparable only with Israeli counter-terrorist units, but surpasses them in armament. According to some reports, 500 people serve within the unit. Despite strict secrecy, much attention is paid to the creation of publicity. The most successful operations - actions against the IRA in Ireland, Holland, Germany. Participated in thousands of operations from the Sahara to Malaysia. The most famous operation is the release of the hostages at the Iranian embassy in London. Throughout history, several dozen employees have died in Northern Ireland and Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.
Germany
"Federal Border Protection Group" (GSG-9). Created after the Munich tragedy during the 1976 Olympics. It was the group's first operation. Then one of the TV journalists installed a TV camera in the house opposite the building with hostages and terrorists, and the terrorists watched all the preparations of the "GSG" live. diplomats during trips to the Middle East.Helps German counterintelligence by organizing surveillance of terrorists.Number - about 200 people.There are no women in the unit, but sometimes the group uses employees of German counterintelligence.For the entire time of its existence, more than 5 thousand operations have been carried out.Ten members died at the hands of terrorists.The most famous operation is October 1977 in Mogadishu (Somalia), the release of a plane hijacked by Arab terrorists with more than 100 hostages.The German service was invited to eliminate the terrorists also because the terrorists demanded that the leaders of the "Faction Red Army”, German left radical groups, the war with which "GSG" considered its main business in the 70s. Failures - 1994, the murder of a member of the "Red Army Faction" Wolfgang Grams. During the capture of RAF leaders Grams and Brigit Hogefeld on the metro platform, one of the employees of the special squad was killed in a shootout. And then Grams was shot at point-blank range. Moreover, passers-by showed the following: when the firefight ended, two GSG officers leaned over the wounded Grams and shot him with his own pistol.
France
"National Gendarmerie Intervention Group" (GIGN). Created in March 1974 to combat Arab terrorism in France. Initially, it consisted of 15 volunteer gendarmes. Today the number of the group is 200 people. Over the entire period of its existence, about 500 people were saved and about 100 anti-terrorist operations were carried out. Ten soldiers of the unit were killed. The most successful operation was the rescue of 18 hostages from a plane in Marseille, hijacked by terrorists in 1994. GIGN fighters became famous during the suppression of a riot of prisoners in the French prison of Clairvaux in January 1978, in the liberation from armed fanatics of the main Muslim shrine of the Kaaba in Mecca (Saudi Arabia) in September 1979, in an operation to restore order on the island of New Caledonia during the uprising of the natives -kanakov in May 1988.
Austria
"Cobra", the anti-terrorist unit of the Austrian police. Formed in 1978. Number - 200 people. The Austrian authorities decided to create their own anti-terrorist unit after the ministers participating in the OPEC Congress in 1973 were attacked by terrorists. In 1978, the Austrian authorities officially announced the creation of the Cobra. The unit is subordinated to to CEO public safety at the Ministry of the Interior of Austria. In addition to anti-terrorist activities, Cobra is responsible for guarding the Vienna Schwekat airport. The militants are armed with 9-mm French pistols. According to experts, these weapons are most suitable for anti-terrorist operations. So far, not a single member of the Cobra has died. Therefore, the Austrian unit is considered one of the best anti-terrorist groups.
Israel
“Reconnaissance Group of the General Staff of the Ministry of Defense” (Sayeret Matkal). Created in 1957 as a special intelligence unit, since 1968 it switched to anti-terrorist activities. The number is unknown, but it is known that the soldiers are extremely young (from 18 to 21 years old). For every 100 terrorists killed, one unit soldier is killed. The detachment once served former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the current head of government Ehud Barak. The group has participated in more than a thousand shares. Considered the best counter-terrorist unit in the world. The most famous operation is July 1976, the release of 103 hostages in Antebbe.
"Flying Leopards" ("Saeret Golani"). The infantry unit, which is also called “Flying Leopards” because of its identification marks, was formed in 1959 from the best soldiers of the elite Golani infantry brigade. Until 1974, they were considered an anti-terrorist unit, while the fighters did not undergo special training, preferring unpretentious army methods. Hence their biggest failure. In May 1974, three Arab terrorists seized a school in the northern Israeli town of Maalot. The fighters of the unit literally riddled with bullets two terrorists, killing 25 schoolchildren along the way and injuring another 100. It was after this failure that “Saeret Golani” began to be taught special anti-terrorist methods.
"YAMAM" (YAMAM) - a division of the Israeli police. The number is about 200 people. Performs up to 200 operations annually. There are two women in the group today. Created in 1974 as a special service responsible for anti-terrorist activities exclusively within Israel. One of their first operations to free a hostage bus seized in 1977 near Tel Aviv ended in complete failure. During the operation, 33 hostages were killed and more than 70 were wounded. There have been no more hostage losses since 1978. 20 unit officers were killed.
Jordan
"Special Operations Detachment-71". Created in 1971. Number - about 150 people. Leads the fight against Islamic terrorists and drug smugglers. Members of the unit underwent special training under the guidance of the Americans and the British. There were no cases of death of hostages, but there were losses among the members of the unit. The most famous operation was that they prevented the capture of the Intercontinental Hotel in Amman by terrorists of the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1970.
USA
Delta Squad. Operational detachment of special forces of the American army. Created in 1976. Moreover, at first it was supposed to create anti-terrorist groups in the United States on the basis of the Green Berets, but the high command of the US Armed Forces decided to create new forces. Therefore, to this day, Delta is in a tough confrontation with the US Marines. Based at Fort Bragg (North Carolina). At one time they were the favorites of US President Ronald Reagan. The main anti-terrorist unit of the United States, created in the mid-70s. Engaged in the release of American hostages abroad. The number is about 500 people. There are two women. During its existence, it took part in hundreds of covert operations around the world. Including, in the war in Panama and Grenada. The most successful operation - actions against Iraq during the war in the Persian Gulf. The biggest failure was an attempt to free the hostages at the US Embassy in Tehran in 1980. During the assault attempt, the Americans accidentally set fire to a helicopter, a plane, a fuel depot and a bus, and the Delta militants retreated in a panic. 53 hostages sat in the embassy for 444 days and were released only through negotiations.
"New York City Police Emergency Service Unit" (ESU). The number is about 400 people, of which about a dozen are women. Equipped with heavy weapons, have cover groups. They rescued about 500 hostages, lost about three dozen of their militants. The largest operation was the protection of the Pope during his visit to the United States in October 1995. This structure, resembling a small army, is involved in an average of 2.5 thousand operations per year.
Los Angeles Police Detachment (SWAT). Created after youth unrest in the United States in 1965. An elite unit used both domestically and internationally. The number is 70 people, one of them is a woman. Known for their fight against the US terrorist organization Black Panthers, the elimination of the kidnappers of the daughter of the newspaper magnate Hearst. Over the entire period of its existence, the detachment released more than a hundred hostages, and not one of them died. But about a dozen officers died in the unit itself.
Russia
Directorate "A" of the Special Forces Center of the FSB of Russia (Former Group "Alpha"). The idea of creating a special unit to combat terrorism within the USSR belongs to Yuri Andropov (At first it was Detachment 7 of the KGB Department "Alpha", created in 1974. Then there were only 40 "Alfovtsev" - officers and ensigns from among the employees of the KGB of Moscow and the Moscow region). Number - 200 people. For 25 years of their work, Alpha fighters released a total of more than a thousand hostages taken by terrorists in Tbilisi, Mineralnye Vody, Sukhumi, Sarapul. The biggest failure was an unsuccessful operation in Budennovsk, when Alpha was ready to storm Basayev’s group, but received orders to retreat. For all the time of its existence, Alpha lost 10 fighters, three of them died in Budennovsk.
Directorate "B" of the FSB Special Forces Center (former group "Vympel"). In 1981, under the department "C" (illegal intelligence) of the First Main Directorate of the KGB of the USSR, the Vympel group was created. Its status formally sounded like “a separate training center of the KGB of the USSR”, But in fact, as expected, the group was intended for reconnaissance and sabotage activities outside the country. At first, the group had only 300 people, but very quickly it became one of the best units special forces in the world. There were no high-profile failures of the group. Information about successful operations is still almost not disclosed. It is known that once during the exercises, Vympel scuba divers from under the ice attacked and captured the nuclear icebreaker Sibir. The Vympel unit traveled to operations in Afghanistan, Mozambique, Angola, Vietnam, Nicaragua. In 1994, within the framework of the FSB, the Vympel group turned into unit V (Vega).
— People's Daily, China (@PDChina) May 8, 2018
Formerly known as the Snow Wolf Commando Unit, PRC Special Forces" Snow leopards"was kept secret for a long time. For five years, its fighters secretly worked out counter-terrorist operations, actions in case of mass riots, learned to defuse explosive devices. So the Snow Leopards were trained to ensure the security of the Olympic Games, held in Beijing in the summer of 2008.
Also during the exercises, Chinese special forces, together with their Russian counterparts, worked out operations to maintain peace and stability.
"Snow Leopards" are proud high speed and the accuracy of his shooting, his strength and endurance, as well as his fighting spirit and readiness for self-sacrifice.
You can apply for a place in the detachment only after two years of service in the People's Armed Militia of China (the internal troops of the PRC - approx. "RG"). According to the publication, Barça are superior to many other special forces in terms of martial arts and melee skills.
British "Special Boat Service"
SBS and Delta Force soldiers during an operation in Tora Bora, Afghanistan. A photo: US Government
"By strength and cunning" is the motto of the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service, one of Britain's most secretive and elite special forces.
The SBS is the British equivalent of the US Navy Special Forces. In the process of selecting fighters for this special unit, 90 percent of the recruits are eliminated. The selection itself is a grueling endurance test that lasts four weeks. It ends with a 40-kilometer forced march, which takes less than 20 hours.
British commandos are trained to master weapons, live in the jungle, survive on the battlefield.
Emerging after World War II, today the SBS is one of the most respected special forces in the world. British special forces took part in the fighting against terrorist groups banned in the Russian Federation ISIS and Al-Qaeda, and also carried out rescue operations in Libya and Sierra Leone.
Polish GROM
THUNDER. A photo: Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum / wikimedia.org
The name of the Polish military unit for special purposes is an abbreviation and stands for Operational-Maneuvering Response Group. The group was created in 1990 to protect Jews who emigrated from the USSR to Israel. It operated in areas where increased Hezbollah activity was observed. The existence of the GROM remained a mystery until 1994, when Polish commandos were sent to Haiti to participate in an operation to "restore democracy."
This special unit specializes in hostage rescue and counter-terrorism operations. Its fighters are well-armed, trained in diving and parachuting, explosives and managing various vehicles.
Pakistani Special Forces Group
Special Purpose Group. A photo: hbtila/wikimedia.org
According to media reports, special forces training in Pakistan includes a 58-kilometer march, which takes 12 hours, as well as an eight-kilometer run with full equipment, which is given only 35 minutes.
Created to fight terrorism, extremism and separatism, the Special Forces Group is primarily grueling physical training, which is accompanied by training in a parachute school, as well as a 25-week commando course and hand-to-hand combat training. According to available data, only 5 percent of applicants are selected.
The group is actively involved in counter-terrorism operations.
American "Delta"
Delta Force is an elite unit of the US Army, most of the recruits for it are recruited from the 75th Army Ranger Regiment and Green Berets units (Navy and Air Force personnel are also recruited into the Delta). The unit, which has changed several names, specializes in capturing and eliminating high-value targets, destroying terrorist cells, and performing a variety of secret missions.
Most Delta Force missions remain secret, although they are credited with capturing Saddam Hussein and killing Osama bin Laden.
A video leaked online shows training of Delta operatives. During training, the Delta fighters have to pretend to be hostages, while their colleagues fire at targets located near them. This serves as proof of the accuracy of the special forces, builds trust within the special forces and teaches the fighters to avoid getting into hostages.
French National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN)
GIGN. A photo: domain/wikimedia.org
GIGN is one of the most combat-ready counter-terrorism units in the world. Its main task is to gain access to the site of a terrorist attack as quickly as possible, and then capture or kill the attackers before they can cause more damage.
The GIGN fighter training program lasts fourteen months. Documentary filmmakers filming a group of recruits have seen how the number of applicants for service in the Intervention Group has decreased from 120 people to 18 in just two weeks. Special forces are taught to handle weapons, shoot accurately, skydive, including from great heights, scuba dive, conduct hand-to-hand combat, survive in difficult conditions and defuse explosive devices.
The soldiers of the French special forces are not only deadly, but also disciplined.
Israeli Sayeret Matkal
Sayeret Matkal fighter. A photo: IDF
Sayeret Matkal, also known as Unit 269, is a special unit of the IDF General Staff. Broad reconnaissance capabilities and successful operations to eliminate terrorists and free hostages ensured a good reputation for the fighters of this special unit created in 1967.
Israeli special forces rely on secrecy, attacking in small camouflaged groups and withdrawing before the enemy has time to realize what has happened.
One of the most famous Sayeret Matkal operations was the release of passengers from an Air France plane in Entebbe in 1976. Planning the operation took a week, bringing the plan into execution - just over an hour.
Under cover, special forces drove up to the terminal building, after which they broke into it and destroyed all the terrorists. They managed to save 102 out of 106 hostages, losing one soldier.
Spanish Special Naval Forces
Spanish commandos and an American Navy SEAL. A photo: U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jeffrey Lehrberg
Special naval forces were created in 2009, when various special forces of the fleet entered into a single combat formation. They include combat divers, explosives specialists and fighters from the Special Operations Detachment, which became the basis of the special naval forces.
The Spanish Naval Special Forces specializes in combating terrorists and saboteurs, search and rescue operations, and storming ships.
The Spaniards have experience in rescuing hostages and fighting pirates. So, in 2002 they stormed a North Korean ship carrying missiles to Yemen, and in 2011 they rescued a French hostage from Somali pirates.
And this is just what became known - most of their tasks remain secret.
Russian special forces
Soldiers of Directorate "A" of the Central Security Service of the FSB of Russia .. Photo: SpetsnazAlpha/wikimedia.org
The work of the Russian special forces is shrouded in mystery. According to the authors, most of the Russian special forces can be compared in training with the American Rangers, but there are also elite special forces groups that are more appropriate to compare with the Delta Force.
The Russians are highly experienced in reconnaissance, eliminating enemy supply lines, disrupting chains of command, detecting weaknesses enemy. According to We Are The Mighty, one factor that greatly distinguishes Russian special forces from American ones is the freedom to choose weapons.
US SEALs (Navy SEALs)
"Seals". A photo: U.S. Navy/wikimedia.org
Wishing to serve in the ranks" fur seals"must swim 460 meters in ten and a half minutes, do 79 push-ups, 79 squats, 11 pull-ups and run 2.5 kilometers. And that's just to get into the special forces.
SEAL training consists of underwater explosives training, a parachute school, and a rigorous 26-week special training course. After that, the newly minted commandos will have another 18 months of various trainings.
"Navy SEALs" can conduct reconnaissance, participate in direct combat clashes, and conduct counter-terrorist operations.
Many people have heard the expression "elite troops" of Russia, but not everyone has an idea what this expression actually means. There are no clear criteria that would help classify this or that special unit as more prestigious. As a rule, such a rank is usually deserved by troops that are in full combat readiness every minute and have the greatest combat capability. Troops can also earn an honorary title among the people for displaying heroism and high professionalism in combat operations. AT Russian elite troops list, which is located below, included the most prestigious divisions based on surveys.
Opens a list of Russian elite troops. The main task of the special unit is anti-terrorist measures. The detachments are engaged in the release of hostages, eliminate riots, and are also engaged in the elimination of illegal armed groups. Also, the competence of the National Guard Troops includes the neutralization and detention of criminals who pose a particular danger to society. The special forces of this detachment celebrate their official day on March 27th.
It belongs to the most prestigious troops of the fatherland. The creation of the Armed Forces took place in 1992 of the 20th century. The main function of the special unit is to protect the territory of the country, its integrity. The Armed Forces have one of the largest stocks of military equipment, as well as weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons. In 2017, the number of special forces military personnel amounted to just over a million people, and the mobilization resource is over 60 million. The recruitment of the Armed Forces occurs in two ways - conscription through the army and contract service. The state annually spends more than 3 trillion rubles annually on the development of the Armed Forces.
belongs by right to the most prestigious troops of the Russian Federation. He stands guard over the country, protecting it from attacks outside the land zone. The Navy is designed to conduct combat operations in the open spaces of the water. The navy has been guarding our state for more than three hundred years. In addition to the main tasks, the competence of the special unit includes ensuring the safety of maritime activities in the expanses of the World Ocean. The Navy possesses high firepower and a high range of destruction, which makes it possible to destroy the enemy at a great distance - up to several thousand meters.
The FSSP of Russia certainly belongs to the elite troops of the Russian Federation. It includes rapid response units, which are required to undergo special training. FSSP is armed automatic weapon and ensures the safety of the courts, as well as personally guards the leadership of the Federal Bailiff Service.
Included in the list of elite troops of the country. The main tasks of the special forces are to detect and eliminate terrorist groups. Among other goals of the troops is the conduct of special measures on enemy territory.
They are considered one of the most elite troops of the Russian state. Airborne troops are engaged in the implementation of special events behind enemy lines. Also, the tasks of the special forces include the capture of enemy objects and the capture of the enemy. The selection for the landing force is strict in all respects. The future paratrooper must not only have good physical data, but also have a stable psycho-emotional background, since the military personnel of the Airborne Forces have to do enough challenging tasks. The official creation of the special forces took place in 1992. The Airborne Forces actively participated in the Afghan, Chechen wars, and also took part in hostilities with Georgia.
is an elite special unit in service with the Russian state. Refers to troops that are in constant and full combat readiness. The Strategic Missile Forces are armed with intercontinental ballistic missiles with warheads. The formation of the special forces took place in the middle of the last century. To date, the missile forces include 3 armies, which include 12 missile divisions. Rocket troops strategic purpose are armed with more than three hundred complexes of different types.
Opens the top three most elite troops of the Russian Federation. The armed forces are designed to carry out maritime operations, which include the conduct of hostilities with the capture of the enemy's coastline. In addition, the special unit performs other operations, including the protection of coastal areas. The main tasks of the Marine Corps are the conquest of coastal territories and their retention until the main forces approach. The special unit is part of the Russian Navy.
The elite, without any doubt, includes, whose main tasks are the defense of the state in the aerospace field, the detection and complete destruction of the enemy, as well as the reflection of hostilities from ballistic missiles. Also, the competence of the Aerospace Forces includes the identification of possible combat attacks by missiles and being in full combat readiness. A component of the Aerospace Forces are the Russian Space Forces. The main tasks of the last special unit are the observation of objects in space, as well as the timely detection and combat defeat of space threats.
Completes the ranking of the elite troops of the Russian Federation. The competence of the military unit includes the solution of tasks to ensure the protection of the presidential residence, namely the Moscow Kremlin. Also, a component of the FSO participates in protocol events and takes part in guards of honor. The presidential regiment was formed in 1993, the official day of which is May 7th.
The desire to know who has the right to be called the best in a particular field seems to be inherent in man by nature. Hence the numerous competitions in completely different disciplines, various ratings and TOPs. But what about when it comes to those who are already considered the elite. And is it possible to choose the most elite of them with a certain accuracy?
At the end of June, the American edition of Business Insider ranked the strongest special forces in the world that perform the most difficult and delicate tasks. When compiling it, the authors took into account the reputation of each unit, the most famous operations, the quality of training and the rigidity of the selection. The eight places in order of ascending the podium were distributed as follows: Pakistan Army Special Forces Group; special naval forces of Spain; department "A" of the Central Security Service of the FSB of Russia; special forces of the French gendarmerie GIGN; special forces of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces "Sayeret Matkal"; British SAS and SBS; United States Navy SEALs.
According to the rules of sports
Russian military experts greeted this rating with skepticism. For example, Ivan Konovalov, director of the Center for Strategic Studies, believes that its compilers simply wanted to kiss the States:
“It is clear that the Business Insider rating is politically biased, while it is absolutely incomprehensible how the Americans compiled it. ... in theory, if you make an objective rating of special forces, then Russian and British should share the first place. And even then - the British special forces have lost a lot in recent years, they are simply followed by the glory of past years.
In principle, there is nothing surprising in the attempt to present the American special forces in the best light, along the way belittling the experience and skills of other, in particular Russian, fighters. This kind of thing happens everywhere.
So, five years ago, the FSB department “A” that got into the American rating participated in the Super SWAT International Round-Up competitions, which are held annually in the state of Florida. Among the 72 teams, the majority was represented by the same American police special forces. Only 12 came from other countries: Russia, Hungary, Brazil, Germany, Sweden, Kuwait.
The geographic constraint of the event is explained, among other things, by the fact that representatives of Florida frankly condemn even units from other states, to say nothing of foreign guests. The fighters of the Russian Alpha who participated in the competition recall that they really tried to fine them undeservedly more than once. And despite this, the Russian team managed to take the top lines according to the results of the exercises, and even come first in the last race.
Competitions that are held outside the United States are even more interesting. In 2013, a team of veterans of Russian units (including Department A of the FSB and special forces of the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs) on its own initiative decided to face their foreign colleagues for the King of Jordan Cup. Then everything went without serious claims to refereeing, and, despite the victory of the Chinese special forces, the Russian veterans surprised the audience with their endurance, and showed the best result in the sniper exercise. This is provided that they were opposed by active members of the special forces, often twice as young as the members of our team.
“I think that if we brought an active unit to these competitions: “Alpha”, “Vympel”, “Vityaz? - any of these units would be guaranteed the first place!” - Colonel of "Alpha" Sergey Vasilenko assessed the result then.
His predictions came true two years later. This time, it was not veterans who came to Jordan, but a combined team formed from quite a full-time fighters of the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Chechen Republic. As a result - the title of champions, and the representatives of other countries left behind, including China, which had been in the lead for the previous two years.
By the way, american special forces at similar events far from native shores and cool orange juice, she does not show herself from the very better side. At last year's competition in Kazakhstan, the US team withdrew on the first day, not wanting to give all the best "in the heat and in difficult conditions."
Problem of methodology
We must pay tribute, such competitions are not at all indicative on a global scale, since not all special forces take part in them (especially annually), and many exercises may not fully correspond to the tasks that this or that unit is designed to solve in a real battle .
However, the various ratings, compiled in the manner of what Business Insider published, are even less objective. And there are several reasons for this.
First of all, it is impossible to determine whom and with whom to compare. In most countries there are police special forces, there are special forces subordinate to the ministries of defense, there are those who carry out the tasks of the special services. At the same time, the nature of the tasks for which each of these organizations is responsible differs from state to state. In its TOP, the American edition mixes the FSB special forces into a single heap, smashing terrorists inside the country; military unit "Navy SEALs", which performs reconnaissance and sabotage operations in wartime behind enemy lines; the British SAS, working both on assignments from the army and MI6 intelligence; GIGN, subordinate to the Ministry of Defense and the police.
Secondly, special forces are not a tank. They do not have clear characteristics, such as armor thickness, range and accuracy of the shot, or maximum speed, by which one could determine the best example. It is rather the crew of the tank, which, other things being equal, will win the battle. It all depends on the level of training, which can only be determined by putting one unit against another in a real battle, or at least its simulation. However, here again everything depends on the tasks - the special forces of the marines do not fight with the special forces of the enemy's marines in real life, they have other goals.
Thirdly, cannot be given preference based on the number of successful operations. Their number strongly depends on the age of the unit, as well as the characteristics foreign policy and the internal stability of the state to which it belongs. For example, the police special forces of Colombia - "Humglas" - regularly storming the laboratories of local drug cartels, in any case will be more experienced than the special forces of the relatively quiet and calm Belgium. As well as the US Marines managed to harden in Afghanistan and Iraq much stronger than the modern combat swimmers of peace-loving Denmark.
Need a twist
In view of the above, any attempt to find the strongest special forces in the world is doomed to an overly subjective result and the need to sacrifice serious nuances during the analysis. And therefore, instead of such ratings, we suggest looking at a selection of six countries and their special forces, which have a certain zest that distinguishes their fighters from others.
There are many special forces in the United States: police SWAT, the 82nd and 101st airborne divisions, the Green Berets, the reconnaissance of the Marine Corps, the 75th Ranger Regiment and others. The most elite is considered to be the "Navy SEALs" (SEAL) and the Delta operational detachment of the ground forces. It is there that the best of the Rangers and the Green Berets are subsequently selected. Over the past decades, these special forces, among others, have accumulated the most serious experience of military operations in foreign territory due to the desire of the States to spread democracy by unleashing wars. In addition, it is the American special forces, including the Delta detachment, SEALs and the Green Berets, that have received the widest media coverage due to the generous funding of the image component of these units and frequent flickering in the cinema and gaming industry.
United Kingdom
In England, the undisputed leader is the airborne service of the ground forces - SAS. This is one of the oldest special forces in the world, founded in 1941 and received its first combat experience back in World War II. After there were Malaya, Borneo, Oman, Yemen, counter-terrorist operations in Northern Ireland, participation in conflicts in the South Atlantic, the Persian Gulf and Bosnia. Due to the tasks set over the years of existence by both the British army and its foreign intelligence, the SAS gained diverse and large-scale experience in operating in real combat conditions and became a model on which many special forces were subsequently created in other countries.
Israel
At least some information, in addition to the name, is not available for all Israeli special forces. And among those, the most interesting are the special forces of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces "Sayeret Matkal" and performing similar tasks at sea "Shayetet 13" - a special unit of the Israeli Navy. They are engaged in intelligence, security and anti-terrorist operations on the territory of the country and abroad. It was Sayeret Matkal that was the main strike force during the operation at Entebbe Airport, which is considered the most successful operation to free hostages in enemy territory throughout the history of the fight against terrorism. At the same time, Sayeret Matkal is the only unit of this level in the world that is staffed by conscripts.
Austria
The hostage-taking at the Munich Olympics in 1972 forced many countries to come to grips with the creation of anti-terrorist special forces. In Austria, this failed for the first time a few days after its creation - even before the group arrived at the hostage-taking site, the criminal shot two civilians, several policemen and committed suicide. Then there was a whole series of failures - in best case it was possible to negotiate with the terrorists only by transferring a ransom. Only in 1978 was a new anti-terrorist group "Cobra" created, which radically changed the reputation of the Austrian special forces. Despite the fact that in the history of the existence of the unit, he did not have too many reasons to show himself in business, his fighters carried out several operations extremely quickly and with commendable results. Including "Cobra" is the only such detachment that managed to prevent the hijacking of an aircraft (by the way, Russian) directly during the flight. Also, this special unit is famous for the fact that during its existence, albeit not for a very long time, not a single member of it died.
Netherlands
The most interesting Dutch special forces are the anti-terrorist units of the Royal Navy Corps (BBE), which include a special squad marines and a ground amphibious battle group. The highlight of WWE is the use of non-lethal capture methods. So, in 1974, a special squad successfully stormed a prison with armed Palestinian terrorists, using only stun grenades and hand-to-hand combat techniques. But they became famous not for this case, but for the operation carried out three years later - the simultaneous capture of a school and a train with hostages. The well-coordinated actions of the Dutch special forces groups and the original moves taken both during the negotiations and during the assault subsequently fell into the textbooks of most anti-terrorist special forces in the world.
Russia
Despite the diversity of Russian special forces and the difference in their purpose, the GRU special forces and departments "A" and "B" of the Central Security Service of the FSB are considered the most famous in the world. At the same time, although their fighters have repeatedly proven their skills in handling weapons both in sniper competitions and in real operations to capture and destroy field commanders in the North Caucasus, they have a reputation, first of all, as unsurpassed masters of hand-to-hand combat. Alpha veterans recall being trained to have the enemy destroyed or completely neutralized before they even knew what was going on. Moreover, due to the specifics of the operations, it often had to seem from the side that just one of the friends became unwell. Other Russian special forces are considered to be just as seriously trained in hand-to-hand combat. Here, for example, is what the English-language military portal armchairgeneral.com writes:
“... In hand-to-hand combat, Russian special forces are the best military unit in the world. Its fighters spend more time in training than any other special forces in the world, including the Navy Seals, Ranger, Green Berets, Delta, SAS and Israeli commandos.
rmchairgeneral.com
But the most important thing, of course, is not in the “highlights” of this or that division of this or that country. The main thing is that they can successfully fulfill their duties, protecting the peaceful sleep of their fellow citizens. It is worth noting that, it seems, the Russian detachments succeeded in this better than all their colleagues - to a certain extent, it would be right to call our country a safe haven in a troubled world. And may it continue to be so.