Military units of the Airborne Forces in Belarus. The Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus (SSO Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus) is the youngest branch of the armed forces. I am a separate special forces brigade

Patch of the Special Special Forces Detachment of the 5th Separate Special Forces Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Republic Belarus

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1991-1995

Joint Belarusian-Chinese tactical 2011 workout

Muted version (embroidery)

muted version

Patch stripe 5th ObrSpN of the Armed Forces of the Republic Belarus. Model 1994

Belarus
In 1994, for the 5th separate brigade, the commander of the brigade, Colonel Vilchkovsky I. B., developed a sleeve insignia with the image of a wolf against the background of an open parachute. The sleeve insignia lasted from 1994 to 2002.

Patch of the Special Special Forces Detachment of the 5th Separate Special Forces Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Republic Belarus

22nd Special Purpose Company of the Western Operational Command of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus

33rd Guards Separate Special Purpose Detachment of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus

original stripe The 33rd detachment looks exactly like this. Three colors on the field of the shield symbolize 3 elements in which the fighters of the detachment carry out their operational and official activities; blue-sky, green-earth, blue-water.

Reconnaissance Patch of the 38th Guards Separate Vienna Red Banner Mobile Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus

Special Forces of the Republic of Belarus

5th Separate Special Forces Brigade of the Special Operations Forces MO Republic of Belarus (inscription in Latin: "Leaving into the night").

38th Guards Separate Mobile Brigade of the Special Operations Forces of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus (ceremonial version)

chevron of a special detachment ("officer company") of the 5th Separate Special Forces Brigade of the Special Operations Forces of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus

5th Separate Special Forces Brigade of the Special Operations Forces of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic Belarus, ceremonial version (inscription in Latin: "Leaving into the night").

chevron of the 5th Separate Special Forces Brigade of the Special Operations Forces of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus (inscription in Latin: "Leaving into the night").

chevron of the 103rd Guards Separate Mobile Brigade of the MTR Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus (Vitebsk)

chevron of the 38th Guards Separate Mobile Brigade of the MTR Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus (Brest)

In the center of the sleeve insignia is a "walking fox" against the background of a stylized red arrow. The fox is a cunning and cautious beast, acting secretly, assertively but prudently, a small but dangerous predator - it symbolizes the specifics of the actions of special forces scouts. The arrow, as an element of a heraldic sign, is an ancient symbol of intelligence - it symbolizes the ability to penetrate deep behind enemy lines and the readiness to perform important tasks at the point of impact. In addition, the sign has the constellation Ursa Major and the North Star, which symbolize accuracy in the choice of targets, control and orientation of special intelligence scouts.
In 1989 Minister of Defense of the Republic Belarus allowed a special company of the beaver of the Special Forces to have its own personal sleeve insignia - "Black Fox" and Chest sign. The sleeve insignia with this symbol in the form of a Gothic shield was developed by servicemen of the 5th arr. Forces of the Republic of Belarus.
From 1994 to 2002, the brigade had a badge with the image of a wolf, developed by the former commander of the brigade, Colonel I. Vilchkovsky.

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Here was Kupala, Budyonny and " enemy of the people Uborevich"

The first information about Borovukha is associated with the construction of the Vitebsk-Rizhskaya railway. It was an ordinary Belarusian village and the station of the same name. The building of the old station is no longer there, but on the modern one there is a commemorative shield stating that in 1916 Yanka Kupala worked here in the railway team. This meager information will be given to you by a query on the Internet. But our guide to Borovukha and the surrounding area was a local enthusiast Vladimir Komissarov. In his stories, the history of the town is definitely not so boring.

Courtyard of the barracks in Borovukha in the 1930s. Photo courtesy of Vladimir Komissarov

The first Soviet units appeared here after 1918: it was necessary to strengthen the Soviet-Polish border. In the early 1920s, the first two wooden barracks were built for them. A cavalry regiment, artillerymen were stationed in the nascent military town, and a training base for balloons was located nearby on Lake Beloye. The town is growing, and already in 1924 a brick two-story school was being built here - its building still exists.

But more rapid development of the town began after 1928, and it is connected with the construction of the Polotsk fortified region. In addition to fortifications (to which we will devote a separate article), by 1935 seven four-story stone houses for the families of officers, a club, a bathhouse and a store were built here. And in 1937, Marshal Semyon Budyonny himself took part in the opening of the House of Officers.

View of the town from Borovukha station. Photo courtesy of Vladimir Komissarov
During the war, an air bomb hit the House of Officers. This is how it looked after the war. Photo courtesy of Vladimir Komissarov
On the streets of Borovukha in July 1941, the Germans immediately marked the Jewish population. Photo courtesy of Vladimir Komissarov

Vladimir Komissarov told an interesting fact: the old pre-war buildings were supplied with water through wooden pipes. They were laid in paterns - underground vaulted channels lined with bricks.

Before the war, a soldiers' club was also built. Of all the Voyenproekt buildings we have seen so far, it stands out primarily for its architecture: we have not yet seen such buildings. Now it is used as an Orthodox church. An interesting fact: on June 21, 1941, a gypsy choir performed in it, and on the 22nd they learned about the beginning of a big war.

The town also had its own amphitheater, built, as the documents say, “at the direction of the enemy of the people, Uborevich” (its designs can be seen in German photos).

Behind the pillbox you can see the amphitheater. Photo courtesy of Vladimir Komissarov

During the occupation period, the Germans organized the Staatlag 354 concentration camp for prisoners of war in the barracks of the tankers. , in which, according to various sources, from 13 to 25 thousand people were killed. The dead were buried in the pit of the amphitheater. So the place of rest and holidays in Borovukha turned into a cemetery. Now there is a memorial "Star" on this place.

There is a version that the bodies could be dumped into Bezdonka - a lake with swampy shores in the town. There is no confirmation of this, but the locals do not bathe in it.

However, on the outskirts of the town there are two more lakes - large, picturesque and suitable for recreation.

They say that Novopolotsk was originally planned to be built on the same bank of the Dvina as Borovukha. But in 1957-1960, here in Koptsevo there was a secret missile unit that received nuclear warheads. Accordingly, the city was built on the other side.

Capital of the Airborne Forces

In the post-war period, construction continued: "Uncle Vasya's troops" were located in Borovukha - the 350th and 357th regiments of the airborne troops of the 103rd division. Since that time, the town has been called the "capital of the Airborne Forces."

Photo: Viktor Polyakov, zen.yandex.ru/polyakov

The town in the Union was given great importance: from here important objects in Europe are within easy reach. Especially for this, an airfield was built nearby, capable of receiving heavy military transport aircraft. Vladimir Komissarov says that the former paratroopers still have maps of the English Channel with important objects marked in their garages.

It was in Borovukha that the latest weapons and equipment intended for the Airborne Forces were tested. For example, parachute D-1/8.

Here they also practiced the landing of a BMD-1 airborne combat vehicle with a crew inside. The initiative for its creation belongs to the commander of the airborne troops, Vasily Margelov. To avoid injuries during landing, a simplified version of the space chair, Kazbek-D, was placed inside the vehicle. To reduce weight, the armored hull was assembled by welding from rolled aluminum armor plates.

The first paratroopers inside the BMD-1 were Alexander Margelov (son of the commander of the Airborne Forces) and Leonid Zuev.

The paratroopers from Borovukha participated in all the conflicts of the USSR. In 1968, during the unrest in Czechoslovakia, they took part in Operation Danube. The operation was exemplary from a military point of view: the paratroopers quickly managed to disarm and block the anti-aircraft artillery brigade, the weapons factory, the garrison commandant's office and a number of other important objects.

Museum of Technology in Borovukha. GAZ-66, or "shishiga", is a legendary car known for its unpretentiousness and maintainability. In order to adapt it as much as possible for airlift, the designers sacrificed a lot, first of all, comfort and ease of control. But the design could withstand an overload of up to 9g and a landing speed of 10 m / s while parachuting on a special platform.

In 1979, the paratroopers were the first to enter Afghanistan and the last to leave in 1989. Then the paratroopers of the 103rd division served in the Transcaucasian border district under the command of the head of the border troops of the KGB of the USSR (from 1990 to 1991). Here is what Russian General Alexander Lebed wrote about this in his memoirs: “There were “smart heads” who, using the growing tension in society, proposed a non-standard move - to transfer the division to the State Security Committee. No division - no problem. And ... they handed it over, creating a situation where the division was no longer "VED", but also not "KGB". Combat officers have been turned into clowns. Green caps, green shoulder straps, blue vests, symbols on caps, shoulder straps and chest - paratrooper. Among the people, such a wild mixture of forms was aptly dubbed the “conductor”.

Museum of Technology in Borovukha. When in 1981 this divisional-regimental airborne self-propelled artillery and mortar installation 2S9 "Nona-S" entered service, it was considered a secret vehicle. The main caliber of the 2S9 was a 120-mm rifled howitzer-mortar gun 2A51. The 120 mm caliber was also not chosen by chance: the self-propelled guns could also use ammunition of a similar caliber in service with NATO armies - it was assumed that the 2S9 would operate behind enemy lines, where the supply of ammunition was impossible.

In the already independent republic, the number of airborne troops was reduced: along with sovereignty, a purely defensive military doctrine was proclaimed, and the airborne units, the so-called first strike troops, did not fit into the new concept. In 1995, the 350th and 357th regiments were reorganized into brigades, and later included in the 103rd separate mobile brigade of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus.

Museum of Technology in Borovukha. Combat vehicle 9P148 from the anti-tank complex "Competition". Created on the basis of the BRDM-2, it was equipped with a liftable launcher for five missiles in transport and launch containers. Missiles were launched only when the machine was completely stopped. Reloading was carried out in one and a half minutes without leaving the crew from the combat vehicle. ATGM "Konkurs" is designed to destroy tanks and other armored enemy targets moving at speeds up to 60 km / h, stationary targets (firing points, fortifications such as bunkers, pillboxes) provided that the targets are optically visible.

However, the locals do not understand why, when the regiments were disbanded, it was necessary to create a brigade at a new location in Vitebsk.

In Borovukha, equipment from the boxes went straight to the landfill. And now paratroopers are being transported on trailers from Vitebsk to Liozno.

Airborne Forces Day in Borovukha is probably more valued than the New Year. Here is the only place in the country where this holiday is celebrated in an organized manner.

There have been no units of the Airborne Forces for 11 years, but still every year on August 2, festive events are held. Money is allocated for holding, for porridge, compote, a concert. Belarusian and Russian artists are coming.

On this day, a man who is not in a vest and without a blue beret male in the town will be a "black sheep". Just in case, it is better to know the answer to the question about the number of parachute lines - 32. But there is no fountain in the town.

Local residents say that earlier, in the 90s, there was a rather tense crime situation in Borovukha: it was scary to go out into the yard in the evening, there were constant fights. Therefore, they created a voluntary squad from the locals. The combatants quickly put things in order - now it is safe in the town at any time of the day.

Who is after us?

The 350th and 357th regiments were located along the edges of the town. The barracks of the “fifty kopecks” (as the 350th regiment is called here) are now empty. The buildings have survived: the marauders did not have time to work on them. Access to them was closed, security was provided. It will not be a problem to enter the territory: step over the barbed wire - and you are already there. But the signs on the other side say that it is forbidden to walk here - a fine of 500 rubles. And there is a dog here.

Two barracks appeared in the 30s, during the active construction of the town. Polotsk residents were actively involved in their construction - they were brought here for subbotniks. Another one made of white brick is already the 70s. It looks, by the way, even worse than before the war.

But the beautiful building of the dining room is already in disrepair, and the ceiling has collapsed in one wing.

Canteen of the 350th Regiment

It is noteworthy that the former location of the regiment is mowed down, some buildings have acquired new doors. So they have an owner. And what, the place is excellent: a large area with its own park and access to the lake.

It was planned that the buildings of the unit would be transferred to the Olympic Reserve College, but so far they thought that the helicopter regiment had collapsed. Its territory seemed more compact and suitable for these purposes.

In the location of the 357th Airborne Regiment, whose territory begins at the end of the current Army Street, life has not stopped. Now it is an “industrial Babylon”: it produces sewing, knitwear and rubber products, wooden windows, PVC windows and doors, building metal structures, furniture, plant protection products, instrumentation, building materials, equipment for processing secondary raw materials.

Location of the 357th Regiment

Soldiers Club. Now here is the church

The huge House of Officers, the same one opened by Budyonny, could have been demolished in the 2000s, but its premises began to be actively bought up by small businesses. The central part is currently undergoing renovations. We arrived to try on a secondhand sign on the left column of the front porch.

On the right there is a memorial plaque dedicated to the "bata" - the creator of the Airborne Forces Vasily Margelov. Did you know that he is Belarusian by nationality?

Old buildings are treated with respect. Instead of demolition - reconstruction

Opposite the House of Officers, a local museum was opened. The exposition was created by the inhabitants of Borovukha - who will bring a parachute, who will bring a tunic, who will bring a flight jacket, who will bring the door from the pillbox. Many exhibits are related to the Second World War - in the forests around the town you can find items from spent cartridges to the remains of a machine gun. There is even the lower part of the German ... body armor. By the way, Vladimir Komissarov also took a direct part in filling the museum. The description of the military operations of the Polotsk fortified area is his merit.

An open-air exposition was created across the road - airborne combat vehicles are presented here.

Helicopters from Borovukha

The neighbors of the paratroopers were pilots from the 276th separate helicopter regiment (Borovtsy airfield). From 1982 to February 1989, they performed combat missions in Afghanistan. On April 27, 1986, the personnel of the 4th squadron on Mi-26 helicopters and the 3rd squadron on Mi-8MT participated in the extinguishing of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant reactor. In 2003, the regiment was disbanded, and the remaining helicopters were transferred first to Zasimovochi, then to Machulishchi.

Territory of the helicopter regiment. Now it's an Olympic reserve college

Sergey Kozlov, pilot first class, lives in Borovukha since 1993. Now he is retired - he has 52 years of service. Twice I was in Afghanistan, there was a business trip to Chernobyl.

I have dreamed of becoming a pilot since childhood. My brother was a helicopter pilot, and I, a ten-year-old kid, ran around Vitebsk in his uniform, I was terribly proud!

By the beginning of the Afghan war, the army was in dire need of army aviation pilots, so they recruited pilots en masse from the reserve.

Helicopter regiment. Photo: Viktor Polyakov, zen.yandex.ru/polyakov

Everyone was offered to write a report in which there were lines: I wish to serve anywhere in the USSR. Not a word about Afghanistan, but everyone understood where they would be sent. I volunteered.

For retraining for a new type of helicopter, Sergei was sent to the Syzran Higher Military Aviation Pilot School. Three months he studied on the Mi-24. Then he served for some time near the borders of NATO in the GDR, where the "crocodiles" were on constant combat duty.

Mi-26 (product "90", according to NATO codification: Halo) is a Soviet and Russian heavy multi-purpose transport helicopter. It is the world's largest mass-produced transport helicopter.
It is capable of transporting people (up to 82 people), equipment and various cargoes weighing up to 20 tons. The top speed is also impressive - 295 km / h. The helicopter can cover up to 800 km (with external tanks - up to 2350) and climb to a height of up to 6500 meters. Photo: safaniuk.livejournal.com

"Crocodiles" in the sky of Afghanistan

Sergei ended up in Afghanistan in 1984. At that time, most often they had to fly to escort columns, search for caravans, and it also happened to rescue paratroopers trapped in the mountains by dushmans.

The helicopter was reliable and well protected,” recalls Sergey Kozlov. - Frontal bulletproof glass withstood a single hit of a 30-mm projectile, and machine-gun bullets bounced off it altogether. The cabin was also protected by steel armor. The danger for us was represented by MANPADS (man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems), which the West actively supplied to the Mujahideen. In my memory, it was that they captured one instructor, a Frenchman with MANPADS, so then NATO sent a special plane for him.

The armament of the Mi-24 made it possible to cope with any task, although not everything worked flawlessly. For example, there were some problems with the YakB-12.7 four-barreled machine gun - it sometimes wedged. The problem was learned to solve in the field.

The weapon was powerful, and so that the machine gun would not fail in battle, only 500 rounds instead of 1470 were loaded into the tape, each of which was separately lubricated with a brush. Then the whole tape came out without problems. The rate of fire was very high, sometimes it was possible not to notice that the cartridges had already run out.

In addition to the machine gun, the Mi-24's arsenal included unguided aircraft missiles, Shturm-S anti-tank missiles, and other weapons.

American pilot senior non-commissioned officer Jeff Staton, who flew dozens of hours on the "twenty-four", highly appreciated the capabilities of the helicopter: "It is as hardy as a tractor. Put it in the barn for a year, then charge the batteries and you can fly right away. It runs smoothly, just like an old 1962 Cadillac. Lubricate it well and you can fly it for hundreds of hours.” Photo topwar.ru

When the ammunition ran out, and this happened often, the helicopter pilots did not leave the battlefield: they imitated combat approaches to the positions of dushmans.

Was it really possible to fly away when the dushmans were firing at the paratroopers? They did everything they could. I'll tell you: even such psychic attacks had a frightening effect on the Mujahideen. Imagine that a huge car with cannons and machine guns is flying at you, and you will understand that even an imitation of an attack can cause panic.

50 meters above the reactor

After returning from Afghanistan, the military service of Sergei Kozlov continued at the airfield in Zasimovichi (Pruzhany). In 1986, their helicopters were sent to Chernobyl.

Nobody announced alarms, the command simply gathered all the pilots who were in the town through messengers. The task was simple: to fly to Grodno to receive new Mi-24РХР helicopters. Already on the way, we learned that they were intended for reconnaissance of radiation in the area of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

Sergei stayed in Chernobyl from September 2 to October 19. The task of his crew is to hover at an altitude of about 200 meters (according to instructions) and measure the level of radiation. By this time, the fire was extinguished, but the study was still very strong - many of those who flew over the reactor are no longer alive.

We mainly worked at an altitude of about 150 meters - it's not so easy to hover at the right height. Sometimes, when circumstances so required, they dropped to 50 meters.

After working on the reactor, the command tried to deactivate expensive helicopters: they washed them with special solutions, but this did not help. Then they decided to remove the gearbox and replace it with a new one - it still phonates, they did the same with the engine - the result is the same. As a result, they refused to fly on these machines and allegedly sent equipment to the burial ground in Ukraine.

True, there is not a single repository of radioactive helicopters now. I think they were sold somewhere in Africa.

After dangerous work in Chernobyl, Sergei Kozlov had to return to Afghanistan again, where he stayed until the withdrawal of troops. I personally took three Mi-24s out of Kabul. Here he had a chance to try out a new system designed specifically for flying in the mountains.

The rarefied air in the mountains of Afghanistan led to a loss of power, so the designers developed a special system for injecting water into the engine. Its inclusion provided an explosive increase in power, allowing you to increase the height at which the machine can work. The cylinder that ensured the operation of this system was located right in the cockpit, and when we asked the designer what would happen if a bullet hit there, he answered: a small explosion. Why do we need this? We refused to fly with a balloon.

New Borovukha

After Afghanistan, Sergei served in Ukraine. I ended up in Borovukha almost by accident.

When the Union collapsed, it was necessary to look for a place where to serve. The first time I looked into Borovukha by chance. I looked and decided that I will never live here. Everything here was like in any military town: there is no hot water, the cold is rusty, the heating is weak, and there are frequent power cuts.

Pre-war DOS

But in the end, I "landed" all the same here. Then the order of the Belarusian military district was issued, which stated that it was possible to continue serving in the Belarusian army in the same position. I come to Belarus, I go to the head of the army aviation. I ask where they can send me. He received a military-style concise and honest answer: “Except for x. I can't send you anywhere else." In the end, they still assigned me to Borovukha. Part was staffed, there were no places, so at first I was only listed here: they paid money for two months for the title and then did not pay anything for six months. My wife was still living in Ukraine with two children. And so we all survived on her part-time nanny in kindergarten.

Sergey recalls that it was a very difficult period in his life. Then, however, he returned to flight work, got an apartment, moved his family.

When I moved here, there was no crowding from the military: there were 1,400 schoolchildren alone, there were three shifts at the school. Now there are fewer children - about 450 people.

In 1993 a new school was built. Surprisingly, it has a pool! You can buy a subscription and come in the evenings and on weekends to swim. There was also a large gym, but it was recognized as dilapidated and demolished.

With the departure of the military, the question arose of what to do with the town, in which more than five thousand people live. In the noughties, it was first merged with the village council and transferred to the administrative subordination of Novopolotsk.

This had a positive effect on Borovukha: a major overhaul came to the old DOSs, roofs were changed for many houses, and facades were painted. Now the town looks very decent. Here they are not in a hurry to demolish old buildings - they will come in handy in the economy. The water pipeline, laid back in the Soviet years, was frankly weak. The problem was also that no one knew where and what pipes were. It was effectively solved according to the VDE: they increased the pressure in the system. So they identified weaknesses for replacement.

Kindergarten. There is another one in Borovukha, in a modern building

As a result, residents got access to all the benefits of civilization - central gas, hot water and uninterrupted power supply.

There are enough food and hardware stores in the town. There is also a mini market. At the entrance to the town - a decent-looking cafe with a tarzan park. You can also ride horses.

On May 13, 2019, the village of Borovukha officially ceased to exist: now it is a microdistrict of Novopolotsk. City buses and minibuses already go here every half an hour. There are even buses for the disabled. Do not forget about the railway station - trains go to Polotsk through it.

The private sector is spread around Borovukha - these are village houses, dachas of Novopolotsk residents and former military personnel. Apartments here are in the price: for a two-room apartment for 45 "squares" they ask for 24 thousand dollars.

Any local resident will tell you that it is better to live here than in the city, - says Sergey Kozlov. - Dvina separates Borovukha from the large industrial center - everything is in order with the environment here. In Novopolotsk it smells of "Polymir", "Naftan", and here - a pine forest.

REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

At the turn of the 80-90s. of the last century, the rapidly developing instability greatly influenced all aspects of society. One of the important tasks was to bring down the wave of crime, to ensure order in society. Therefore, in the Republic of Belarus there are many special forces, and at each power ministry.

ARMY SPECIAL FORCE

5th SEPARATE SPECIAL PURPOSE Brigade

STORY

Formed in 1962 as an airborne reconnaissance unit, it has a high level of combat training and vast combat experience. Stationed in Maryina Gorka, Pukhovichi district, Minsk region. Participated in hostilities as part of a limited contingent of Soviet troops in Afghanistan, conducted special events in the Transcaucasus during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The appearance of such military units and formations in the Soviet army is caused by the presence of, as it was customary to call it, our potential enemy in Europe, tactical nuclear weapons. The tasks of the airborne brigades included the destruction of command posts and missile launchers, fuel and ammunition supply bases, the collection of intelligence, sabotage on communications, and in the future - and the organization of a partisan movement on enemy territory. Spetsnaz was designed to carry out operations in the rear in small groups. All brigades were directly subordinate to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff. Soon a unique unit appeared - a company, consisting only of officers and ensigns, well-trained professionals. The best of the best were selected, who flawlessly mastered various styles of martial arts, shooting from all types of small arms, including Western models. Knowledge of foreign languages was a prerequisite. The servicemen also took a course in light diving training under the program of naval special forces, mountaineering and piloting a trike. The company was intended to carry out especially important tasks in the interests of the GRU of the General Staff.

PREPARATION

The main direction of training is reconnaissance and sabotage activities. Scouts are taught to overcome swamps, water barriers. "Field is a soldier's academy" - fighters spend about seven months a year at the training ground.

In order to complete the task without losses away from the main forces, the commando must be a universal soldier. In his arsenal - tactics of covert movement, knowledge of engineering, possession of hand-to-hand combat techniques and first aid skills. Distinctive features - skillful management of all types of army vehicles and the ability to shoot accurately from various types of small arms, including captured ones.

There are no mountains in Belarus, but there are many high-rise buildings. Therefore, the basis of training is urban mountaineering. Classes are held not only on the territory of the brigade, they are also organized jointly with colleagues from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the KGB. Diving training is also provided.

Special forces are landing from the sky, and in a variety of ways. Landing with high precision day and night, in all weather conditions. To do this, new parachutes were put into service here, which allow scouts to jump from any height and at any speed of the aircraft. In addition to parachutes, there are in the arsenal of special forces and motorized hang gliders.

WEAPONS

Like many special forces of the former republics of the USSR, the army special forces of Belarus are equipped with weapons and equipment of Soviet and Russian production.

KGB Special Forces "Alpha"

The Alpha group under the USSR State Security Committee was established in 1974. In March 1990, the then chairman of the KGB V. Kryuchkov signed an order to create the 11th group of the KGB of the USSR with deployment in Minsk. The document listed the tasks of the operational-combat unit being created: localization and suppression of terrorist and extremist actions, especially dangerous criminal manifestations. Area of activity - Belarus and the Baltic republics.

From October 1991 to January 1992, the group was at the disposal of the main security department under the apparatus of the President of the USSR. Then she entered the structure of the central apparatus of the KGB of the Republic of Belarus. The fighters of the group carried out special operational tasks, and in 1992-1994. was involved to ensure the physical protection and security of the leadership of Belarus and members of foreign delegations. The range of tasks gradually expanded; now it also includes the fight against organized crime, as well as the illegal export of precious metals, material and historical values outside the country.

SELECTION

When creating Alpha, preference was given to officers with combat experience, former paratroopers, and professional athletes. Today, candidates must have higher education and military service. Particular attention is paid to the ability to endure great psychological and physical stress. The average age of the fighters is 30–35 years.

For some time, there were rumors that the Alpha fighters received military experience in Chechnya, but the group's leadership stubbornly denies this.

SPECIAL FORCE OF THE BORDER TROOPS

A separate service of active measures (OSAM) is a unit whose task is anti-terrorist activity in the border zone.

The history of the special forces of the border troops of the KGB under the Council of Ministers of the USSR began in 1981. The purpose of the group operating in Afghanistan was to fight the counter-revolutionary underground and agents of enemy special services.

OSAM appeared after the collapse of the Soviet Union, in 1993. Its first commander was Gennady Nevyglas. One of the primary tasks of the special forces was the fight against illegal migration. Later, new tasks appeared - the fight against economic crime and drug smuggling, countering terrorism and human trafficking.

On the uniform chevron of the OSAM fighter there are two crossed balls and a wind rose against the background of the contour of the country.

At one time OSAM was headed by the Chairman of the Border Committee Igor Rachkovsky. And the eldest sons of the President of the country, Viktor and Dmitry Lukashenko, served in the special forces.

TASKS

The following tasks are assigned to the special forces units of the border service:

Carrying out operations related to the implementation of operational information about hostile activities on the state border and at checkpoints through it of special services of foreign states, extremist and criminal groups;

Protection in extreme conditions of premises, vehicles and other objects of operational bodies;

Implementation of reconnaissance and search activities;

Ensuring the security of activities carried out by the leadership of the border service;

Release of hostages from among the military personnel of the troops, bodies and organizations of the border service;

Studying the operational situation in the areas (places) of the alleged actions of the group, conducting reconnaissance of these areas (places);

Participation in the holding of special events related to the implementation of specific operational information, information of interacting law enforcement agencies;

Participation in the search and detention of armed groups and persons who have crossed or are trying to cross the border;

Ensuring the security of the leadership of the border service during trips around the country and abroad;

Ensuring the security of the operational staff of the border service during activities at the state border;

Ensuring the personal safety of PS servicemen and members of their families in cases provided for by law;

Ensuring the group's own security.

WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT

Armament - mainly Soviet and Russian production. The unit is equipped with modern radio stations. For cross-country vehicles, bumpers are additionally reinforced with rails, a steel bottom is welded, and a rubber mixture is poured into tires.

SPECIAL FORCE OF THE INTERNAL TROOPS OF THE MVD

3rd Separate Red Banner Special Purpose Brigade

The third separate Red Banner Special Forces Brigade (military unit 3214, Uruchcha) was formed on the basis of the 334th regiment of the 120th division. It is prepared both to disperse street actions and to participate in special operations. This is the shock part of the internal troops. The number of personnel is 1500–2000 people. The brigade includes special-purpose battalions, a special rapid reaction detachment (SOBR) and support units.

The main tasks of the brigade are the fight against terrorism, actions in case of emergencies, preparation in case of a military threat.

In peacetime, the fighters of the brigade participate in the protection of public order in the capital of the republic, often go on missions outside of Minsk. During opposition street actions, the brigade is usually kept in reserve and used only in the most extreme cases.

Soldiers receive comprehensive and varied training. The program includes acrobatics, hand-to-hand combat, strength training, athletic gymnastics, crosses. A lot of attention is paid to shooting from different types of weapons, as well as tactical and special training for actions in various situations.

In fact, the special forces of the Ministry of the Interior began with Almaz. True, then this unit was called "Berkut", and its main purpose was the organization of prison anti-terror. Similar detachments were created in other Soviet republics.

Today it is a rapid response unit. In 1994, the then head of Berkut and the future Minister of Internal Affairs, Vladimir Naumov, took the initiative to rename the special unit to Almaz. On the basis of the department for correctional affairs of the former republics of the USSR, they urgently began to form a prison anti-terror unit. The order was signed on January 2, 1992. Vladimir Naumov, then the commander of a patrol company, was appointed the first commander of the unit.

The main tasks to be solved at that time were:

Release of hostages;

Detention of armed criminals;

Elimination of riots in places of deprivation of liberty.

The forces of the then still small special forces carried out a number of operations to search for and detain dangerous criminals who had escaped from the pre-trial detention centers in Minsk and Brest. The hostages captured by recidivists in the penal colonies of Orsha and Minsk were released, and a mass escape from the colony in Shklov was prevented.

As the nature of crime changed, so did the unit. At this time, many different criminal gangs appeared. They started talking about the mafia, thieves' authorities, about the division of territories and spheres of influence. Not limited to the walls of the colonies and Belarusian terrorism. More extensive use of special forces was required. The question of reorganization arose. A review of all special forces units was held, and the best one was chosen - "Almaz".

Since the autumn of 1994, the unit has been transformed into a special unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus with subordination personally to the minister. On the shoulders of the fighters lies the responsibility for the most difficult tasks: the elimination of terrorist attacks, the release of hostages, the detention of various criminal armed groups.

The history of the name of the special unit is unique - in many countries such formations are still called "Berkut" or "Falcon", and Belarusians have chosen a different path. The new name was not chosen by chance - the diamond symbolizes hardness, purity, nobility. In a memo for fighters, their commander once wrote: "Always remember that a special forces officer must be clean and hard as a diamond."

Over the years of its existence, Almaz SPBT has accumulated vast practical experience, thwarted terrorist attacks and released about 100 hostages, together with the operational units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, more than five and a half thousand special operations have been carried out to search for and suppress the activities of organized criminal groups and organizations. One of the most resonant events of Almaz was the detention in Minsk of suspects in the murder of Russian journalist Paul Khlebnikov.

TASKS

The main tasks are:

Prevention of terrorist acts;

Detection and neutralization of explosive devices;

Carrying out special measures to detect and detain dangerous armed criminals, to seize counterfeit banknotes, narcotic, chemical and radioactive substances and ammunition;

Ensuring the physical security of the operational staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

Carrying out search and reconnaissance activities;

Protection of judges and persons of the controlling composition of the republic, high officials of the state and foreign delegations.

The combat readiness of the unit is evidenced by the following fact: in the event of an alarm, the "Almaz" must arrive at the base within 5-7 minutes. And within 20 minutes, reconnaissance and a combat group are sent to the scene anywhere in the country. After another 20 minutes, the second group leaves.

Basically, officers from similar units of the Ministry of Defense, police special forces, the security service of the head of state, and border troops come to Almaz. As a rule, these are people who have served at least five years and have already participated in special operations. Women also serve in Almaz - negotiators and snipers.

The armament corresponds to the armament of other special forces of Belarus.

Minsk Special Purpose Police Regiment

The regiment was formed in the fall of 2005 on the basis of a special police detachment. Both then and now, the main task of the regiment is the protection of public order during various mass actions.

Other tasks were:

Ensuring the personal and property security of citizens on the streets and in other public places;

Prevention and suppression of offenses, group violations of public order and riots;

Participation, together with other services and divisions of the internal affairs bodies, in the detention of armed criminals, the suppression of the activities of organized groups and criminal organizations;

Participation in special events and operations carried out by internal affairs bodies.

In addition, the fighters of the unit must be prepared for cataclysms, disasters, natural and man-made accidents.

From the book The Great Patriotic War of the Soviet People (in the context of World War II) author Krasnova Marina Alekseevna

TOPIC: USSR AND BELARUS ON THE EVE OF THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR 1. DECISION OF THE CC CP(B)B "ON MEASURES TO ORGANIZE PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE WESTERN AREAS OF THE BSSR" Minsk, December 2, 1939 The Central Committee of the CP(b) of Belarus decides: 1. Announce all schools

From the book The Triumph of Operation Bagration [Main Stalinist Strike] author Irinarkhov Ruslan Sergeevich

Part one. We are back to you, Belarus! In 1943 there was a radical change in the course of the entire Great Patriotic War. After the bloody battles near Stalingrad, in the North Caucasus and the Kursk Bulge, in the Smolensk operation and in the Left-Bank Ukraine, the strategic

From the book Belarusian collaborators. Cooperation with the invaders on the territory of Belarus. 1941–1945 author Romanko Oleg Valentinovich

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From the book Who Helped Hitler? Europe at war against the Soviet Union author Kirsanov Nikolai Andreevich

The Republic is fighting The rebel troops, advancing from the south and southwest, every day came closer to Madrid. Their entry into the capital was scheduled for October 12, 1936. The people's militia, exhausted in battles, desperately resisted. The German and

From the book of Lavrenty Beria [What the Soviet Information Bureau was silent about] author Sever Alexander

Post-war Belarus Life in the first peaceful years (after the liberation of the territory from the Nazi invaders) in the western regions of Belarus can hardly be called calm. One of the Far Eastern Chekists, recalling his work in the state security agencies, modestly and

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REPUBLIC OF CHILE Anti-theft aviation unit Agrupacion Antisecuestros Aereos (ASA) The Chilean Air Force Agrupacion Antisecuestros Aereos special unit is a special group whose main function is to free hostages during hijackings in Chile. One of

From the author's book

SLOVAK REPUBLIC LYNX group The predecessor of the LYNX unit was the URNA group, formed in 1980 as part of the 13th Czech Police Department. At the turn of the 1990s. In Slovakia, the level of organized crime has increased markedly. In this regard, it was accepted

From the author's book

TURKISH REPUBLIC "Burgundy Berets" The Turkish Special Forces Brigade, also known as the "Burgundy Berets", is a special intelligence unit whose task is to conduct reconnaissance and sabotage activities and organize a partisan movement on

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REPUBLIC OF ITALY Assault rifles of the Beretta AR-7D / 9D series The oldest and largest Italian arms company Pietro Beretta Spa began the development of a new 5.56 mm assault rifle in 1968. The rifle was ready by 1972 and under the designation Beretta AR-70 / 223 began apply for

From the author's book

REPUBLIC OF INDIA INSAS assault rifleTo date, the Indian army has at least 300,000 INSAS assault rifles, in addition, India is trying to sell INSAS for export, in particular to Kenya and Nepal. The production of INSAS assault rifles is carried out at the state arsenal in

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REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA Pindad SS2 Assault Rifle Assault rifles of the Pindad SS2 family are developed in Indonesia by the state company PT Pindad. The rifles of the SS2 line are based on the SS1 rifles, which are licensed copies of the Belgian FN FNC rifle, manufactured in

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REPUBLIC OF KOREA Daewoo K11 combined assault rifle - grenade launcherThe K11 combined assault rifle - grenade launcher was developed under the leadership of the Korea Defense Development Agency (Agency for Defense Development) with the participation of a number of commercial firms such as Daewoo

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REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIAN Glock-17 pistol The Glock-17 pistol (17 out of a magazine capacity of 17 rounds) was developed by the Austrian company Glock for the Austrian army; this was the first experience in creating pistols - previously the company produced only knives and sapper shovels. Nevertheless

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FRENCH REPUBLIC PGM UR Intervention sniper rifle The Ultima Ratio series of sniper weapons is manufactured by PGM Precision. A number of UR Intervention and Commando rifles enter service with the French armed forces to replace the FR F1 and FR F2 rifles. UR rifles

It took three days to write this article. I spent three sleepless nights dripping in the flickering light of an electric bulb. The voids in the material were gradually filled, logical chains were built, the system grew in front of me in all its dazzling beauty. Special Forces of the Republic of Belarus.

I’ll make a reservation right away: I use the term “Special Forces” here in a rather philistine formulation, meaning “Special Forces Armed Forces” by it. Ay, that won’t work either - many of the units below have nothing to do with the Armed Forces (AF - this is only the Ministry of Defense, well, let's add the Ministry of Internal Affairs here with its brigade from Uruchcha). The classic Spetsnaz (Spetsnaz) of the times of the USSR in Belarus was represented only by the 5th Special Forces Brigade of the Belarusian Military District, whose conscripts still mistakenly consider themselves airborne troops, which are not in Belarus at all. In general, the confusion is still there. Absolutely not saying that I figured out all these intricacies completely. There are still a lot of mysteries here. However, what happened, happened.

Showing respect for the military secrets of the state, I will not write here the unit numbers and their locations. However, the interested person can always find it on the Internet. I am writing the number only because I am not too sure about most of the numbers, the data are very approximate. I will also not touch on loyalty issues - this topic is painfully amorphous. Today you can post pictures from public pages about Novorossia with might and main, and tomorrow artillery will cover your village along with your old mother. And love for neighboring states will immediately evaporate somewhere.

I also do not pretend to be fundamentally new, unique and pioneering. Before me, this topic was raised by Igor Tyshkevich in this material of his, which I took as a kind of basic basis, however, significantly expanding and supplementing it. So let's go!

5th Separate Special Purpose Brigade

5th Separate Special Forces BrigadeThe only unit in Belarus that can be fully called Spetsnaz. It bears the same name as in the days of the Union. At the same time, it was considered one of the best spetsnaz formations in all the Soviet armed forces. He has combat experience in the Afghan and Karabakh campaigns. According to rumors, the financing of the brigade is very serious, many people from it have made good military careers. Not the same, of course, as, but strong enough. They are very well armed, the brigade is constantly rearming, there are the best weapons of potential opponents. Interestingly, it is also equipped with conscripts. A number of servicemen in all seriousness consider themselves paratroopers and refer to the Airborne Forces. The legs of this story grow from Soviet times, when all Spetsnaz soldiers (and this phrase itself) were deeply classified. When the demobilization was escorted from the unit under white arms, they gave him a vest and a blue beret, accompanying it all with the words: “When you return to your village, blurt out there that you served in the landing force so that they don’t ask unnecessary questions. The beret and vest, of course, were accompanied by a lifetime receipt in silence. I recently heard these stories live, when in a trolleybus a tipsy grandfather was talking about his service in the special forces. Before that, I had no living witnesses. To date, the number of brigade starts somewhere from 1500 people. The composition also includes a special detachment of special forces, staffed from some officers, the so-called "officer company". It is a high-class unit capable of solving any problems. According to rumors, the first experience of creating such a connection in the USSR. Today it is unique even by the standards of the CIS.

38th Guards Separate Air Assault Brigade

38th Guards Separate Air Assault Brigade Belongs to the North-Western Operational Command. Formed on the basis of the Airborne Forces. The news recently flashed in the vein that it was given the previous name, or rather the prefix "airborne assault". The brigade was deprived of this prefix in the 90s without any malicious intent. The simply adopted military doctrine, which excludes all kinds of offensive actions on the territory of foreign states, was also reflected in the names of units and formations. The number is about 1300 people. It is completed with conscripts who can rightfully wear blue berets, because it was on the basis of the airborne troops that this brigade was formed. They say that an absolutely incredible thing was invented in the brigade - landing ... without parachutes! True, from a helicopter, at low altitude and at low speed. Now the brigade is one of the most mobile and trained units. The unit also became famous on the other side: it was from here that young soldiers fled several times, including with weapons, unable to withstand the terry hazing.

103rd Guards Separate Airborne Brigade

103rd Guards Separate Airborne Brigade In terms of meaning and functions, it is not much different from the aforementioned 38th brigade. The same landing traditions, the same Afghanistan, the same recruits fleeing from the old-timers who are going crazy from impunity. However, the unit is very well prepared. Traditions have an effect, because the unit fought, among other things, in the Second World War. The number is approximately 1300-1400 people, most of them are conscripts, contract soldiers make up only 20-25% of the total number of the brigade. An interesting detachment was singled out from its composition, which will be discussed below.

UPD (August 2017): found very interesting information (author Anatoly Yermolin): “At the suggestion of KGB chairman Vladimir Kryuchkov, who prepared a note “On the creation of a special forces division in the KGB troops of the USSR” , the Politburo of the Central Committee decided to support the proposal of the KGB*, and already on December 4, 1990, on the basis of the directives of the Minister of Defense of the USSR No. 314/3/01 and No. 314/3/02, the 103rd Guards Airborne Division of the Airborne Forces and the 75th Motorized Rifle Division (ZakVO) were transferred to the State Security Committee.

And the same situation, but described not in dry official language, but by a direct participant in those events (Lebed A.I.): “There were“ smart heads ”who, using the tension growing in society, proposed a non-standard move - to transfer the division to the State Security Committee . No division - no problem. And ... they handed it over, creating a situation where the division was no longer "VED", but also not "KGB". That is, no one needs it at all. "You ate two rabbits, I ate none, but on average one each." Combat officers have been turned into clowns. Green caps, green shoulder straps, blue vests, symbols on caps, shoulder straps and chest - paratrooper. Among the people, such a wild mixture of forms was aptly dubbed the “conductor.”

33rd Guards Separate Special Purpose Detachment

33rd Guards Separate Special Purpose Detachment A very interesting formation. Apparently, there are only two of them in the country (the first is the aforementioned “officer company” from the 5th brigade). In 2002, on the basis of the 38th and 103rd mobile brigades, Special Airborne Detachments (SDO) were formed, which were regularly part of these airborne brigades and were formed from yesterday's most trained conscripts and athletes (concurrently) who wanted to continue serving in the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus. The best specialists from the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus, who went through hot spots and local conflicts, were appointed as instructors in TSP, VDP, FP and other BP subjects. The best young officers of these brigades were appointed commanders of yesterday's conscripts. Over time, as part of the reform and optimization of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus, out of two SDOs (special landing units), the best were selected and brought together in 33 Special Forces. The detachment is completed only by officers and ensigns, the level of training is serious even by the standards of other special forces of Belarus. True, recently one of the detachment’s servicemen was noted for being seen in the ranks of the separatists in the Donbass. Is this a widespread phenomenon? I hope no.

527th Separate Special Purpose Company

527th Separate Special Purpose CompanyThe unit is directly subordinate to the North-Western Operational Command. Little is known about him, at the level of several amateur videos. In the words of the forums, "the only connection really ready for war, in contrast to the fraud of the rest." True, it is not clear from what facts such a conclusion is drawn. Completed, including conscripts. It is also unclear on the basis of which unit it was formed, according to fragmentary information, it was formed already under independent Belarus in 1992. The number starts from 150-200 people. It is interesting because, apparently, it is not included in the MTR (Special Operations Forces), but in the ground forces.

22nd Special Purpose Company

The most mysterious unit of those that I have cited and will cite in the third part of the cycle. The latest information that I found dates back to 2014 (a report on some competitions). According to rumors, it is subordinate to the Western Operational Command and is deployed in the Grodno region. The goals and objectives are approximately equal to the rest of the special intelligence units. A distinctive feature is the absence of a heraldic mention on the website of the Ministry of Defense (all other units are there). This is the strangest thing. I found only fragmentary information from various forums and videos (the latter are dated 2008-2014). They also write that the company is cropped, which fully explains its absence from the heraldic list. In any case, I want to believe that somewhere else we have a powerful unit of 100-200 people. The chevron in the photo, apparently, belongs to the 22nd special forces company.

End of the second part.

August 2 marked the 85th anniversary of the creation of the Airborne Forces, the successors of which in our country were the special operations forces. Our freelance correspondent met with the commander of the SOF of the Armed Forces of Belarus, Major General Vadim DENISENKO (pictured)

— Comrade Major General, in Belarus, the airborne troops have been transformed into a new branch of the military — special operations forces. What is the fundamental difference?

- With the development of weapons and military equipment, the views on the conduct of armed struggle, as well as on the use of the Airborne Forces, have also been transformed. Therefore, it was decided to create in our country on the basis of units of the Airborne Forces a separate branch of the Armed Forces - special operations forces.

The main distinguishing feature of the MTR is that they are in constant readiness for use both in peacetime and in wartime and are designed to solve special tasks in the interests of achieving political, military, economic and psychological goals aimed at preventing an escalation or ending a military conflict. in relation to the Republic of Belarus. The military units and subunits of the MTR are entrusted with the following tasks: conducting counter-sabotage, reconnaissance and combat operations and conducting special measures. Also, units of special operations forces are involved in the fight against terrorism, carrying out measures to strengthen the regime of protection of the state border and maintain law and order, together with the personnel of the units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

- When creating special operations forces, did you study foreign experience?

- Of course, but we should not forget that the Belarusian special operations forces were not created from scratch. We had a strike component - well-trained landing brigades. We reinforced these mobile formations with a reconnaissance component - a special-purpose brigade. Both components were united under a single command - in general, they made the best decision for a country with a small territory and compact mobile Armed Forces.

I must say that today our experience is being carefully studied by other countries.

And when did you realize that you were on the right track?

- In 2004, while working out the tactics of actions, we understood that mobile brigades are mobile, capable of making large marches in any conditions, they can be airlifted and deliver serious blows. All this was taken into account by us. A special forces group, capable of operating in any conditions, found the object, and soon a mobile unit arrived at the designated point. The commander of the special forces group, together with the commander of the mobile unit, clarified the decision and carried out the destruction of the object. The following year, we were already confident that we were moving in the right direction. The tactics of our actions were also tested during various large-scale exercises of the Belarusian Armed Forces.

- Do not we reveal all the secrets of the special operations forces in this way?

— This is the tactics of any professional unit in the world. And as for the secrets of mastery, believe me, professionals are very reluctant to share them. And we are no exception here. So let's leave the secrets of mastery outside of this interview.

- The BTR-80 armored personnel carriers have replaced the airborne combat vehicles in the mobile brigades. Also to match the modern look?

- We proceeded from the fact that our units must be very mobile: move at any time and on any roads. And this allows you to do the BTR-80. They contribute to the successful fulfillment of the tasks before us. "Wheels" in our conditions look preferable. Artillery of special operations forces is also on wheels. Today, we are considering the BTR-82 armored personnel carrier, which has more firepower, for re-equipment. In particular, the 30mm automatic cannon will replace the heavy 14.5mm KPVT machine gun.

- Since we touched on the issues of equipping the MTR with modern weapons and military equipment, tell us how seriously it has changed recently?

- Tests of the armored vehicle "Fox" have recently been completed. We decided what changes should be made to its design in order for the vehicle to meet our requirements for it: which combat module to install, how to arrange seats, loopholes ... All this was taken into account in the terms of reference submitted to the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant. First of all, the "Foxes" will go to mobile battalions on cars. This year, the newest ORSIS-T5000M sniper rifles, capable of hitting targets at ranges up to 1,500 meters, were put into service. They have become a good addition to the modern sniper rifles VSK-94, OSV-96, MTs-116M, which have proven themselves in the army.

The troops received high-precision powerful ammunition with an expansive bullet (338-caliber LAPUA MAGNUM), which pierces all existing armor protection equipment (body armor, helmets of the highest protection classes).

Our military personnel are provided with the most modern means of observation and aiming of domestic production: day-night sights DNS-1, night NV / S-18, night monocular NV / M-19, laser designator LAD-21T, collimator sight PK-01VS.

Delivered to the special operations forces and very worthy means of individual armor protection. In particular, the Skat protective helmet, which provides protection against a bullet from a Makarov pistol already at a distance of one meter, the Raven bulletproof vest, capable of protecting against a bullet from an SVD at a distance of ten meters.

Work is underway to provide and adopt other latest optical sights, ammunition, small arms, tactical and shooting glasses, RPG-32 "Hashim" grenade launchers.

Our divisions are provided with reliable communication. On the basis of the Bogatyr vehicle, a modern command and staff vehicle was developed (a means of communication for the commander of the MTR and brigade commanders).

Modern models of weapons and military equipment are supplied to the troops and mastered in the course of combat training. The mobility of the ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft mounts has been significantly increased by the modernization of these weapons, which are now located together with ammunition on the basis of the Ural-43202 vehicle. In the next two months, we plan to put them in the 38th Guards Separate Mobile Brigade.

The form of clothing and equipment of the military personnel of the special operations forces is being improved.

We have recently received new ATVs that have been tested in the Armed Forces. In the future, they will be adopted. I must say that this is a very effective technique when performing tasks in forest areas, in swampy areas, on rough terrain ... This was also confirmed by the exercises that took place in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan as part of the test of the CSTO collective rapid reaction forces.

- Servicemen of the 103rd Guards Separate Mobile Brigade are constant participants in such exercises. How important are they to us?

- First of all, it is gaining invaluable experience. We have a lot to learn from Russians, Kazakhs, Tajiks. In these exercises, we always learn something new. And, of course, we learn to interact.

Many other teachings are also of great benefit. For example, the joint Belarusian-Chinese anti-terrorist exercises (trainings) "Swift Eagle". Not so long ago, another such exercise (the third in a row) ended on the basis of the 38th Guards Separate Mobile Brigade.

But the closest cooperation has been established with Russian colleagues. Of the latest joint exercises, a battalion-tactical exercise that took place in the 38th brigade, in which a company of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division took part. Our servicemen showed themselves worthy during the humanitarian search and rescue operation at the North Pole, where they had to perform tasks in difficult climatic conditions. Those who distinguished themselves are presented for state awards. The test at the North Pole has passed both modern uniforms and the equipment of the military personnel of the special operations forces. Many of our novelties were received with interest by the Russians. For example, cargo containers with which our military personnel jumped with a parachute.

- Comrade Major General, what other successes did you remember the jubilee year for?

- In the first half of the year, the command of the special operations forces, as well as units of the 38th and 103rd Guards separate mobile brigades, successfully passed the inspection of the Ministry of Defense. The MTR team distinguished itself at international competitions for the best special forces group, held in Kazakhstan, where it won a prize. Our servicemen won the competition for the best special-purpose sniper pair of the Armed Forces, in which representatives from all power structures of our country and teams from Russia and Kazakhstan participated.

The SSO team won the championship of the Armed Forces in army hand-to-hand combat. The next tests for the right to confer the badge "Valor and Mastery" also showed the increased level of training of our servicemen.

Bilateral battalion tactical exercises were interesting. A very useful event was a joint diving training camp held in Ryazan. Much attention during it was paid to the study of new diving equipment, which is being supplied to the Russian Armed Forces today.

This year, 11 of our servicemen have mastered the most advanced Arbalet parachute systems. They were trained on the basis of the center for special training of the Russian Airborne Forces.

Undoubtedly, the participation of servicemen of the 5th separate special forces brigade in the parade held on Red Square in Moscow on May 9 was a landmark event. They adequately represented the Belarusian Armed Forces.

Another important event was the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the 334th separate special forces detachment, which took place on the basis of the 5th separate special forces brigade.

It's nice that the successes of the special operations forces do not go unnoticed, including at the highest level. This year alone, Colonel Vladimir Bely and Lieutenant Colonel Nikolai Smekhovich were awarded the Orders "For Service to the Motherland" III degree by the Head of State for exemplary performance of official duties. Last year, these high awards were awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Sergei Sukhovilo and Major Alexei Khuzyakhmetov.

- At all times, service in the "troops blown by all winds" was prestigious. How popular is service in the special operations forces today? Is it in demand among young people?

— We do not experience a shortage of people who want to serve in the special operations forces.

As for the training of officers for our branch of the armed forces, it is carried out at the military intelligence department of the Military Academy of the Republic of Belarus, as well as at the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. Training is conducted in two specialties: "Use of mobile units" and "Use of special forces".

The demand for the profession of an officer of the special operations forces is evidenced by the annual competition for admission to the specialty of the MTR. This year, he made up more than two people per place, and for the specialty "Use of special forces" - more than three people per place.

Service in the special operations forces is really prestigious. We are glad to see in our ranks those who have a craving for romance, a desire to see something new, learn a lot and build character.

CHRONICLE
On August 2, 1930, during an exercise near Voronezh, a group of armed paratroopers was shown dropping out. The landing force consisted of twelve people, who were divided into two groups of six paratroopers. The paratroopers were supposed to drop weapons and ammunition from aircraft on special cargo parachutes.
After a successful landing, groups of paratroopers, armed with rifles, light machine guns and grenades, were ready to perform combat missions.
PERSPECTIVES
The main directions of the construction and development of special operations forces of the Armed Forces:
- development and testing of new ways of performing tasks;
- optimization of the organizational and staffing structure of formations and military units in accordance with the tasks being solved, as well as taking into account changes in the forms and methods of military confrontation;
- modernization of existing weapons, military and special equipment and equipping with new models of both domestic and foreign production;
- improving the quality of training of specialists for special operations forces;
- beautification of military camps and the creation of housing and living conditions for servicemen that meet modern requirements.

Interviewed by Alexander MAKAROV