Department of Defense Special Forces. Special Operations Forces (SOF)

In our country, there are many holidays dedicated to certain military professions, types and branches of the military.
Two years ago, a new holiday date appeared in the military calendar: February 26, 2015 - Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Decree No. 103 "On the establishment of the Day of the Special Operations Forces", and now every year on February 27 Russia celebrates the "Day of the Special Operations Forces Russian Federation».

The Special Operations Forces of the Russian Federation (SSO RF) is a highly mobile army grouping of forces of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, designed to solve not only military, but also military-political tasks where Russian interests extend, including foreign countries and territories.

The tasks of the MTR of the Russian Federation include: protection against attacks on Russian citizens in other countries, evacuation of embassies, important officials, as well as special operations, which mean preventive measures to destroy the leaders of bandit groups, infrastructure facilities or weapons of other countries, as well as countering saboteurs, protection of strategic facilities within our country.

In their activities, the fighters of the special operations forces use methods and methods of combat operations that are not typical for ordinary troops. The composition of the Special Operations Forces is secret, as is the vast majority of operations in which the Forces participate.

From open sources: the Special Operations Forces currently have two centers special purpose: "Kubinka-2" and "Senezh", but as necessary, other units of the Russian army can be introduced into the MTR.

The employees of the MTR units are armed with a variety of units and ammunition. The “nomenclature group” includes: the Glock 17 pistol, the AK-74M assault rifle, the APS underwater assault rifle, the Pecheneg machine gun, the Saiga-12S self-loading rifle, the AGS-17 Flame automatic grenade launcher.

The list of sets of uniforms of the MTR of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation includes more than a dozen items. For example, anti-fragmentation suit FORT "Reid-L"; wetsuit GKN-7; anti-fragmentation helmet 6B7-1M; body armor 6B43; armored shield "Fan-6".

MTR units use various types Vehicle, including armored vehicles, ATVs, helicopters, combat (transport) robots.

The Senezh detachment is the most closed division of the army, one might say the elite military intelligence, whose fighters are able to perform tasks of any degree of danger. It is no coincidence that it was on the basis of this unit that the Directorate of Special Operations was created in 2009, subordinate to the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

The service in the MTR of the Russian Federation is carried out by regular officers and contractors of non-commissioned officers. Almost every serviceman of the SO RF Forces has several specialties. Salient feature A: Compulsory knowledge of foreign languages.

Not every soldier can become an employee of an elite unit. Representatives of the SSO actually select candidates with the necessary knowledge and abilities themselves. Training is carried out in a special center, as well as directly at the points of permanent deployment.

Training sessions are held in conditions as close as possible to combat (on mountain training grounds, in the Arctic, etc.).
Many SSO employees are graduates of the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School and the Novosibirsk Higher Military Command School.

The debut of the MTR of the Russian Federation was participation in the events of three years ago - in the course of the well-known events in the Crimea, which became one of the manifestations of the "Russian Spring". The servicemen provided the Crimeans with the opportunity to exercise their free will, which resulted in the reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia. It was those events that served as the choice of the date for the new military holiday.

On the night of February 27, 2014, units of the armed forces of Ukraine in Crimea were blocked and disarmed without a single shot being fired, and all the strategic facilities of the peninsula were occupied by Russian SOF fighters, who behaved politely and correctly, both in relation to Ukrainian army, as well as to the inhabitants Crimean peninsula... The politeness of the Russian military was the birth of the concept known all over the world today: "polite people." This is one of the names of Special Operations Forces Day - Polite People Day.

Since 2015, units of the Special Operations Forces have been used in Syria for additional reconnaissance of targets for Russian air strikes.

The officers of the Russian Special Operations Forces, not sparing their lives, carried out tasks in various provinces of Syria, including the province of Homs, when the heroism of the Russian military helped the Syrian army liberate ancient Palmyra from terrorists - a pearl of architectural, cultural and historical heritage throughout modern civilization. Today in Syria, units of the MTR of the Russian Federation ensure the security of the air force base in Khmeimim.

Over time and gradual technical evolution, new devices and technologies were included in the activities of the military. This led to the fact that the art of leading fighting largely implemented remotely, by means of computer technology, relatively new physical principles, including the principles of pointing modern weapons at the target.

However, there are tasks that simply cannot be handled with the help of "machines". It is necessary to involve people with a special level of training, people who are able to perform the task as efficiently as possible.

And there are such people in our country. They are not recognized on the street, they are not "promoted" by the media. We know them by business, not by name - their personal files are kept under the heading "Secret". They are known among the people, and this has already been noted, as "polite people", and officially - the military personnel of the Special Operations Forces. And today these heroic people have a holiday.

"Military Review" is not ready to ignore the courage and heroism of the military personnel of the MTR of the Russian Federation and congratulates all those involved on the holiday. Complete the tasks set by the command and return home safe and sound!

The Special Operations Forces (SOF) is a relatively new formation in the structure of the Russian Armed Forces. Its formation began in 2009, during the army reform, and was completed in 2013. Over the past five years, the SOF took part in the Crimean operation and military operations in Syria.

Experts and journalists call this date "the day of polite people" - it was on the night of February 27, 2014 that the transfer of Russian units to Crimea began.

The servicemen blocked the facilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the peninsula and occupied the administrative buildings.

The operation involved, in addition to units of the MTR, marines, paratroopers and motorized rifles. The professional work of "polite people" made it possible to disarm the 30,000-strong group of Ukrainian troops almost without a single shot.

Meanwhile, the activities of the SSO are secret. The state has the right not to disclose information about the number and armament of the Special Operations Forces, and is also not obliged to report on the results of operations and losses incurred.

"Asymmetric Actions"

The special operations forces are a single structure, which includes army special forces units. different types and childbirth sun. The tasks of the MTR include conducting operations both on the territory of the Russian Federation and abroad.

The main governing body of the Special Operations Forces - Command - is directly subordinate to the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces (since November 9, 2012 - Valery Gerasimov).

Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov
RIA News

Colossal interest in the activities of the SSO is shown by Western think tanks. Foreign experts believe that Russia has created the Special Operations Forces for more efficient conduct of foreign expeditionary missions.

According to the West, the greatest contribution to the development of the MTR was made by Valery Gerasimov, who was assigned the image of a “hybrid war” strategist.

Foreign experts base similar conclusions on the article by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation "The value of science in foresight", which was published in the journal "Military Industrial Courier" at the end of February 2013.

In his material, Gerasimov said that the Russian General Staff studied the organization of military operations of American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US experience, according to Gerasimov, has demonstrated the need to change "existing models of operations and combat operations."

“Asymmetric actions have become widespread, making it possible to neutralize the superiority of the enemy in armed struggle. These include the use of special operations forces and internal opposition to create a permanent front... The ongoing changes are reflected in the doctrinal views of the leading countries of the world and are being tested in military conflicts," wrote Gerasimov.

View from the outside

Sarah Feinberg, lecturer at the National Security Institute in Tel Aviv, argues in her article “Russian Expeditionary Forces in the Syrian Operation” that the idea of uniting “mobile intervention forces” arose during the war in Afghanistan (1979-1989). Then the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of the USSR Ministry of Defense opposed the creation of the MTR. However, this idea reappeared on the agenda after two Chechen campaigns.

According to Feinberg, the use of the GRU special forces and other elite units in the North Caucasus was successful and made it possible to offset the shortcomings in the combat training of combined arms units.

At the same time, Russian special forces experienced problems in planning and conducting operations due to insufficient coordination between the security agencies to which they were subordinate. In this regard, the need was realized to unite the units of the army special forces into a single command structure under the control of the chief of the General Staff.

Russian special forces on tactical exercises
Press Service of the Ministry of Defense

The consulting division of the US Army Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG) in the report "Manual for the Russian Army of the New Generation" reports that the MTR appeared as a result of optimizing the size and structure of the Russian Armed Forces during the period when the Ministry of Defense was headed by Anatoly Serdyukov (2007-2012).

The army reform was aimed at disaggregating formations (transition to a brigade system) and at creating so-called battalion tactical groups.

As AWG experts clarify, "battalion tactical groups" are mobile, well-trained units that can be deployed hundreds of kilometers from the state border in a short time.

It follows from the AWG report that "battalion tactical groups" form the backbone of the SOF. According to analysts, these units were first used for the “annexation” of Crimea, then they were allegedly transferred to the Donbass, and since 2015 they have been operating in Syria.

Asymmetric Warfare Group believes that in the formation of the MTR, Russia was based on the experience of foreign countries. However, the decision to create the Special Operations Forces was made after the South Ossetian conflict (August 2008).

In 2009, on the basis of the Senezh Special Purpose Center (Moscow Region, military unit 92154) was formed by the Office of the Special Operations Forces. The formation of the SSO as a single well-functioning organism was completed in March 2013.

Consistency and professionalism

Tor Bukvoll, senior researcher at the Institute of the Ministry of Defense of Norway, in materials devoted to the elite units of the RF Armed Forces, notes that the GRU employees form the basis of the MTR. Of the 14 thousand fighters of the Special Operations Forces, 12 thousand are military intelligence officers.

Foreign analysts agree that the MTR arsenal includes the most modern weapons, uniforms and the latest military equipment, including communication systems and drones. Russian special forces can perform tasks at any time of the day and in any natural and climatic conditions.

Soldier of the diving unit of the Special Operations Forces
Press Service of the Ministry of Defense

Sara Feinberg believes that Syria has become the main "military training camp" for the Russian SOF. The tasks of the special forces in the SAR include collecting intelligence, directing artillery and air force fire, eliminating the leaders of gangs, conducting assault operations and sabotage activities.

“Syria really represents the first territory in which Russia has deployed and organized control over the contingent of expeditionary forces, including the Special Operations Forces (SOF) and various categories of special forces, in a coordinated and large-scale manner,” Feinberg notes in the article “Russian Expeditionary Forces in the Syrian Operation.”

As the expert explained, the Syrian operation allows the MTR of the Russian Federation to hone their skills "without additional burden on the military budget." Feinberg estimates the size of the Russian special forces group in the SAR at 230-250 people. According to her, the successful work of the MTR in Syria testifies to the "revival of Russian military art."

The presence of Russian special forces in Syria was first announced by Alexander Dvornikov, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Central Military District, on March 23, 2016. Nevertheless, Russian and foreign experts are sure that the MTR has been operating in Syria from the very beginning of the operation (September 30, 2015) or since the summer of 2015.

“I will not hide the fact that units of our Special Operations Forces are also operating in Syria. They carry out additional reconnaissance of objects for Russian aviation strikes, are engaged in guiding aircraft to targets in remote areas, and solve other special tasks, ”Dvornikov said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

On December 11, 2016, the Rossiya 24 TV channel showed footage of the participation of Special Forces military personnel in the battles in Syrian Aleppo. It is also known from the media that the MTR fighters participated in the liberation of Palmyra.

According to official data, during the entire period of the operation in the SAR, two special forces gunners were killed - Captain Fyodor Zhuravlev (November 9, 2015) and Senior Lieutenant Alexander Prokhorenko (March 17, 2016). By order of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Zhuravlev was awarded the Order of Kutuzov posthumously, Prokhorenko was awarded the title of Hero of Russia, also posthumously.

In May 2017, information about the feat of the MTR group in the province of Aleppo was partially declassified.

16 Russian special forces, who were engaged in directing aviation fire, entered the battle against 300 Jabhat-an-Nusra militants *.

The commandos acted in coordination with government troops. However, the Syrians retreated in confusion and left the detachment without cover. The Russian servicemen repelled several attacks and, when it got dark, mined the approaches to their positions.

“The density of the fire was high. But it was scary only in the first minutes, and then a banal routine begins, ”said one of the officers.

MTR mortar crew firing at terrorists
Frame: RUPTLY video

The fighters held their positions for two days and were able to get out without loss. During the battle, the special forces destroyed several armored vehicles and a tank. The group commander Danila (surname not named), who received the title of Hero of Russia, noted that the well-coordinated professional actions of his subordinates became the key to success.

A participant in counter-terrorist operations in the North Caucasus, Alexei Golubev, in an interview with RT, said that the MTR of Russia is rightfully called the most prepared elite formation in armed forces RF. In his opinion, the success of the operation in Syria would not have been possible without the Special Operations Forces.

“The secret nature of the activities of the MTR is due to the fact that the fighters work outside of Russia. In Syria, special forces are thrown behind enemy lines for target designation of the VKS. In my opinion, this is the most difficult and dangerous work. And, as far as I can tell, our guys are coping with it, ”Golubev emphasized.

*Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (Al-Nusra Front, Jabhat al-Nusra) is an organization recognized as a terrorist organization by the decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation of December 29, 2014.

There is little information about the special operations forces: these are young troops and they work under the heading “secret”. Fighters in balaclavas, their faces are not seen either in news stories or in photographs. These people silently and modestly carry out their task, but the results are talked about all over the world.

Special forces history

Special forces were created in the 50s by a secret order, subordinate to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff.

The first Soviet special forces could eliminate the commanders and influential politicians of the aggressor countries, destroy missile launchers, aircraft control centers or communication channels with nuclear submarines. Carrying out the assigned tasks, the special forces skillfully had to lead the enemy into a panic.

At the beginning of the 80s, there were 11 special forces brigades in the country. They fought in Afghanistan, Chechnya - their numbers grew. The commandos ceased to be a "piece" product, the fighters were used more and more often.

Special operations forces in the Russian Federation: formation

MTR - troops created to defend and protect the interests of Russia and its citizens anywhere in the world. This is a special forces that performs tasks in peacetime.

The history of the formation of the MTR of the Russian Armed Forces begins with the founding of special-purpose military units, on the basis of which, on March 5, 1999, the Specialist Training Center appeared. Part is located in Solnechnogorsk. The GRU group obeyed. Then it was called the Senezh Special Purpose Center. The fighters who underwent special training in the unit were nicknamed "sunflowers".

The new military unit took its first battles in Chechnya, during the second Chechen campaign.

Almost ten years later, during the reform of the RF Armed Forces, the special unit was reorganized into the Directorate of Special Operations, subordinate to the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces.

In April 2011, with the assistance of the FSB special forces, the formation of another Special Forces Center begins. TsSN is subordinate to the head of the GRU, located near Moscow. The unit was called the Kubinka-2 Special Purpose Center.

In March 2013, Russia announced that the country was preparing special operations forces. "Senezh" and "Kubinka-2" are part of the new forces.

Three years later, the marine department of special operations of the MTR was included in the Navy in the Crimea.

The first commander of the MTR of the Russian Armed Forces - Oleg Martyanov, 2009-2013 The command of the special operations forces remains one of the most closed structures of the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Day of "polite people"

On February 26, 2015, the president signed the decree on the establishment of the day of special operations forces, the next day the soldiers celebrated their first "day of polite people" - February 27.

A year before the signing of the decree, on the night of February 27, Russian fighters occupied all facilities of importance in ensuring the defense capability of Crimea, and part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The locals called the people in camouflage “polite” because they, performing a special task at a busy time, behaved with the Crimeans extremely courteously and modestly.

The emblem of the special operations forces is a bow with a stele on a bowstring pointing upwards. On the plumage of the arrow there are two spread wings.

Equipment of the soldiers of the MTR

The equipment and weapons of the special operations forces are unique. Equipment includes:

headphones that muffle the sounds of battle and make it possible to talk through the built-in radio station (removed);
the latest model Kalashnikov assault rifle with Picatinny rails, on which you can mount additional equipment;
silent shooting devices;
anti-fragmentation glasses;
helmet - shockproof and anti-fragmentation;
pistol;
mount for a night vision device;
body armor - able to stop a bullet fired from a machine gun and a sniper rifle, with mounts for magazines with cartridges, grenades and a first aid kit;
optical sight;
camouflage with built-in elbow and knee pads;
lightweight and durable tactical boots.

The equipment also includes: a tactical protection kit, an anti-fragmentation suit, a wetsuit, a diving kit, an unloading vest, and a thermal imaging monoculator.

The most unclassified is medical equipment.

Each specialist has:

Regular wearable medical kit.
Portable stretcher for carrying the wounded from the battlefield.
Means to stop bleeding - bandages, tourniquet or tourniquet, systems, saline, hemostatic.
Remedies for poisoning, antiseptics, painkillers, antishock, hemostatic.

The set weighs about 10 kg.

How Special Operations Forces Work

The occupation of the MTR fighters is conducting reconnaissance and sabotage behind enemy lines, as well as maintaining order in their rear.

The job comes with many hardships. Service in the army is at the limit, tickling the nerves, requiring the exertion of all forces and the readiness to sacrifice oneself for the sake of others.

The most important factor is the combat coherence of the team. Here you need absolute discipline, unconditional following the commander, and at the same time the ability to make independent decisions individually by each fighter.

Physical training is a necessary factor in the training of a specialist. Daily activities become a way of life. A warrior must have an absolute reaction in any situation, have the utmost endurance and endurance.

Equally important is the ability to work with modern weapons. This requires constant improvement of the professionalism of each specialist.

Work in a team, two and three, as part of a group is based on perfect interaction, the ability to literally understand comrades without words. Training brings to automatism every movement. Each warrior must not only know his own maneuver, but also be able to act instinctively and anticipate the actions of the enemy.

"Military Surgery"

The special operations forces of the Russian Federation are the military elite. The army group uses modern types of weapons and equipment, is well equipped and is ready at any time to perform a combat mission in any conditions, anywhere on the planet. The fighters are faced with the task of defending the interests of Russia and its citizens. Their work every day - every minute readiness for the immediate application of their skills.

These are special forces troops, they use methods of fighting that other troops do not use. The soldiers of the MTR are scouts, saboteurs, demolitionists, counter-saboteurs and partisans. They are paratroopers and divers, and use both small arms and anti-ship missiles.

SOF in Syria

Accurate airstrikes were carried out thanks to the professionalism of the fighters. Specialists work in the deep rear, using the entire arsenal of special means of reconnaissance and enemy detection. And snipers with rifles do no less than bombers.

Correction of air strikes, elimination of terrorists and destruction of important objects - these are the tasks facing the MTR.

The Russian Armed Forces have been invited by the Syrian authorities. It was decided that it was better to stop the terrorists there than to wait for them in Russia. The MTR units found themselves in the thick of the confrontation. Skills acquired during training are used in combat conditions, skills are honed and professionalism is increased.

Unique MTR missions

Modern means of reconnaissance, surveillance and communications require extensive knowledge in the field of computer technology. Simulators using the latest electronics allow specialists to hone their skills and improve their professionalism in conditions as close as possible to combat.

Performing combat missions in different regions requires knowledge of the language of the host country, culture and folk customs.

Being in contact with the local population is an important factor in obtaining and implementing the information obtained. Great attention is paid to undercover operational and tactical-special training. Specialists must know perfectly the basic tactics and strategy of modern warfare.

They work under the heading "secret"

MTRs of the Russian Ministry of Defense use combat training systems. An important place is given to parachuting, fire training, mine-blasting and sapper business, and tactics.

MTRs influence the economy and politics of other states with muscle and strength, but secretly. Foreign partisans are being trained, important objects are being destroyed, and interfering ones are being eliminated. MTR is in the USA, Germany, England, France, Israel. And they do not sit anywhere without work.

There were people in our country who performed the most important tasks all over the world, and they continue to do their job today.

All Russian special forces troops are fighting in the Caucasus with varying intensity, participating in special operations to destroy bandits and extremists.

Today, the Russian Armed Forces have 7 special forces brigades, as well as 4 detachments of combat swimmers.

A detachment of the MTR is worth an entire army

Only the best of the best get into the SSO. Applicants go through a rigorous selection process. According to the results of severe tests, it turns out whether a person is able to withstand difficult situations and not retreat from the most dangerous tasks.

Daily training is needed to be ready to perform any combat mission as clearly and efficiently as possible, quickly and creatively. Strength today special operations of the Russian Federation carry out direct work in the hottest spots of the planet.

The military elite of the country

The first special forces troops appeared in the GRU of the General Staff of the Russian Federation. Later, special units were formed in other law enforcement agencies and special services, designed for various tasks. For example, the TsSN FSB "Alpha" is fighting terror in transport, "Vympel" - at especially important facilities.

There are special forces in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in the internal troops. The famous "maroon berets" are opposed by gangs and are the power support of the police. The task of the special forces of the FS OBNON is to fight the drug mafia. Special Forces of the Federal Penitentiary Service counteraction to riots in the penitentiary system - in Russian prisons and zones.

In the West, all special operations forces are brought into a single fist: land, sea, and air. In the Russian Federation, everything is divided. For several decades, the command has been trying to include aviation squadrons in the brigades, but so far to no avail.

But the leadership of the Russian armed forces has ceased to be ashamed of what it is doing in other countries. It declared its interests around the world and the goal of saving and protecting all Russian citizens: diplomats captured by extremists, sailors who fell into the hands of pirates, Russian citizens held hostage.

At the foot of Elbrus there is a stele to the Heroes of the Defense of Elbrus. Here, a Russian soldier defeated a division of selected German climbers in the war.

Russia is returning to big history. It is argued that where the Russian soldier came, there will be peace, tranquility and justice. At the same time, we are talking not only about the special operations forces of the Russian Federation.

Military service at all times enjoyed great honor and respect in almost any existing state. After all, it is the troops that are the force that can protect the country from external aggression. It should be noted that the history of the development of military art has been going on since ancient times. Many of the modern principles of building armies were laid down in ancient Greece and Rome. Over time and gradual technical evolution, new devices and technologies were included in the activities of the military. This has led to the fact that in the 21st century the art of killing in most cases is realized remotely, using computers, missiles, drones, etc. However, there are tasks that simply cannot be handled remotely or with the help of machines. That is, it is necessary to involve people with a special level of training. Military of this type exist in every state. As a rule, they are combined into units. In the Russian Federation, there is a similar formation in the Armed Forces. It is engaged in the performance of special functions, and also has its own structure, staff and features, which will be discussed later in the article.

The concept of special units

The Special Operations Forces of the Russian Federation are special units in the structure of the Armed Forces, as already mentioned earlier. But few people understand what the category of "special units" is in general. As a rule, formations of this kind are created as part of the army, since it is in the conditions of hostilities that situations often arise that require a special approach. But there are also special units in the internal services, for example, the police, etc. Given this, we can conclude that special units are formations in the system of bodies involved in the comprehensive defense of the state, on whose shoulders the most dangerous and difficult in their mission essence.

Russian "analogue"

Special Operations Forces is a unit directly included in It was developed in 2009 as a result of the global reform of the entire defense sector of the state. The unit is assigned special tasks, which will be discussed in more detail later in the article. It should be noted that the Russian special operations forces report directly to the head of the RF Armed Forces. To date, the exact size of the special unit is unknown, since it is guarded by a special regime. As for the issue of equipment for the MTR, the command approached it quite professionally. In the activities of the unit, all available technical innovations in the field of military affairs are used. It should be noted that the staff of the special operations forces carries out its activities on the basis of a special service.

The main tasks of the division

The special operations forces of the Russian Federation are highly mobile units. Their employees have special military training, which builds experience in performing important and dangerous tasks. In accordance with this, we can say that the main areas of work of the SSO are of a rather specific nature. They are usually implemented in a peaceful, war time both abroad and on the territory of the Russian Federation. It should be noted that the Russian special operations forces are a young unit. Many aspects and immediate goals of his work are still not fully known. However, we can say with confidence that the special operations forces are engaged in the implementation of the task of the same name, which, in turn, has its own peculiarities.

The concept of a special operation

The presented term characterizes the military process. It differs from ordinary operations in the specifics of its conduct, goals, and methods of activity of its subjects. First of all, it should be noted that a special operation is carried out by military units to protect the interests of the state in a particular territory. At the same time, such actions are considered special because it is simply impossible to implement them using conventional methods and means. That is, the subject composition of special operations is almost always highly qualified fighters of well-trained and highly mobile units. Methodological base their activity in most cases is the secrecy and secrecy of any action. To this end, servicemen of special units undergo special psychological, combat, fire and other types of training. They are trained to operate both as part of a mobile group and individually behind enemy lines. The most common targets for special operations are:

Sabotage;

Activities of a subversive nature, etc.

The history of the creation of the MTR

It has already been pointed out earlier that the special operations forces are a relatively young unit. V modern form it didn't exist before. Its creation is preceded by a fairly long history. The MTR management body was created in 2009, when the general reform of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation began. Gradually, the structure of the new division developed and expanded. By 2012, the command of the special operations forces was created. It consisted of about nine special brigades. However, the actual creation of special operations forces began in 2013. At this time, the command of this formation began the implementation of planned work aimed at bringing the structure of these units into the proper form. According to Valery Gerasimenko, General of the Army, by March 23, 2013, the MTR personnel had already been actually formed. At this time, it was being prepared for direct use both on the territory of the Russian Federation and abroad. Around the end of April 2013, the Russian Armed Forces conducted exercises that were aimed at practicing practical actions in conditions as close as possible to real ones.

Unit structure

The special operations forces of the Russian Federation have their own internal structure, due to the need for prompt response to situations, the solution of which is within the scope of the unit. At the same time, the composition of the SSO, in turn, has an internal hierarchy that allows the distribution of functional responsibilities between individual structural elements. Thus, the special operations forces of the Russian Federation consist of the following elements:

Direct command located in the Moscow region.
Special center "Snezh", which is also located in the Moscow region. It should be noted that today this center is one of the main parts of the division presented in the article. Its task is not only to train fighters, but also to conduct special operations. Therefore, "Snezh" has a structure consisting of departments of different areas of activity, which will be discussed later.
Special training center for specialists. In this division, direct training of personnel takes place. Here, in fact, are born Russian forces special operations. In addition, fighters from other special units of the Russian Federation are trained and retrained at the center.
Similar to the "Snezh" combat center is "Cuba" or "Zazaborie", as it is commonly called.

Of course, there may be other special centers, but information about them can be strictly classified. This level of mystery around the MTR is not accidental. After all, the fighters of this unit carry out operations that are far from unambiguous. It should be noted that the world-famous SEAL division, the SEALs, also did not officially exist in the early stages of its development. Only with the passage of time was the fact of its creation and real activity revealed.

The structure of the special center "Snezh"

In order to at least roughly understand how the special operations forces of the RF Armed Forces work, it is necessary to consider in more detail the composition of the Snezh special purpose center, which was mentioned earlier in the article. It should be noted that in accordance with the tasks assigned to the MTR, the structure of the center includes a number of special departments. Each of them is responsible for maintaining combat training and performing specific functions. One of these departments is the airborne. The fighters serving in it, in accordance with the name, are constantly replenishing the arsenal of ways to penetrate the rear of the enemy directly by air. That is, there is a strong emphasis on skydiving, as well as flights by means of paragliders. The fighters of this department are comparable to employees, but their activities and landing methods are kept secret.

There is also a special mining unit. Its fighters specialize in activities and survival in appropriate conditions. As we know, the conduct of special operations in the mountains has an increased level of risk, which necessitates the need for special training of fighters. The same requirements are put forward for employees who work in the department for the destruction and capture of enemy infrastructure, that is, buildings, headquarters, bunkers, etc.

Multi-purpose in its essence is the department of special operations of the Naval Forces. Most often it is referred to as the sea. This formation is a competitor of the "fur seals" of the United States of America. Because its activity is based on the fulfillment of the task in the waters of lakes, rivers and seas. As a rule, fighters do their work from watercraft. In addition, the functional tasks of the department include reconnaissance operations, sabotage operations on enemy water facilities and those located directly on the shore.

No less important and functional is the department specializing in the protection of high-ranking government officials. In this case, its functions at some points intersect with the activities Federal Service protection.

Additional structural departments special center"Snezh" are withdrawal and support units. In the first case, we are talking about formations that are engaged in the withdrawal of individual groups of SOF from the rear of the enemy or the place of the operation. Today, the withdrawal can be carried out both by air, by land and by water. The remaining divisions of the center are engaged in material support and communications. It should be noted that on the territory of "Snezh" there are special complexes that are used to provide fighters and maintain their combat form.

Russian special operations forces: how to get there?

Some young people would like to get into this unit. To date, the recruitment process for service in the special operations forces of the Russian Federation is not exactly known. The composition of the unit, according to unclassified data, is completed at the expense of contract servicemen. That is, without exception, all employees are professional fighters, and not people who are serving in the military. In addition, many specialists of the unit enter it after the end of special military educational institutions in which certain faculties are provided. These today are the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School, and also. Nevertheless, it is possible that personnel in the MTR are also replenished by recruiting people who are already serving in units of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Conflicts involving the unit

To date, special operations forces have officially been involved in the territory of the state of Syria. In this country, the unit was engaged in ground reconnaissance of the area to ensure the conduct of air strikes. At the same time, the activities of the unit are confirmed by a fact that was also covered in the media. According to the official version, near Palmyra in March 2016, the SSO fighters liberated the city. Due to the superior forces of the enemy, one of the employees special forces was killed. In addition to military operations in Syria, there are many unofficial reports about the activities of the SSO in other military conflicts, for example, in the North Caucasus in the process of fighting Islamists. The most controversial is the fact of the participation of the fighters of the mentioned unit in the Crimean crisis.

Emblem of the special unit

The special operations forces of Russia, the emblem of which is presented in the article, have a special symbolism. First of all, it is represented by a common sign that exists in all military formations in Russia. The emblem of the MTR of the Russian Federation is a gray wreath, at the top of which there is a reduced emblem of the Armed Forces of Russia, namely: a double-headed golden eagle. In the center of the sign of the special operations forces is a bow, the bowstring of which is pulled by an arrow with wings. This symbol also has a golden color.

So, in this article, photos of the special operations forces of the Russian Federation were presented. We also found out the main tasks and composition of this unit. Let's hope that soon there will be more information about the activities of the MTR, which will make it possible to judge the quality of the work of this unit.

For the first time, the Special Operations Forces (SOF) appeared in Syria, according to unofficial data, in October 2015. The military department reported on the first task of the detachment - the protection of the perimeter of Russian military facilities.

SOF were created in 2009. Their tasks are mainly sabotage and reconnaissance operations and guidance of aircraft on targets in remote areas. In service with special forces groups of the MTR is wide range weapons from small arms to the latest armored vehicles, high-precision sniper systems and anti-tank missile systems.

Structure of the MTR

The detachment is capable of conducting operations both outside the country - for this they will use the Senezh special forces of the Ministry of Defense, the Airborne Forces, special forces brigades (GRU special forces), as well as the Grom special forces of the FSKN - and inside - internal troops, units of the Federal Penitentiary Service, special forces of the FSB and other services.

Emblem

From the weapons and uniforms, I managed to make out:

Modern modification of the Kalashnikov assault rifle - AK.
On the Picatinny rail on the cover of the receiver are installed collimator sight Bushnell TRS-25 type and optics.

Ballistic helmet "Spartan" and helmet type 6B7-1M.

Lightweight anti-fragmentation raid suit, created on the basis of the FORT "Reid-L" protective kit and designed to protect special forces officers from primary and secondary fragments. The suit provides protection against fragments of 270 m/s.

Bulletproof vest "Redut-M", unique ASP-M1 steel armor panels protect the chest and back from bullets with a heat-strengthened core (TUS) of AKM, AK-74 assault rifles, LPS bullets from the SVD rifle, but also from bullets with a highly hard tungsten carbide core.

Active headphones Peltor Com Tac XP

Machine gun Utes and Pecheneg

Where were the MTRs of the Russian Federation involved

Aleppo

In just two days, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) radically changed the course of the operation in Aleppo. In a short time, the allies liberated the quarters: Sheikh Fares, Sheikh Kheder, Haidaria, al-Sakur, Khilak, Baedin, Ard al-Hamra, Jabal Badro, Bustan-Basha, Inzarat.

The success in Aleppo, the Syrian army owes much to its allies. Russian special forces and SOF units were involved in the operation to liberate the city. Russian aviation, including naval aviation, worked along the supply routes for militants, thereby minimizing the reserves of terrorists.

Palmyra

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin that the Syrian Armed Forces, with the support of the Russian Aerospace Forces, had completed the operation to capture Palmyra.
The city was liberated with the participation of the MTR fighters.

"The operation was planned and carried out under the guidance of Russian military advisers"

Successful interactions between the Syrian army and the Russian side have proven to be effective. The tactics of the battle has undergone drastic changes after the intervention of the Russian military in the course of the case. Each operation takes place under the strict guidance of the commanders, the coordinated actions of the detachments allowed the army to attack the enemy on a wide front, which does not give the terrorists a chance to retreat or regroup.

The fact that Russia has deployed its own in Syria secret weapon, officially became known only at the end of 2016, but rumors about elite fighters of the MTR appeared even earlier. They were able to identify elite fighters by solving combat missions. Competent and successful outcome of the operation became business card elite division.