Right now there is a lot of talk in the newspapers, on TV, on the Internet about the Special Forces of the GRU and the Special Forces of the Airborne Forces. Since these two communities of military professionals are very similar, we will try to figure out how they still differ for an inexperienced person who is far from all this.

Let's start with historical perspective... Who came first? Spetsnaz GRU definitely in 1950. Since a lot of tactical preparations and other chips were borrowed from the partisan actions of the Great Patriotic War, it is still fair to designate its unofficial appearance in the second half of the thirties of the last century. The first sabotage groups of the Red Army successfully operated in the war in Spain. And if you look at an even earlier historical period, when the need for sabotage operations forced many countries of the world (including Russian Empire) to keep completely autonomous "spy" subunits in their armies, then the origins of the GRU special forces go back to the "depth of the ages."

Special Forces of the Airborne Forces appeared in 1930, together with the Airborne Troops. With the very first landing near Voronezh, when there was an obvious need to start their own reconnaissance. The paratroopers cannot just land in the "paws of the enemy", someone has to shorten these "paws", break off the "horns", sawed off the "hooves".

Main tasks. Spetsnaz GRU - conducting reconnaissance and sabotage (and some other, sometimes delicate) operations behind enemy lines at a distance of 1000 km. and further (as long as the radio communication range is enough) to solve the tasks of the General Staff. Previously, communication was on short wavelengths. Now on short and ultra-short on the satellite channel. The communication range is not limited by anything, but still there are "dead zones" in some corners of the planet, there is no mobile, radio or satellite communication at all. Those. it is not for nothing that a stylized image of the globe is often found on the symbols of the GRU.

Special Forces of the Airborne Forces - in fact, the "eyes and ears" of the Airborne Forces, are part of the Airborne Forces themselves. Reconnaissance and sabotage units operating behind enemy lines to prepare for the arrival and prepare the landing (if there is such a need) of the main forces ("cavalry"). The seizure of airfields, sites, small bridgeheads, the solution of related tasks with the capture or destruction of communications, related infrastructure facilities and others. They act strictly by order of the headquarters of the Airborne Forces. The range is not as great as that of the GRU, but it is also impressive. The main airborne aircraft IL-76 is capable of covering 4000 km. Those. there and back - about 2000 km. (Refueling is not considered, although the range in this case increases significantly). Therefore, the special forces of the Airborne Forces operate behind enemy lines at a distance of up to 2000 km.

Let's continue our research. An interesting question is with the form of clothing. At first glance, everything is the same. Ankle boots, camouflages, vests, blue berets. But this is only at first glance. Take beret, for example. This piece of clothing is of medieval origin. Pay attention to the old paintings of the artists. All beret wearers wear them asymmetrically. Either right or left. The special forces of the GRU and the special forces of the Airborne Forces secretly wear a beret bent to the right. If you suddenly see a special forces soldier in the form of an airborne forces and in a beret bent to the left, then this is just an ordinary paratrooper. The tradition began from the time of the first parades with the participation of the Airborne Forces, when it was necessary to open the face as much as possible to the podium, and this can be done only by bending the beret on the left side of the head. And there is no reason to shine intelligence.

Moving on to the signs. During the Great Patriotic War, the Airborne Forces made many landings and landing operations. Many awarded heroes. Including the airborne forces themselves were awarded the rank of guards (almost all). The GRU spetsnaz for the period of that war was already at the stage of formation as an independent branch of the military, but was outside the legal framework (and in general everything was secret). Therefore, if you see a paratrooper, but without the "Guard" badge, then it is almost 100% certain - the GRU special forces. Only a few units of the GRU carry the rank of guards. For example, 3 separate guards Warsaw-Berlin Red Banner Order of Suvorov III Art. brigade of the special forces of the GRU.

About food. Those. about the contentment. Special Forces of the GRU, if it is in the format (i.e. under the guise) of a unit airborne troops, receives uniforms, clothing allowance, monetary allowance, and all the burdens and hardships that are due, both in illness and in health, and food, strictly in accordance with the norms of the Airborne Forces.
Special Forces of the Airborne Forces - everything is clear here. This is the airborne troops themselves.

But with the GRU, the question is more intricate, and this detail always brings confusion. A friend wrote to me after the Pechora GRU special forces training in the eighties. "All, ** ***, arrived at the place, in the company. We sit for the first day, ****, we pair off the blue shoulder straps, they gave out fuel oil, everything is black, **** today is mourning ((((((. Berets , the vests were also taken away. I'm now in the signal troops or what, *****? "So, we arrived in Germany, in the Western Group of Forces, and changed their clothes. They immediately became signalmen. And changed their shoes (boots with lacing were replaced with ordinary boots). But Germany is small, in the same place our sworn "friends" are also not fools. They are watching. Here is a strange communications company. All signalmen are like signalmen, but these people are stirring up something all day. at full speed, then digging trenches (similar to a comfortable lying in a forest belt behind the autobahn), then hand-to-hand fighting, then shooting for the whole day, then something happens at night. to a distant airfield. "And for you, dear, there is a field mail. Forward! The pipe is calling! Soldiers! On the march!" - communication workers).

In this way, the GRU special forces can disguise themselves (at times successfully) absolutely under any branch of the army (as the Motherland orders, and in what quiet / rotten distance it will send).
Disguising signs will be numerous badges with sports categories, parachutist badges, all the same vests (stubborn boychikas will still wear them under any pretext, but you can't see them all, and it's good that paratrooper vests are terribly popular in all branches of the military), tattoos in the form of clothing # 2 (naked torso) again airborne theme with an abundance of skulls, parachutes, bats and all kinds of animals, slightly weathered faces of faces (from frequent running in the fresh air), always increased appetite and skills to eat exotic, or completely artless.

An interesting question is about one more stealth. This stroke will give out the commandos, who is used to getting to the place of "work" not by comfortable transport accompanied by invigorating music, but on foot with all parts of the body worn out in calluses. The gully running style with a huge load on the shoulders forces the arms to straighten at the elbows. Longer arm lever - more economical than effort in transporting trunks. Therefore, when one day they first arrived at a unit with a huge concentration of personnel, at the very first morning run they were shocked by the huge number of fighters (soldiers and officers) who ran with their hands down like robots. We thought it was some kind of joke. But it turned out not. Over time, my own personal feelings about this appeared. Although everything here is strictly individual. Even if you pick your nose with your finger and flap your wings, do what you have to do.

And the most important thing is not this. Clothes are clothes, but what is exactly the same inherent in both the special forces of the GRU and the special forces of the Airborne Forces is the eyes. Look like this, completely relaxed, benevolent, with a share of healthy indifference. But he looks straight into you. Or through you. You never know what to expect from such a subject (only a megaton of trouble, if that suddenly). Complete mobilization and readiness, complete unpredictability of actions, logic that instantly turns into "inadequate". And so in ordinary life quite positive and inconspicuous people. No self-admiration. Only a tough and calm focus on the result, no matter how desperately hopeless it turns out to be. In short, for military intelligence, this is a kind of philosophical salt of being from time immemorial (lifestyle, that is).

Let's talk about swimming. The special forces of the Airborne Forces must be able to overcome water obstacles. Are there not enough obstacles along the way? All sorts of rivers, lakes, streams, swamps. The same is true for the GRU special forces. But if it comes about the seas and oceans, then for the Airborne Forces the topic ends here, the diocese of the Marine Corps begins there. And if they have already begun to distinguish someone, then more precisely, a very specific area of ​​activity of the reconnaissance units of the Marine Corps. But the GRU special forces have their own units of brave combat swimmers. Let's reveal a little military secret. The presence of such units in the GRU does not at all mean that just the same every special forces in the GRU underwent diving training. The combat swimmers of the GRU special forces are a really closed topic. There are not many of them, but they are the best of the best. Fact.

What can be said about physical fitness? There are no differences at all. And in the special forces of the GRU, and in the special forces of the Airborne Forces, there is still some kind of selection. And the requirements are not that high, but the highest. Nevertheless, in our country there is a pair of every creature (and there are many who wish). Therefore, it is not surprising that all sorts of random people get there. Either they read a lot of books, show-off videos from the Internet, or have seen enough of films. Often they have an abundance of sports diplomas, awards, categories and other things. Then, with such a steeply cooked porridge in their heads, they arrive at the duty station. From the very first march (named after the Great Special Forces) enlightenment comes. Complete and inevitable. Oh ***, where did I go? Yes, you got it ... For such excesses there is always a pre-recruited supply of personnel, just for the subsequent and inevitable screening out.

Why go far for examples? Finally, for the first time in the Russian army, they introduced six-week survival courses for contract soldiers, which end with an examination 50-kilometer field exit, with shooting, spending the night, saboteurs, crawling, digging and others. unexpected joys... For the first time (!). Twenty-five thousand contract soldiers in three military districts were finally able to experience what the average spetsnaz soldier-intelligence officer has always lived with. And they have it for "a week until the second", and in the special forces for every day and for the entire period of service. Even before the start (!) Of the field exit, every tenth soldier of the personnel of our armed forces turned out to be a kalich, a slipper. Or even refused to participate in the safari show for personal motivation. Some parts of the body suddenly press-bench.

Therefore, why talk for a long time? Survival courses in a conventional army, i.e. something so unusual and stressful, equated to the average way of unremarkable ordinary service in the GRU special forces, and in the special forces of the Airborne Forces. There was nothing new here. But the special forces also have extreme pastime. For example, "horse races" have traditionally been organized for many years. In ordinary language - competition of reconnaissance and sabotage groups of different brigades, different military districts, and even different countries. The strongest fight the strongest. There is someone to take an example from. There are no longer any standards or limits of endurance. At the full limit of possibilities human body(and far beyond). It is in the special forces of the GRU that these measures are very common.

Let's summarize our story. In this article, we did not pursue the goal of dumping at the reader packs of documents from staff portfolios, we did not hunt for some "fried" events and rumors. There should be at least some secrets in the army. Nevertheless, it is already clear that the GRU special forces and the Airborne special forces are very, very similar in form and content. It was about the very real Big Special Forces, which is ready to fulfill the assigned tasks. And they do it. (And any group of military special forces can be in "autonomous voyage" from several days to several months, occasionally communicating at a certain time.)

An exercise recently took place in the United States (Fort Carson, Colorado). For the first time. They were attended by representatives of the special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces. And they showed themselves, and looked at the "friends". Whether there were representatives of the GRU, history, the military and the press are silent. Let's leave everything as it is. And it doesn't matter. One point is interesting.
With all the difference in equipment, weapons and training approaches, the joint exercises with the "green berets" demonstrated an absolutely amazing similarity between the representatives of the troops special purpose(the so-called special operations forces based on parachute units) in different countries. And then don't go to the fortune-teller, you even had to get out overseas to get this long-unclassified information.

As it is fashionable now, let's give the floor to bloggers. Just a few quotes from the blog of a person who, during an open press tour, visited the 45th Special Forces Regiment of the Airborne Forces. And this is a completely unbiased view. Here's what everyone learned:
“Before the press tour I was afraid that I would have to communicate mainly with the oak special forces soldiers, who beat off the remnants of their brains by breaking bricks on their heads. This is where the stereotype collapsed ...”.
“Immediately another parallel cliche was dispelled - the special forces were not at all two-meter long hulks with bull necks and pood fists.
"... for the entire time of my stay in the unit, out of hundreds of military men there I have not seen a single bully. That is, absolutely not a single one ...".
"... I did not suspect that the obstacle course can be more than a kilometer long and that it can take an hour and a half to complete it ...".
"... Although at times it really seems that they are cyborgs. How they carry such heaps of equipment for a long time, I do not understand. Not everything has been laid out here yet, there is no water, food and ammunition. The main load is not there! .. . ".

In general, such drooling does not need comments. They go, as they say, from the very heart.

(From the editorial board of 1071g.ru we will add about the obstacle course. In 1975-1999, in the midst of " cold war"USSR - USA and later, in the Pechora GRU special forces training course, there was an obstacle course. The officially accepted name throughout the GRU special forces is the" reconnaissance trail. " water barriers, part - in Estonia (before the collapse of the Union), part in the Pskov region, a lot of engineering structures for training.Two training battalions (9 companies, in others up to 4 platoons, this is about 700 people + a school of ensigns 50-70 people ) could disappear there in small units (platoons and squads) for days at any time of the year and in any weather, day and night. Moreover, the units not only did not intersect, but could not make visual contact at all. this is a dream. Fact based on true events.)

Today in Russia there are only two, as we have found out, exactly the same (with the exception of some cosmetic details) special forces. These are the special forces of the GRU and the special forces of the Airborne Forces. To perform tasks without fear, without reproach, and anywhere on the planet (by order of the Motherland). There are no other divisions legally authorized by all kinds of international conventions. March-throws - from 30 kilometers with laying or more, push-ups - from 1000 times or more, jumping, shooting, tactical and special training, the development of stress resistance, abnormal endurance (on the verge of pathology), narrow-profile training in many technical disciplines, running , running, and running again.
Complete unpredictability by opponents of the actions of reconnaissance groups (and each soldier individually, in accordance with the current situation). Skills to instantly assess the situation, and also make decisions instantly. Well and act (guess how fast) ...

By the way, is the dear reader aware that the burden of the military intelligence during the entire war in Afghanistan was borne by the special forces of the Airborne Troops and the special forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Ministry of Defense? It was there that the now-known abbreviation "SPN" was born.

In conclusion, let's add. "Graduates" of the harsh school of the Special Forces of the Airborne Forces and the Special Forces of the GRU are ready to accept with open arms any power structures and departments, from the FSB to small private security companies. This does not mean at all that the Big Spetsnaz is ready to accept employees of any power structures, even with an impeccable track record and the highest level of training. Welcome to the real men club! (If you are accepted ...).

This material was prepared based on the forum of the Landing Troops of the Republic of Uzbekistan, various open sources, opinions professional specialists, blog gosh100.livejournal.com (credit for the blogger from military intelligence officers), reflections (based on own experience) of the author of the article. If you have read this far, thank you for your interest.

In Chechnya, the special forces of the Airborne Forces are well known. The mere rumor of his appearance forced the militants to abandon their positions and hastily leave. During the first Chechen war, Dudayev promised to pay a huge sum to anyone who can capture at least one soldier of the 45th regiment. But the prize was never claimed - not a single spetsnaz soldier, neither alive nor dead, fell into the hands of the enemy.

The 45th regiment is one of the youngest units of the Russian army, it was formed on the basis of the 218th and 901st special-purpose battalions, which celebrated its tenth anniversary this year. During the Cold War, when the troops were preparing for a "fight to the fullest," using weapons of mass destruction, army special forces had to solve the corresponding problems. These units were intended for deep reconnaissance and sabotage (primarily against nuclear targets) behind enemy lines. And if necessary, they could ensure the landing of troops on enemy territory. Despite the fact that the Special Forces of the Airborne Forces was created after the end of the Cold War, it is fully prepared for solving such tasks in the interests of the Airborne Forces. But this is only one side of the coin.

Non-lethal weapon
Since entering Soviet troops to Afghanistan, our Armed Forces are continuously participating in various wars and conflicts. So, by the time the 45th regiment began to form, airborne scouts the richest combat experience was accumulated. And this experience, together with the rethought foreign developments (a lot was borrowed from the British SAS, including the motto "The strongest wins"), was fully implemented when creating a new part. So the main task of the Special Forces of the Airborne Forces is to solve any problems in conditions of local conflicts. In this sense, the 45th regiment is a unique unit in the Russian Armed Forces that has everything necessary for this. In addition to two special-purpose battalions, it includes a detachment of unmanned aerial vehicles, a detachment of psychological operations, and special squad, staffed only by officers, warrant officers and contract soldiers, designed to solve highly complex and especially important tasks. Including anti-terrorist ones. A kind of "mini-Alpha" for the destruction of terrorists at the facilities of the Ministry of Defense.
The goal of psychological operations is to disorient, demoralize the enemy, undermine faith in victory, and force him to end resistance. In addition, the target of psychological operations can be the population of the combat area, neutral or hostile. The importance of the psychological impact on the enemy was great throughout the entire course of military history, but it especially increased in our information age. Moreover, in conflicts of "low intensity", where there is no front line, and the definition of people according to the principle "friend or foe" can be rather arbitrary. This is well understood, for example, by the Americans, who annually spend several times more on "non-lethal weapons" than on nuclear weapons... And this approach justifies itself. Take, for example, the actions of US troops in Panama and Haiti, where the forces of psychological operations played a decisive role.
The Russian Armed Forces have seriously lagged behind the West in these matters. All the more valuable is the unique experience of the psychological warfare unit created within the 45th regiment.
In addition to the marching printing house and equipment with sound-amplifying equipment, the psychological operations detachment has a television station capable of broadcasting and relaying programs within a radius of 10 km. There is a small studio where you can edit and dub a TV program. All equipment is located in the GAZ-66 shelters, which ensures high mobility and efficiency of work. Thus, the detachment has serious capabilities to influence public opinion in the combat zone.

What special forces are capable of
But the core of the 45th regiment is, of course, spetsnaz units. In this sense, the part did not arise from scratch. The 218th and 901st Special Purpose Battalions, brought together into it, already had significant experience behind them, and brilliant victories. So the soldiers of the 218th battalion carried out the operation of "peace enforcement", which, in fact, put an end to the bloody Transnistrian conflict. 901st battalion was stationed in Sukhumi just before the start Georgian-Abkhazian war, and immediately found himself in the very epicenter of the unfolding events. The paratroopers ensured the evacuation of refugees - mainly vacationers caught in the war.
But, fortunately, the special forces have the opportunity to prove themselves not only in such a dramatic situation. For several years in a row, at the international special forces competitions that take place in Bulgaria, the fighters of the 45th regiment take first place, far behind both the "green berets" and the SAS team.

Forge of universal soldiers
The main contingent of special forces battalions are conscripts. If a few years ago the officers of the regiment had the opportunity to choose the best from the recruits, today the situation has changed. For the special forces of the Airborne Forces, a quota has been established - up to 10% of conscripts sent to the regiment may have a criminal record. The regiment's officers state that in comparison with previous years, the conscripts are less and less consistent with the level required for service in the special forces. Until recently, almost all recruits had sports categories, but today there are only a few. Previously, almost every third person had a higher or secondary technical education. And now a recruit with a completed secondary is already a gift.
But even from such a problematic material in the regiment they make a super-soldier in the full sense of the word. First of all, the recruit undergoes a series of psychological and physical tests here to determine his readiness to serve in the special forces. Depending on his personal characteristics, his future military specialty is determined. For example, people are calm, balanced and psychologically stable, phlegmatic, are the best suited for work as a sniper or sapper. Some of the recruits are screened out immediately - they go to the support units, or are transferred to other units.
Then training begins. To say that service in the special forces is "not honey" is, in general, almost nothing to say. March throws are replaced by night shooting, flowing into tactical exercises, which culminate in facade mountaineering, or, say, sapper training. Not everyone can keep up with this rhythm either. As a result, after six months, no more than 40% of the "young" remain in the spetsnaz companies: someone himself begins to ask for a transfer to another unit, someone is expelled by the commander. The vacancies that have arisen are filled at the expense of the best fighters of the airborne divisions. And by the end of the first year of service, the green "rookies" turn out to be competent fighters, capable of performing any task, perfectly wielding weapons, communications and subversive equipment.
It must be said that, despite the enormous workload, there are no fewer people wishing to get into the 45th. Firstly, young guys are simply interested here. Secondly, the prestige of service in the special forces of the Airborne Forces is very high. And, thirdly, there is no "bullying" in its classical form. The regiment's officers are convinced that human dignity and self-respect are the necessary qualities of a special forces soldier, due to the specifics of his service, he is obliged to take responsibility and take initiative. And a person is broken, psychologically depressed, for reconnaissance - ballast. And, finally, the very fact of serving in the 45th separate is an excellent recommendation for entering the service in other law enforcement agencies to work in the security service or security structure.

From Chechnya to Sokolniki
The precious combat experience accumulated by the regiment, as is usually the case with us, is almost not in demand. But the command of the regiment decides this issue on its own. Fortunately, the psychological operations unit has its own printing house - the commandos print their own instructions and manuals. In addition, a certain Training Center where not only paratroopers are trained.
Today, when full blown fighting ceased in Chechnya, the role of special forces capable of effectively carrying out raiding, search and other intelligence activities is increasing many times over. Consequently, the withdrawal of the 45th regiment from Chechnya is not expected in the foreseeable future.
Now the special forces are working as part of a consolidated detachment stationed in the mountainous part of the republic near the village of Khatuni. This place, where the Vedeno and Sharoargun gorges meet, is of great importance. Therefore, the responsibility is great, and the range of tasks solved by the consolidated detachment is wide. In addition to the Special Forces of the Airborne Forces, it includes units of the FSB, special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Internal Troops and the Ministry of Justice. All have their own functions within the framework of a common task. Combat coordination begins in preparation for the planned replacement, on the basis of the 45th regiment. The main emphasis is placed on tactical, special and fire training, as well as on issues of life support. The loads are very significant - in three months of training, the fighters lose from 5 to 8 kg of weight, despite the fact that they receive enhanced nutrition.
It is known that SOBR and OMON in the Caucasus very often have to perform tasks that are not typical for them. As the experience of the "Khatuninsky" detachment shows, officers of the militia special forces, after joint training with their fellow paratroopers, successfully operate in emergency, "non-militia" situations. In addition, having met and made friends before arriving in Chechnya, having worked out in detail all aspects of the upcoming operations, people act as a single team. Regardless of departmental subordination.
Part of the regiment's divisions are stationed in Sokolniki in the barracks of the Preobrazhensky regiment. But this is not the only circumstance that makes the special forces fight for the high honor of being officially called the "Preobrazhensky regiment".
As you know, the Preobrazhensky regiment was the first regiment of the regular army in Russia. And the 45th is also, in a sense, the first regiment of the Armed Forces of the future, which have yet to be created. This is both a completely new, comprehensive approach to solving problems, and a completely different attitude to personnel, not as a consumable, but as professionals who are of great value. It is known that Peter I considered his "amusing" ones as the backbone of the future Russian army. A separate reconnaissance regiment of the Airborne Forces, like the old Preobrazhensky regiment, became the forge of experienced special forces officers. Many of those who passed his school serve today in "Alpha", "Vympel", "Omega", in other special forces of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the FSB, the Federal Border Guard Service. But along with this, officers who have served in the regiment for several years do not want to be transferred to other units, even despite the fact that career opportunities in the regiment are severely limited. Indeed, for many, he is the most real family, to break the connection with which, they cannot and do not want to.
In the unit, a special psychological climate has developed, the leading values ​​of which are absolute professionalism, corporatism, one might even say nepotism in the best sense of the word. This is best seen in the example of those who left for the reserve. Those of them who have managed to get a good job in life have taken upon themselves the material support of those who are fighting in Chechnya. Thanks to their "sponsorship", the commandos are probably the best equipped in the group: jackets and trousers made of membrane fabrics, light warm sleeping bags, comfortable waterproof boots, modern optics and night vision devices, communications equipment.
But the regiment's veterans help not only with money. There was also such a case: by the winter of 1999, the time had come to replace the fighters who had been fighting in the Caucasus since the rebel invasion of Dagestan. But there was actually no one to change. In the "interwar period" the regiment was reduced by one battalion, and most of the personnel were in Chechnya. The situation is critical: won't you send newly drafted and untrained soldiers to war?
Then, the veterans of the regiment who had gone to the reserve, decided to "shake off the old days" and help their native regiment. Leaving prestigious, high-paying jobs, concluding six-month contracts, and forming their own special group, they went to the Caucasus. The first thing for them was the battle at Zandag, where the "veteran" group occupied an important height and for four hours repelled the fierce attacks of the enemy. Thanks to the veterans, the regiment was able to replenish itself and prepare a replacement with high quality.
For all ten years of its existence, the special forces of the Airborne Forces have not come out of wars. Transnistria, Abkhazia, Dagestan, both Chechen campaigns, Bosnia, Kosovo - more than one armed conflict can not do without the participation of the soldiers of the 45th separate. During this time, there was everything: the pennant of the Minister of Defense "for courage and military valor" and five heroes of Russia from among the soldiers of the regiment. There were, if not strange, and moments when various accusations were made against the unit.
But, in spite of everything, the regiment was, is and remains the true elite of the Russian Army. And in the second campaign, the special forces of the Airborne Forces showed themselves the best way... Dozens of destroyed gangs and discovered militant bases, hundreds of barrels of weapons, kilograms of explosives and drugs seized from secret warehouses - all this was included in the track record of the Separate Intelligence Agency. This combat unit now lives and develops exclusively thanks to the enthusiasm, and even the "quixotism" of his officers. The result of their labors is a perfectly functioning combat organism, a universal tool for solving the most difficult tasks. A real regiment of the future.

Sergey SMIRNOV

The story continues ...
In order to preserve military traditions in September 2005, the regiment received the Battle Banner, the honorary title and state award of the disbanded 119th Guards Airborne Order of the Alexander Nevsky Regiment. Since that time, the regiment has become known as the 45th separate reconnaissance regiment of the Order of Alexander Nevsky.
On February 1, 2008, the 45th Separate Reconnaissance Regiment was reorganized into the 45th Separate Guards Order of Alexander Nevsky Special Purpose Regiment.
In August 2008, divisions of the regiment took part in the operation to force Georgia to peace. An officer of the regiment Hero of Russia Anatoly Lebed was awarded the Order of St. George, IV degree for the skill and courage shown in this operation.
On July 20, 2009, in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of December 18, 2006 No. 1422, the regiment was awarded the St. George Banner as an official symbol and a military relic, the embodiment of honor, glory and military traditions.
In April 2010, the battalion tactical group of the 45th regiment carried out a combat mission to ensure the safety of citizens Russian Federation, including family members of military personnel and civilian personnel, on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic.
More than two thousand servicemen were awarded state awards for their courage and heroism in performing the assignments of the command. 10 servicemen of the regiment were awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation. These are Lieutenant Colonel Gridnev Vadim Alekseevich, Senior Lieutenant Ermakov Vitaly Yurievich (posthumously), Captain Zhidkov Dmitry Vasilyevich (posthumously), Private Lays Alexander Viktorovich (posthumously), Captain Lebed Anatoly Vyacheslavovich, Lieutenant Colonel Nepryakhin Andrei Anatorovich , Captain Alexey Viktorovich Rumyantsev (posthumously), Major Pyotr Karlovich Yatsenko (posthumously).
The scouts of the 45th Separate Guards Order of the Alexander Nevsky Special Forces Regiment are true to the glorious military traditions of the Airborne Forces and their motto: "The strongest wins!"

In April 2011, by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation, the 45th Separate Guards Order of Alexander Nevsky Special Regiment Airborne assignments was the first in the modern history of Russia to be awarded the Order of Kutuzov. The regiment was awarded this high award for the successful fulfillment of the combat missions of the command and for the courage and heroism shown by the personnel.

Report of a reporter who was lucky enough to get into the location of a unit of the 45th brigade of the Airborne Special Forces.

There are no random people in the special forces, they come here only of their own free will. At the same time, not everyone who has expressed a desire to become a special forces soldier is admitted to a special purpose unit.

- The selection of future special forces from among the conscripts begins with the study of their personal files, - says the deputy brigade commander for work with the personnel of the Guard, Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Fridlender. - For this purpose, the officers of the brigade go to the military registration and enlistment offices. As far as possible, already there, on the ground, with those young men who have expressed a desire to serve in the special forces, conversations are held, their moral and business qualities are studied, the level of physical fitness is checked.

Before being drafted to other units, the recruits do not pass the physical training standards. However, the 45th Special Forces Brigade of the Airborne Forces is a special unit, with much higher requirements for the strength, speed, agility and endurance of a fighter.

As you know, conscripts in military registration and enlistment offices undergo psychological tests. However, upon arrival from the military registration and enlistment office in the 45th brigade, each recruit is retested. It is extremely important to identify in advance the guys who are not up to the task, falling to the lot of the fighter of the special-purpose unit. After all, they will be able to master another military specialty in the Airborne Forces or in another form or branch of the Armed Forces. Tough selection is in the interests of both conscripts, the 45th brigade, and the army as a whole.

The active interaction of the brigade command with the country's military-patriotic clubs, especially with the main military-patriotic organization, DOSAAF of Russia, contributes to the productive selection of special forces. For example, in the Belgorod region, young men are successfully prepared for service in the Airborne Forces; last year, a whole company of the 45th brigade was staffed by the Belgorod graduates of the DOSAAF school.

Those wishing to enroll in the 45th airborne brigade under the contract, if before that they served in other airborne or airborne assault units, the requirements of spetsnaz "entrance control" are known initially, since brigade officers, leaving for other units and formations of the winged guard, tell about them in detail. More difficult topics who comes from units of other branches of the armed forces and branches of the Armed Forces or from "civilian".

Upon arrival at the brigade, a candidate for contract soldiers takes physical training, then psychological testing is immediately carried out with him. The main task when taking physical training tests is to objectively reveal the possibilities and potential of the candidate. After exercises for speed (running 100 m), strength (pulling up on the bar) and endurance (3 km), three fights are held in sparring for three minutes. This is where volitional qualities are revealed: this is when a candidate, missing a blow, falls, but then gets up and continues to fight to the end.

- There are a lot of cases when the military registration and enlistment office has to report that the recommended candidate is not suitable for us, says Lieutenant Colonel Friedlander with regret to the guard. - Military enlistment offices should be more strict in the selection of candidates for our brigade.

Careful selection of personnel, a healthy moral environment in the brigade's units and, of course, care from the state contribute to the fact that about 90 percent of contractors conclude re-contracts.

Among the benefits - an increased salary, taking into account various allowances (for completing the parachute jumping program, for successfully passing the standards of physical training, etc.), the opportunity distance learning at Moscow State University M.V. Lomonosov and other leading universities in Moscow, the right to a mortgage after the conclusion of the second contract. On average, a private under a contract, having served for three years, receives 35-40 thousand rubles a month.

Serving in special forces from year to year as a private or a sergeant under a contract or an officer without love for military craft is almost unrealistic. In addition, having fully experienced hardships and hardships in training sessions, when you have to lurk in ambush for several days, and when performing combat missions, special forces groups become monolithic collectives, from which you do not want to leave. Does the average young compatriot have a lot of friends and acquaintances with whom you can go on exploration? In and the domination of absentee communication on the phone, skype or in social networks, young people are not just friends, they have forgotten how to communicate live. When in trouble, they may think about the value of friends who can rush to the rescue, especially if there are no such friends. And in a special forces group, everyone is ready to pull out a wounded comrade from the heat or even lay down his life for his friends.

And in general, the brigade is one family, where they never leave their own. And after being wounded, many are looking for a position, in every possible way helping to re-find a worthy and feasible job. This was the case, for example, with warrant officer Vadim Selyukin, holder of two Orders of Courage, who lost his legs during a combat mission. He is now the captain of the Russian Paralympic sledge hockey team.

Practice convinces: even the advanced technology of the XXI century will not completely replace ground-based deep reconnaissance, the capabilities and role will not diminish

Into the skies - with "soft jellyfish"

The special forces jokingly say: "Arrived at the place - everything is just beginning".

Parachuting into the rear of the enemy is just one of the options for delivering scouts to the mission location. Of course, this method is not easy and requires concentration on the part of the soldier when studying a set of actions called airborne training.

In the brigade, they perform parachute jumps D-10, "Crossbow-1" and "Crossbow-2", and the last two systems have a gliding dome-"wing" , reservoir ... Jumping is done during the day, at night and in adverse weather conditions. Therefore, airborne training in the 45th brigade is one of the main subjects of training. From her, the combat training of both an ordinary paratrooper and a special forces officer of the Airborne Forces begins.

- Airborne training includes the study of materiel - a parachute and safety devices, laying the parachute and training at the airborne complex, where jumping elements, actions in the air, preparation for landing and the landing itself are practiced, - explains the deputy brigade commander for airborne training guard lieutenant colonel Oleg Rekun.

The recruits, as well as those who decided to tie their fate with the special forces of the Airborne Forces, signed a contract, but had never jumped with a parachute before, they are preparing for the first jump for two weeks.

The D-10 parachutes are packed in 6 stages, the paratroopers are laying the parachute together, the dynamics of the packing are controlled by the unit commanders and the Air Force officer. At each stage, triple control is required, almost like in the preparation of an astronaut. There is no right to make a mistake, because a person will be alone in the air and there is no one to tell him anything.
Of the two parachute systems used in the brigade, the D-10 is easier to pack and operate in the air. The technique of preparing for jumping with this parachute has long been worked out.

- A soldier, leaving the aircraft, has a neutral canopy, that is, a parachute that does not move horizontally or (with the wind) almost does not move, - explains the guard lieutenant colonel Rekun. - Accordingly, the parachutist's drop point differs little from the landing point: it is a vertical. By and large, nothing depends on the parachutist: where he was thrown, there he will land.

"Crossbow" has a different quality. From a kilometer in height, you can go 4–5 km to the side, using only the performance characteristics of the parachute, with complete calm. At strong wind a paratrooper from a kilometer height will be able to move 6-7 km from the point of release.

D-10 is designed for mass airborne assault. And any special forces soldier first masters control of himself in the air with this parachute.

In the future, according to the instructions of the commander of the Airborne Forces, Hero of Russia, Colonel-General Vladimir Shamanov, after 25 jumps on the D-10, the serviceman is allowed to operate the "Crossbow". In this case, at least seven jumps must be protracted.

- Preparation for jumping with "Crossbow-2" lasts about 20 days, - says Oleg Dmitrievich. - The special forces are studying the materiel in a new way, learning to place a parachute and mastering actions in the air at the airborne complex.

There are as many “Crossbow” users in the 45th brigade as it should be. There are virtuosos among them. From an altitude of about 4000 m, they flew away, planning, 17 kilometers. Experimental operation of oxygen equipment is now being carried out, which in the future, when put into service, will allow landing from a height of more than 4 km. Accordingly, the gliding range will also increase.

“In addition to the Arbalet-1, the brigade also has the Arbalet-2 parachute system, which is easier to operate,” continues the story of the guard, Lieutenant Colonel Rekun. - A stabilizing system is rigidly mounted on it, which is triggered automatically, which guarantees the parachutist who leaves the plane or helicopter, in case of emergency, rotation only in the horizontal plane. A random fall with vertical rotation is eliminated.

But on "Crossbow-1" instead of the stabilizing system, the so-called "soft jellyfish" is used, which the parachutist puts into action himself, after which the opening of the main parachute begins. And for jumping on "Crossbow-1" a soldier needs to be prepared even longer, taking into account the fact that the paratrooper is thrown out with weapons, equipment and cargo containers.

Military tests of the Arbalet-2 parachute system took place on the basis of the 45th brigade. In the equipment of each specialty that is in the Airborne Forces, taking into account the characteristics of its weapons and equipment, they made at least 10 jumps. That is, the special forces put on either paratroopers-signalmen, then sappers, then grenade launchers, etc. In the selected group, there were fewer people than specialties. As a result, each of them performed about 180 jumps during the tests. Well, the undisputed record holders are members of the non-standard sports parachute team of the compound. It includes four honored masters of sports, one of them has already completed more than 11 thousand jumps.

The combat training program instructs each member of the spetsnaz brigade to make at least 10 jumps a year. "Crossbowmen" jump with their parachutes, the rest - with D-10. In this case, the tasks are performed very different.

Without noise and fire

In the 45th brigade, the unit commanders insistently remind the soldiers: "Where shooting begins, reconnaissance ends there."... Especially deep. It is the collection of intelligence information that is the main task of the special-purpose groups. Quietly, observing the rules of camouflage, without noise and shots to detect an object, transmit its coordinates and leave just the same soundlessly - this is the special forces' handwriting.

However, today it is also possible to detect the enemy's target object with the help of unmanned aerial vehicles or from satellites. Is the advanced technology of the 21st century capable of replacing ground-based deep reconnaissance?

- Completely unlikely. First, a special task force will still be targeting a number of strategic objects, ”said Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Seliverstov, deputy commander of the 45th brigade, Hero of Russia, Guards. - Secondly, after the actions in the air and artillery preparation, a ground operation will still begin, where, first of all, special forces will be involved, which will face sabotage and ambush actions. Spetsnaz always works in a targeted manner ...

- V last years the list of tasks assigned to the special forces has increased significantly, - continues Vladimir Vyacheslavovich. “I had never thought about some of them that they would become ours.

Basic qualities of a paratrooper

The expansion of the range of tasks affects the content of combat training, it changes. However, the main basis of spetsnaz was and remains unchanged. This, according to the deep conviction of the Guard Lieutenant Colonel Seliverstov, is discipline. Fire, physical, tactical, special, engineering training in relation to discipline is a superstructure. With insufficient, for example, tactical and special training, special forces are bad. In the absence of discipline, there are no special forces at all.

- Discipline, - says the brigade commander, - is accuracy, punctuality in everything: in time, place and actions.

In the 45th Separate Guards Brigade, discipline is not sticky, but conscious. This is also because every member of the special forces knows that violators are not kept in this unit. As the commander of the brigade, Hero of Russia, Guard Colonel Vadim Pankov later explained

A soldier who has to be punished for misconduct should not and will not serve in the 45th Special Forces Brigade.

Another quality that a spetsnaz officer must possess is initiative, readiness to make decisions.

The principles of teaching are known: from theory to practice, from simple to complex. Practical exercises are held in different terrain, day and night. A spetsnaz soldier spends at least half of his official time in the field.

Traditions and innovations of the Airborne Forces

New weapons in the brigade include the BTR-82A, drones and something else. Everything is in perfect working order.

“What was in the 45th regiment ten years ago and what has appeared now is heaven and earth,” says Lieutenant Colonel Seliverstov, who served in the 45th “farm” for 15 years.

When in the early 2000s, the unit solved the problems in the Caucasus, the officers invested personal funds in the equipment of the fighters, recalls Vladimir Vyacheslavovich. Now the personnel are fully provided with clothing and equipment.

- The equipment is very decent, - notes the brigade's castle. - Of course, there is no limit to perfection, but already now a fighter, for example, has a choice of uniforms, taking into account weather conditions, which allows him to complete the task and keep his health. The same can be said for nutrition. In clothing and food supplies, shifts are noticeable to anyone.

Episodes of recent history

  • In August 2008, the brigade's personnel took part in the operation to force Georgia to peace.
  • At that time, the story of the seizure of off-road vehicles supplied by the Americans to the Georgian army received a lot of attention. So, these trophies are on the account of the special forces of the Airborne Forces.
  • In April 2010, the battalion tactical group of the brigade ensured the safe evacuation of our fellow citizens, including family members of military personnel and civilian personnel, due to unrest on the territory of Kyrgyzstan.
  • In the spring of 2014, the personnel of the brigade, as part of a separate reconnaissance detachment, took part in the operation to return Crimea to Russia.
  • The names of 14 Heroes of Russia are inscribed in the annals of the 45th brigade. Four of them continue to serve in this glorious association. Five servicemen of the 45th brigade were awarded three Orders of Courage.

In full it is called as follows: the 45th separate guards orders of Mikhail Kutuzov and Alexander Nevsky, a special-purpose reconnaissance regiment of the Russian Airborne Forces. For those who are close to the military theme, there is no need to explain anything here. Let's explain to the general reader:

  • The 45th regiment is the youngest unit in our airborne troops.
  • The 45th regiment, the only one in Russia, received the rank of a Guards Peaceful time(after the end of the Great Patriotic War).
  • The regiment simultaneously trains special forces, paratroopers and scouts - there is no other such unit in the country.
  • The regiment is deployed in the city of Kubinka, Moscow region.
  • The regiment's motto: "The strongest wins." The mascot is a wolf.

Today - and this is cause for pride - the elite unit serves 101 Belgorod residents... And in 2005, only one of our fellow countrymen left for the regiment - Alexey Krasovsky... And then he could not go: flat feet of the III degree, parents - invalids of the II group ... But he wanted to serve, and at the same time decided for himself: either in the 45th, or nowhere. Aleksey was helped by his sporting achievements (CCM in football, winner of numerous karate competitions) and the fact that he was the best draftee in the city in terms of physical and academic indicators. The reputation of his uncle, who previously served in the elite regiment, and now works in the Alpha special unit, also played a role.

Krasovsky did not disappoint either the relative or small homeland- demobilized with the rank of senior sergeant, was awarded the Margelov medal. He does not lose contact with the regiment - on Airborne Forces Day he always comes to the unit, and in the fall and spring he meets the commander of a special-purpose company, Senior Lieutenant Sergei Ishtuganov, in Belgorod.

“He visits all the military registration and enlistment offices, examines in detail the personal files of the conscripts, selects the most worthy, forms a team of them,” says Aleksey. - For several days, the guys pass the standards. Moreover, physical fitness is the most important, but not a decisive indicator. Not just strength is needed - brains are also needed, the reed woodpecker will not get there. Therefore, candidates are tested for basic knowledge of the Russian language, mathematics, physics, geography and other basic subjects. "

Break into the elite armed forces many wish, the competition in the 45th regiment is more abrupt than when entering universities. Last summer, 300 Belgorod guys wanted to leave with Sergei Ishtuganov, but only 60 passed the selection. The commanders are happy with our recruits - they are sending letters of thanks to the governor and to DOSAAF. Belgorod residents even deserve a curious carte blanche: those who, after successful service, express a desire to become an officer, can go to the Ryazan Higher Airborne command school out of competition - on the recommendation of the regiment command.

Knowledgeable people explain the achievements of Belgorod residents by high-quality pre-conscription training. Most of the military-patriotic clubs (MIC) in the field of airborne orientation, and the guys go to the army already with a solid baggage of knowledge and skills.

“Many cadets of our clubs have 5-6 parachute jumps behind them,” explains Deputy Chairman of the regional branch of DOSAAF Viktor Pogrebnyak... - And in the 45th regiment, as far as I know, according to the service program, 12 jumps must be made. There they, of course, do not jump from An-2, but from more serious aircraft, but when they have such experience, it is much easier to perform complex tasks. "

Last January Viktor Alekseevich visited Kubinka for the oath. Together with the leaders of the two military-industrial complex - "Rusichi" and "Fatherland" - he congratulated and admonished the recruits. She says the conditions for life and service in the regiment are excellent: comfortable beds, wardrobes with individual keys, showers, tea rooms ... In general, it is not at all a stereotypical army.

Do you want this one? Get ready. We have obtained the minimum requirements for the 45th regiment for you. Do you want or have already passed the draft age? Just try what it feels like to be in forty-five.

On the third day, I managed to get "with a watering can" and a notebook "into the 45th separate guards order of Alexander Nevsky, a special-purpose reconnaissance regiment. The group of civilian volunteers from Arkharov was accompanied by the head of the press service of the Airborne Forces, Colonel Alexander Anatolyevich Cherednik. Exceptionally intelligent head of the press service. I suppose, thanks to his efforts, the check-in to the paratroopers turned out to be so intense.

To begin with, all the arrivals were instructed, then flowers were given to us in order to put them on the stones of the monument to the fallen soldiers of the regiment. The regiment, as they say, is a "fighting" regiment, but in a war there is no loss of life.

The youngest part in as part of the Airborne Forces Russia is the 45th separate reconnaissance regiment, the formation of which began in February 1994. The regiment was formed on the basis of two separate battalions, each of which, before being included in the regiment, had its own history of formation and development. By order of the Commander of the Airborne Forces, in the order of historical succession, the day of the formation of the 45th regiment is considered to be the day of July 25, 1992.

On December 2, 1994, the regiment's personnel left for the North Caucasus to participate in the elimination of illegal armed formations on the territory of the Chechen Republic. From December 12, 1994 to January 25, 1995, reconnaissance groups and special forces (assault detachments) from the regiment in cooperation with units of the Airborne Forces took part in hostilities to capture the most important enemy targets, including the city of Grozny.

On February 12, 1995, the regiment's units and subdivisions returned to their permanent deployment points. On March 15, 1995, the combined detachment of the regiment again arrived in Chechnya, continuing to carry out combat missions until June 13, 1995. During this period, as a result of competent hostilities, there were no losses in the regiment.

By the decree of the President of the Russian Federation of July 21, 1995, the commander of a special-purpose reconnaissance group, Senior Lieutenant V.K. Ermakov, was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation (posthumously) for courage and heroism displayed during the execution of a special command task to disarm illegal armed formations. On July 30, 1995, on the territory of the unit, in a solemn atmosphere, a monument was unveiled in honor of the dead scouts.

On May 9, 1995, the regiment was awarded a diploma of the President of the Russian Federation for services to the Russian Federation. The regiment took part in the parade dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Victory over Nazi Germany.

From February to May 1997, the combined detachment of the regiment took part in a peacekeeping mission in the zone of separation of the Georgian and Abkhaz armed forces in the city of Gudauta.

On July 26, 1997, following the glorious traditions of the Armed Forces, the regiment was awarded the Battle Banner and Certificate of the 5th Guards Airborne Rifle Mukachevo Order of Kutuzov, 3rd Class Regiment, disbanded on June 27, 1945, and kept in the Central Museum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation ...

Since September 12, 1999, the combined reconnaissance detachment of the regiment took part in the anti-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus.



From the monument we went to the obstacle course. The streak, not to say that it is very huge, but large enough to be guaranteed to get tired. It imitates a section of mountainous and wooded terrain and is overcome at a fast pace. So that the fighters on the strip did not get bored, other fighters ensured timely detonation of imitating charges and fired at those storming the strip with blank cartridges from a machine gun. The paratroopers moved in twos, after overcoming each element of the obstacle course they stopped, looked around and covered their comrade, firing blanks. We moved deftly.

Not far from the obstacle course, other fighters practiced packing their parachutes. The crew of the First Channel worked next to them. Wet with heat and diligence, the correspondent listened attentively to the commands and explanations of his personal mentor and immediately followed the instructions. If the reports are now being prepared in this way, and they also end with a jump with a self-laid dome, I take off my hat. Professional work. Such a thing will certainly not tell about the "overlap of rafters".

From the obstacle course we went to the shooting range and looked at all sorts of small arms, available in the state in the regiment. I can't tell much about the weapon - I fell into unconsciousness, became agitated and lost touch with reality. He repeatedly offered to change at least something of the available samples for his photographic equipment, he even agreed to “his cartridges”. But it didn’t grow together. But he grabbed everything and considered.

Kalashnikov assault rifle with PBS-1 and an underbarrel grenade launcher, modifications of the SVD sniper rifle, pistol SR-1 (SPS), VSS "Vintorez", AS "Val", PSS "Vul", knife НРС-2, SMR pistol, submachine gun SR-2M "Veresk", PYa pistol, the legendary APB with a silencer and more. All this is necessary not only to be able to use it, but to use it successfully. Separately, it was told about the presence of a collection of captured weapons, for example, Georgian. It is also closely studied so that the fighters, if necessary, could beat the enemy with his own weapon.

We arrived at the territory of the airborne complex (VDK). This is a decent size playground with all the necessary simulators for a complete parachute jump training. In our presence, two groups of fighters demonstrated several exercises to separate from the aircraft and to land safely. All exercises were performed as expected: with two parachutes (main and reserve), with weapons and with all the standard ammunition.

The soldier is trained in all the necessary actions on the models of real aircraft, from which the paratroopers make jumps. There is a full-fledged parachute tower, a simulator for performing a training jump from a helicopter has been built. You equip yourself properly, climb the ladder to the tower, enter the helicopter's troop compartment, fix yourself on the rail and jump down and forward, pushing yourself vigorously with your feet.

With a decent speed, with a roar and a metallic clang, you rush forward along the guide rail. To heighten naturalism, the rail is skillfully curved in several places, so that everyone who trains is tugged and tossed as in a real jump. At the end of the training path, a group of colleagues with a safety rope is waiting for the paratrooper. Having grouped up, the paratrooper flies in with his feet into a specially prepared area with sawdust, and the other two belay the "landed" with a special rope, preventing the excess from flying forward.

Looks like an attraction in the Park of Culture. But during a training jump, the paratrooper does not forget to perform a number of actions, brought to complete automatism. As a matter of fact, the very fact of a successful landing, for example, for me is the end of a risky experiment, joy and a desire to drink immediately. And for a fighter - just the beginning. It was me who, after my first jump, went light to the bar, and for him, after landing, a march and / or fight usually follow.

The paratroopers do not live in the barracks, but in the soldiers' hostel. Each compartment, consisting of two adjacent rooms, accommodates 4-6 people. Bathroom and toilet. In the corridor, in addition to the soldiers' quarters, there is also a gym, a recreation room, and classrooms. Everything inside is clean, cool. At the entrance there are tanks with drinking water and cups for those who want to quench their thirst. The day-carer is watching attentively at all incoming and outgoing. In general, good, comfortable and clean housing. I especially remember the wall newspaper, it is documented there below. Laughed.

Not without a dining room, of course. In the dining room, no miracles were noticed - just a solid man's grub. No frills, arugula and vyzigi, God forgive me, were not served, but you can see right away: the food is hearty and fresh. Without unnecessary frills, I ate everything that was offered. I didn’t want any additives, because it’s very hot. The thermometer was torn to the +40 mark.

Soldiers are marching towards the building of the canteen and singing a song. The song was the same for everyone, with the intolerant words "we are Russians, Russians are coming!" Some commanders informed their fighters that they could not hear the units. In response, the unit turned up the volume and brutally typed a step. The fighters of the fresh draft were very noticeable in the general mass. On the shaven heads of the young guardsmen berets are hoisted, but some are not like that. Well-worn, seasoned warriors, with honor wear berets of the "drop" cut, which certainly look much more brave than the "default" headdresses.

But the soldier's ingenuity, of course, figured out how best to remake the statutory "airfields" into what was needed: a soldier is stocked with a beret small size, evaporates the lining out of it. If you take a seam (i.e. with a seam), the fabric is unstitched along the seam, all excess is cut off and sewn again. The sewn beret is moistened with water and dried on a suitable diameter jar or directly on the head.

The procedure must be repeated until complete readiness. As soon as the beret is ready, it is necessary to clarify the haircut. The "droplet" on the statutory shaven head looks just right! A soldier passing by in such a "drop" additionally explained that if you don't want to bother with making a beret yourself, you can just buy a ready-made one. And he left smiling.

I drew attention to some discrepancy in the shoes. One of the paratroopers explained that you can use the shoes that give out as shoes, or you can buy whatever you like for your money. This, of course, is not about lacquered boots or cowboy "Cossacks", but about jumping boots for everyday wear. I saw several people in solid American and German bots. And at the shooting range I noticed the heels. The fighters with the weapons lay down in position, so that the soles were clearly visible. There are many boots with a fairly worn out protector, so they run and jump all the time.

A group of fighters with an officer demonstrated to the assembled the main set of weapons and equipment of the reconnaissance fighter. Small arms, ammunition, a knife, hand grenades and grenades for a grenade launcher, mines, a disposable anti-tank grenade launcher, ropes, wires, scotch tape, dressing bags, foam, a hat with a sweater, an infantry shovel, explosives in checkers, a minimum of medicines, various detonators, etc., necessary for the autonomous implementation of reconnaissance in war conditions.

For ease of understanding: once it happened to carry 2,000 rounds. Only cartridges, no weapons or other equipment. I managed to walk about four kilometers. It was very hard. And the soldier has 450+ rounds for the machine gun, the machine gun itself and all of the above. And you must constantly look around, at your feet, be ready to open fire and cover your comrades. And on you - 40+ kilograms of equipment and weapons.

It was especially interesting to learn about the mines that scouts can use to organize ambushes or, for example, if necessary, to evade pursuit. Simply by destroying this very persecution. They showed a directional mine MON-50 and a jumping fragmentation mine of circular destruction OZM-72. I met with German counterparts OZM-72 more than once, but MON-50 turned it over in his hands for the first time. They said - a very effective weapon in skillful hands, analogue of American M18A1 Claymore.

In short: inside the plastic housing of the mine, filled with synthetic resin, there are metal balls and rollers. 500 pieces approx. And plastic explosives. When a mine is triggered, a specially curved body of the product makes metal striking elements fly in a sector 54 degrees wide and about 5 meters high. At a distance of 50 meters, the lethal effect of the striking elements is reliable. A terrible thing, it mows everything in the working sector. And if you combine it with others of the same, mask and supplement the effect with small arms - there is no salvation at all. Excellent remedy for organizing an ambush, including for an ambush without direct contact with the enemy.

Bouncing Mine is a round steel can. At the moment of triggering, it throws up, above itself, an internal "glass" with the same roller balls, only there are already about 2,500 of them. The glass is tied to the tension cable. A mine went off, the glass flew out to a height of about a meter, the cable twitched, the detonator went off, metal balls flew in all directions and wounded and killed everyone, even the lying soldiers.

This mine is perhaps the most powerful of the circular fragmentation mines. Even the OZM-160 mines, which are much larger in size and weight, do not provide such an even distribution of fragments over the affected area, as the OZM-72 mine distributes its ready-made lethal elements.

The experience of using mines unambiguously indicates that in the zone of continuous damage (radius of the zone is 30 meters) there will not be a single object the size of a person who does not receive at least one video. even if it is lying flat on the ground. The explosion of this mine due to its squealing sound of flying rollers cannot be confused with any other. The soldiers nicknamed her "The Wicked" or "The Witch."



Out of the funny: during his stay at the VDK, Colonel Cherednik told how exactly they use the old when training paratroopers car tires... It is necessary to carefully jump over them this way and that - and immediately demonstrated personally exactly how to jump. Let me remind you, a whole colonel was jumping. In uniform, with shoulder straps. The faces of the young soldiers, who were resting on the sidelines, expressed some degree of surprise :).

Some airborne portraits:

Oh yes. I completely forgot. Of course, all of the above - pure water window dressing. The Minister of Defense personally made sure that we liked everything from the bushes, and then, in the dining room, secretly put the meat in the saucepan. I noticed him and understood: this is such a secret plan to show the soldiers' mothers dust in the eyes. Let me go!