SWAT on present stage represents special formations subordinate to the special services of Russia. These units, being in any military formation, are considered the elite of the Armed Forces. The Soviet and Russian special forces throughout the history of their existence have proved their uniqueness and superiority over similar units in the world.

Russian fighters of the Alfa special forces took first places at the world championship and were recognized as the best international squad. The special forces uniform has its own signs regulated by the Russian Ministry of Defense. The fighters of the unit on the sleeve of the uniform wear the emblem, the symbolism of the unit.

Special forces history

The roots of the special forces are quite deep. The first formations in Rus' were endowed with the main goal: ensuring the security of the state. The problem of creating special units raised by Russian commanders: General Pyotr Panin, General of Infantry Alexander Suvorov, Field Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov.

These units were called chasseur regiments, their appearance dates back to 1874. These detachments became the ancestors of modern special forces.

The tactics of rangers in the fighting was used by Catherine II. combat training Jaeger detachments are similar to the principles of action of modern special forces: the organization of agents and the collection of necessary information and power intelligence associated with striking, disabling combat complexes, warehouses, ships, control centers and many other tasks.

The uniform of the rangers was also special, it was dominated by green and black colors.

Doloman, short jacket with cords, dark green tight-fitting trousers. Only the huntsmen had a green overcoat, which they wore folded over their knapsacks, in their uniforms.

In 1917, the Bolsheviks established the People's Commissariat for Military and Naval Affairs, which was later entrusted with the leadership of all the armed forces of the Republic.


  • to fight the Basmachi and the remnants of the gangs;
  • tasks of operational suppression of conspiracies and rebellions;
  • protection of political, economic and military facilities of national importance;
  • participation in hostilities, being in the front line.

CHON and units of the Red Army had the same organizational structure. The special purpose units included infantry, cavalry, artillery and armored units, formed from the most trained soldiers.

The external and internal situation gradually stabilized and in the period 1924-1925, by the decision of the Central Committee of the RCP (b) CHON were disbanded.

The years of the Great Patriotic War were the beginning of the formation of detachments capable of operating in the German rear, conducting reconnaissance and carrying out combat operations.

During the war years, special forces with vast reconnaissance and sabotage experience were formed. However, after the end of the bloody war, they were disbanded.

In the 50s, the need to form special units again arose. The main reason was the advent of mobile nuclear weapons, which was adopted by some armies of the countries that are part of NATO.

Only specially trained fighters could reconnoiter and destroy new weapons that threaten the country's security. They were entrusted with reconnaissance in the deep rear, conducting sabotage operations aimed at eliminating dangerous weapons.

Equipment of special forces of different countries

Historically, units that perform special tasks on which the security of the state depends belong to the elite of the armed forces. Their equipment at all times differed from the uniforms and weapons of other branches of the armed forces. The fighters of these detachments were given weapons and devices of the most perfect form for effective implementation tasks.

In all countries of the world, the uniform of special forces units, first of all, provided for the maximum possible protection of a fighter from external conditions and weapons of the opposing side.

Special requirements are imposed on the material from which the special forces uniform is sewn. First of all, these are safety requirements. The material must have special strength, breathability.

To provide camouflage, a fabric with a special pattern is used. This uniform of a special forces soldier is called camouflage, which has its own characteristics in a particular country.


All countries have special units in parts of the armed forces. Outwardly, the uniform of the special forces is similar to the uniform of the type of troops to which it is attached:

  1. The GSG 9 unit belongs to one of the structures of the German police and has all the powers of the German federal police. Its actions are regulated by the German Ministry of the Interior. The unit consists of three subgroups of primary importance (a subgroup of regular, naval and amphibious operations) and several auxiliary (technical and technological) support groups.

    The GSG 9 divisions are armed with the developments of Heckler & KochGmbH:

    • submachine gun of all versions and configurations;
    • assault rifle;
    • carbine;
    • automatic G8;
    • AMP Technical Services DSR-yo sniper rifle;
    • assault rifle SIG Sauer SG 550;
    • Glock pistol 17;
    • grenade launcher Heckler Koch MZP-1;
    • anti-tank gun MBB Armbrust;
    • semi-automatic sniper rifle Heckler & Koch PSG1.

    The fighters of the unit undergo a special training course, which takes 11 weeks.


    Combat training is allocated 13 weeks, 9 weeks is the advanced training of fighters.

  2. NOCS - anti-terrorist special unit of the Italian civilian police special purpose are found in all military units of Italy. NOCS - refers to the Italian civilian police units. The center coordinates the actions of all special forces units, the abbreviation of which is O.S.S.I. (Operatori Speciali Servizio Informazioni).

    The NOCS unit is armed with the latest small arms. The equipment of the fighters of the Italian police special forces also corresponds to perfect samples, ensuring the performance of tasks of any level of complexity.

    Each fighter has several types of weapons. The NOCSj fighters especially prefer the easy-to-shoot Beretta Mod.92, the updated Beretta Px4 Storm and the H&K P-2000.


    In the arsenal of weapons of the special forces there is a sniper weapon. It is used in anti-terrorist operations.

  3. CANSOFCOM - Canadian Special Forces, formed in 2006. Main tasks: suppression of actions terrorist organizations within the state and beyond its borders. Canadian special forces soldiers are equipped with various types of small arms:
    • Canadian-made C16 assault rifle;
    • carbine C8;
    • the set of weapons for groups carrying out operations to free people taken hostage is complemented by weapons manufactured by ColtCanada under license. These are the NK MP5 pistol and sniper rifles;
    • each special forces soldier has a personal weapon: a Sieg Sauer pistol and an FNP90 submachine gun manufactured by the Belgian company FNHerstal$
  4. SWAT under this abbreviation there is a special unit of the United States - Special Weapons And Tactics Teams. These units are located in the department of the police department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The specialized forces are designed to perform the following tasks:
    • neutralization of terrorist gangs and release of hostages;
    • escort of US dignitaries;
    • resolution of high-risk situations related to the transportation of drugs, arrest and escort of those arrested;
    • conducting counter-terrorism operations in US population centers.

    US SWAT police forces are also part of the elite military units and have a uniform similar to police uniforms, but with special equipment necessary to perform specific operations: bulletproof vests, camouflage, shoes.


    In the arsenal special units uses a universal submachine gun Universale Maschinenpistole.

    As a personal weapon, special forces soldiers use the Glock 17 pistol, a highly reliable product of Austrian design. This type of weapon is produced in several modifications.

    A number of modifications of the German HK USP pistol are widely used in the US Army and its special forces.

  5. Russian special forces units are part of various ministries or departments with their own specifics. Their tasks determine the use of various types of weapons, equipment, transport, equipment, training centers and bases. The Russian military units of this kind include the SOBR detachment, Alfa, Vympel. These units select the best of the best fighters. Vympel employees were assigned special tasks:
    • illegal intelligence on the territory of different states;
    • release of hostages taken by terrorists;
    • release of objects seized by terrorists;
    • introduction into the military intelligence and special services of other states;
    • elimination of persons posing a threat to the Russian state.

    It takes at least five years to train Vympel employees.


    For combatants, there is a special form and weapons, which they are fluent in.

The uniform of the Russian army is being improved. VKBO - a set supplied in parts, is a field uniform, which includes 18 clothing options. Elements of army uniforms can be combined in any combination convenient for a fighter.

The development of the field uniform was entrusted to the specialists of the BTK-group company, which operates on its own high-tech production base. In addition, expert research institutes have been included in this process.

The VKBO set consists of 23 pieces of clothing and three pairs of shoes.

A feature of the development is the principle of its multi-layering. 8-layer workwear allows military personnel to use this innovative uniform in all weather conditions in all climatic zones by combining a combination of kit elements.

Such special forces equipment is able to protect military personnel in a 40-degree frost with wind and snowstorm. The kit is supplied in a VKBO trunk.

High performance clothing functionality at any level physical activity soldiers of each branch of the military. All criteria for its application are met:

  • camouflage properties required for field clothing;
  • strength of the material, providing long term uniform services. In combat conditions, this characteristic plays a decisive role, since there is no possibility of its repair or replacement;
  • adaptability of the cut design to combat conditions;
  • comfortable shoe design and choice of material for its manufacture, it is characterized by resistance to oils and gasoline, providing slip resistance when passing ice surfaces.

Caring for the VKBO uniform is simple. Hand wash machine washable at 300C, all zippers and textile fasteners must be fastened before washing in the machine. Drying in the drum of the machine is allowed when using a lower temperature setting.

Ceremonial uniforms

Dress uniform of military personnel Russian Army first demonstrated at the Victory Parade in 2016.


Its development is given maximum attention. This clothing should contain the image of a victorious warrior great war, to remain the memory of a soldier who defended his land, liberated the world from fascism at the cost of his life.

For these reasons, the uniforms of military personnel were reproduced naval forces, Ground Forces and Air force the times of 1941-1945. It was an exact repetition of the form of the armed forces of the USSR.

Clothing for hot regions

Uniforms have long been developed to replace the same type of uniform, taking into account service in regions with hot climates. The first batches of this form were delivered to 201 military bases located in Tajikistan. For the form, a fabric made according to modern technologies, the color of the material is sand. Her must-have kit:

  • panama - for the rank and file, officers are entitled to a field cap;
  • field jacket with a zipper;
  • trousers, comfortable straight cut, on which on the side, in the lower part, there is a pocket with a valve or shorts, knee-length;
  • shoes - lightweight boots with high sides made of natural leather of light color with inserts of durable fabric of high wear resistance.

A new development for a hot region, provided for the strength and lightness of the fastener elements - zippers, sewing clothes from a fabric with a high degree of thermal and moisture control, good ventilation and air exchange.

female form

In the ranks of the armed forces there are many positions held by women: medical personnel in hospitals, sanitary instructors in units and subunits, signalmen, employees of clothing and food units, teachers in military educational institutions.


Their uniforms, in addition to the standard army kit, include female models of skirts, dresses, coats, and shoes.

The uniform is made of olive-colored fabric, for women serving in the Air Force, the color of the uniform is blue. The set of women's uniforms includes everyday and dress uniforms.

Special Operations Forces MTR

Specially trained units are involved in all hot spots on the territory and outside of Russia.

Forces are being created in Russia special operations, the decree on their establishment was signed on February 26, 2015.

The equipment of the MTR fighters differs from the equipment of other representatives of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation:

  • overalls made of camouflage fabric of special strength and special cut;
  • bulletproof vest, protection class 6, protects against machine gun and sniper bullets SVD and machine gun, and Kalashnikov PK and PKM;
  • helmet high degree strength from special material;
  • the soldier of the SSO is armed with the last Kalashnikov assault rifle with a special bracket (Picatinny rails) designed for attaching additional equipment and accessories;
  • collimator sight, provides high speed aiming a point at the target;
  • silent firing devices (silencers);
  • special designs of active headphones that protect against ambient sounds of battle and ensure the use of the built-in radio station for the necessary negotiations;
  • optical sight, providing a visual approximation of the target;
  • personal weapon - a pistol;
  • tactical footwear made of material High Quality and strength.

Special Operations Forces (SOF) have unique, advanced weapons and ammunition, which allows them to solve the most difficult missions and tasks anywhere in the world.

Variants of camouflage suits

Camouflage suits appeared not so long ago, but among the military they have received very wide use. Over the course of several years, patterns have been developed for camouflage fabrics that can hide a person in any landscape.


A fabric pattern is developed for a suit designed to disguise a person in a certain area. There is no universal camouflage.

Russian camouflage is based on the use of their own patterns, as well as copying the German versions of the Great Patriotic War:

  • "Amoeba" - camouflage, developed in 1935 in the USSR. Has several color options;
  • « deciduous forest» - camouflage of the times of the Great Patriotic War, development of 1945;
  • "Silver leaf" camouflage, which is referred to as "Birch" or " sun bunnies". The drawing has a deforming effect, developed in 192 in Russia;
  • VSR-93. The camouflage is decorated with a pattern in the form of vertical stripes. Well masks the figure of a person against the background of plants;
  • HRV-98 "Flora", characteristic camouflage stripes gave the name "watermelon". This type of camouflage is classified as basic, and is used for tailoring camouflage suits of special forces of the Russian armed forces;
  • camouflage "Russian figure" or "Digital flora". This fabric is used for camouflage uniforms in parts of the GRU, FSB and the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

The earliest developments of Russian camouflage colors are still used for the manufacture of camouflage uniforms in the Russian Armed Forces.

Video

Military uniforms - field, everyday and ceremonial uniforms - are always regulated by the relevant decrees of the Ministry of Defense. However, there are formations of Special Forces in the law enforcement agencies of ministries and departments that are not related to the Russian Armed Forces, which perform specific tasks, for which they use a very wide range of military and universal uniforms.

Classification of special forces units

The existing special forces units in Russia belong to different departments. In the armed forces of the Russian Federation there are such formations of Special Forces:

  • SW ( ground troops) - brigades of the DSHB and the regiment of the DSHP;
  • GU - 25 regiment and brigades;
  • MO - the center of Senezh;
  • GRU - detachments of the PDSS reconnaissance points Sailing (Baltic Fleet), Tuapse ( Black Sea Fleet), fur farm ( Northern Fleet) and about. Russian / Dzhigit Bay (Pacific Fleet);
  • Airborne - 45th Guards Brigade (Kubinka);
  • Navy - detachments of the Caspian Flotilla, the Black Sea, Baltic, Pacific and Northern Fleets.

The special services of the Russian Federation also have SPN units:

  • FSB - departments for supporting operational activities, regional departments and services, departments A (Alpha), B (Vympel) and C;
  • Border Guard Service of the FSB - regional services and departments, DShM of border detachments, special intelligence groups of the OGSpR;
  • SVR - detachment Zaslon;
  • Ministry of Internal Affairs - Thunder detachment;
  • Troops of the National Guard - instead of internal troops, detachments of Wolverine (Krasnoyarsk-26), Rus (Simferopol), Skif (Grozny), Peresvet (Moscow), Svyatogor (Stavropol), Bulat (Ufa), Ratnik (Arkhangelsk), Kuzbass (Kemerovo) were created , Bars (Kazan), Mercury (Smolensk), Mechel (Chelyabinsk), Typhoon (Khabarovsk), Ermak (Novosibirsk), Edelweiss (Minvody), Vyatich (Armavir), Ural (Nizhny Tagil), Rosich (Novocherkassk), 604 CSN;
  • Russian Guard - SOBR and OMON combat units;
  • FSIN - republican departments Saturn (Moscow), Rossy (Sverdlovsk), Typhoon (Leningrad region), Iceberg (Murmansk), guard (Chuvashia), Shark (Krasnodar), Hawk (Mari El), Volcano (Kabardino-Balkaria);
  • Ministry of Emergency Situations - Center of Special Risk Leader;
  • Federal State Unitary Enterprise Svyaz-Safety - Mars department.

Some of the above special forces units belong to the military, that is, by default, they are equipped with military personnel. The other is departmental, that is, it employs employees who are assigned special ranks, and not military ones. The two largest ministries of the Russian Federation include both of them:

  • Ministry of Internal Affairs - the special forces of the National Guard are staffed by military personnel, OMON and SOBR are not military formations;
  • FSB - special forces of the border troops and departments A, B and C, respectively.

Special forces formations perform combat missions in settlements and forests, under water and in the air, so the field uniform, ammunition and weapons are very different. A presidential decree in 2005 prohibited the use of insignia and military uniforms in security units of the FSB, the Federal Drug Control Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Federal Penitentiary Service, the PPS and other departments that were not formed from military personnel.

These highly mobile units go on combat missions, carry out guard duty and learn skills in various forms.

military special forces

When passing urgent, extra-long or contract service as part of special forces, a soldier is obliged to comply with the rules for wearing uniforms and insignia. The state provides formations of Special Forces with VKBO sets (all-weather set of basic uniforms) of 19 items of clothing. Self-assembly from VKBO elements is allowed, depending on the combat and learning objectives and weather conditions.

Any "camouflage", "body armor" and "unloading" of a third-party manufacturer that does not meet the requirements of the charter is considered a violation of the dress code. However, the Special Forces are considered the elite of the RF Armed Forces, commanders may allow the use of more comfortable clothing, for example, American or European special forces.

Special forces of combat swimmers actually arose during the Second World War, however, the units were so secret that field and everyday clothes were altered by their employees on their own from the most suitable form of various branches of the military.

In 1974, during the formation of the famous Alpha (Group A of the KGB of the USSR for the fight against terror), working in a less secret mode, the problem of equipment also arose, so the officers wore blue jackets and suits for pilots and technical workers, which turned out to be the most convenient for their tasks.

With the introduction of a limited contingent of troops into Afghanistan in 1979, the special forces field uniform for a hot climate and highlands was urgently developed on the model of the uniform of the troops of the President of the Congo, Colonel Mabuta, the suit was sewn according to GOST 17 6290 from raincoat fabric with water-repellent impregnation.

Officially, "Mabuta", "jump suit" or "sand" was the uniform of "Alpha", GRU units and the newly formed Vympel department, in fact, paratroopers and infantrymen bought it for cash with the permission of their commanders for everyday wear.

The modern form of Russian special forces is convenient and functional, but there are Western counterparts that surpass it in some properties / qualities. For example, until recently, a protective helmet did not have devices for fixing a tactical flashlight, night vision device and other devices. The colors and patterns of some American and European camouflage fabrics and styles are better suited to specific terrain conditions.

Rules for wearing uniforms by military personnel of the Russian Federation

In 2015, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation signed a decree number 300 on the rules for wearing military uniforms. The last changes were made to it in 2017, but before that, significant adjustments were made three times:

  • 1997 - symbols were added, wearing rules were introduced;
  • 2008 - simplified dress uniform, improved field uniforms;
  • 2011 - partial return to the form of the USSR, development of the VKBO.

Until 2008, the equipment of the special forces of the armed forces and departments not related to the armed forces was almost identical. Moreover, the uniform of the guard almost completely copied the uniforms of the elite units participating in the hostilities, therefore, in these formations and organizations, military symbols and army uniforms were prohibited.

VKBO kit

In 2011, a new uniform was developed for general purpose units and special forces units. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation acted as the customer of the project, the domestic holding of light industry BTK Group became the executor. An integrated scientific approach was used, so the design bureau included:

  • University of Technology and Design St. Petersburg;
  • Naval Engineering Institute GOU VPO;
  • Institute of Medicine RAMS.

A ready-made set of VKBO was tested in 8 military units for 3 months in 2012 in different regions countries - the south of the Russian Federation, the Trans-Urals, the Central region, the Arctic. The customer put forward the requirements:

  • anti-slip surface of shoe soles;
  • petrol and oil resistance of the upper part of the shoe;
  • ergonomics of each element;
  • durability, compactness, low weight;
  • camouflage properties (camouflage);
  • protection from adverse conditions;
  • provision and possibility of regulation of heat balance;
  • moisture removal at any level of physical activity.

The final set of VKBO consists of 3 pairs of shoes and 20 items that provide the effect of layering. In other words, each next layer worn over the previous underwear to achieve a comfortable thermal balance in all weather conditions and climatic zones in different seasons of the year.

The delivery schedule was carried out in stages from 2013 to 2015. Transition from existing form clothing for new uniforms occurred gradually. Part of the personnel dressed in the VKBO, at the same time the uniforms of the old type were worn out.

The form is considered everyday and field, so the summer kit is designed for indoors all year round and outdoors at an air temperature of +15 degrees. The winter set is effective for temperatures from -40 degrees to +15 degrees. Three pairs of shoes are designed to be worn in the temperature ranges of -40 - -10 degrees, -10 - + 15 degrees and above + 15 degrees. Transported and stored unused this moment clothes in a special bag-bag.

  1. moisture-wicking underwear short (T-shirt and shorts) made of 100% polyester or long (underpants with codpiece, sweatshirt with a round neck, long sleeve, adjacent silhouette);
  2. fleece underwear from a sweatshirt with long sleeves (zip to the middle of the chest, chin protection, thumb hole) and underpants (selective bouffant, elastic band inside the waistband) made of 7% elastane and 93% polyester;
  3. fleece jacket (100% polyester) ;
  4. windbreaker (2% elastane and 98% polyester), "figure" camouflage, worn with trousers of the next level, drawstring at the bottom with clamps, ventilation valves in the pockets, water-repellent finish;
  5. demi-season suit (1% elastane, 99% polyamide) made of trousers with removable suspenders, the seat area and knees are reinforced with high-strength pads, side seams with zippers, and jackets with a two-way zipper, hood, front pockets, stand-up collar, pads on the elbows;
  6. windproof suit (PTFE membrane inside 100% polyamide) made of jacket and trousers, overlays, double valve, hood, waterproof zippers, side seams of trousers with zippers;
  7. insulated vest (100% polyamide and PTFE membrane), one inner pocket is tightened with a cord, the second is closed with a zipper, front outer patch pockets, windproof placket with hidden buttons;
  8. insulated suit (polyamide 100%), hood adjustable to the face, pockets in the sleeves, reinforced lining, fixators for mittens, bottom of the trousers with elastic bands, top to the middle of the thighs with zippers.

Fleece underwear weighs 516 g, regular 281 g (extended), insulated suit 2.3 kg. Summer suit (camouflage "figure") has an increased cotton content (65%). The thread is reinforced using rip-stop technology, the fabric is practically not torn. For him, a headdress is provided - a cap. The second cap is worn with a demi-season suit. The scarf is made in the shape of a bib, adjustable in volume.

Universal balaclava hat made of 30% polyamide and 70% wool transformable. The insulated hat with two elongated flaps allows wearing in several positions. Winter socks made of wool with the addition of polyamide. On the mittens there is a removable insulation, fasteners for the sleeves of the jacket. Five-fingered black woolen gloves.

However, the basic kit does not provide 100% equipment for solving combat missions of special forces, so special forces units use additional funds, ammunition, and weapons. For example, bulletproof vests, unloading vests, camouflage suits, wetsuits, jump suits for parachutists.

Casual dress code

Unlike the rapid reaction forces, special forces plan operations in advance, so the daily routines are traditionally:

  • classroom training (theory, tactics);
  • guard duty;
  • rest and personal time.

Thus, the army special forces use the sets of the new VKBO, which are quite sufficient for these tasks. For training in special disciplines a field uniform is used - camouflage suits, body armor, wetsuits, jumpsuits.

Field uniform

Due to the special status of special forces, they solve very different tasks:

  • sabotage and anti-terrorist activities;
  • intelligence and counterintelligence;
  • ensuring the security of their own unit and the elimination of enemy structures of the same name;
  • organization of riots on the territory of the enemy and the fight against them in their own regions;
  • protection of objects/persons and their physical destruction.

The field black uniform of the riot police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the FSB provides visual control - friend / foe, demoralizes the enemy, and the diving suit of the PDSS GRU naval combat swimmer provides covert penetration under water. The “Izlom” camouflage is good for moving through the forest as part of a group, and the “Leshy” camouflage suit is used by a sniper in a long-term firing position.

Ceremonial uniforms

It is much easier to understand the dress uniform of military personnel and employees of Special Forces units:

  • they belong to certain types of troops;
  • ceremonial uniforms are used on dismissal, at a solemn event or during vacation, that is, at events not related to combat missions.

Special forces soldiers are dressed according to the rules of wearing military uniform clothes.

Airborne

Usually, the special forces demobilization uniform is decorated with an aiguillette and numerous edging elements. formal wear. In fact, the aiguillette is an element of the dress uniform for especially ceremonial occasions according to Decree No. 300 of 2015 of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation.

Officer's dress uniform special forces of the Airborne Forces includes:

  • tunic trousers and a cap made of blue (sea wave) wool;
  • a vest with blue stripes instead of a white military shirt;
  • ceremonial golden belt;
  • black boots with high berets;
  • blue beret or cap.

in winter landing troops dress in the same uniform, and over it is a casual warm blue jacket and black gloves. Instead of a beret / cap, a fur hat with earflaps or a cap can be used.

Soldiers, sergeants and cadets wear a blue beret, berets, a vest and a casual suit in the summer.

Navy

The uniform of the special forces belonging to the Navy is completely identical to the uniform of the special forces of the airborne forces. Since the rules for wearing full dress clearly state that all special forces, regardless of belonging to a particular branch of the military, receive the right to wear a blue vest and berets. The beret has the color of the military branch.

PS FSB (border service)

The tunic of an FSB officer does not differ from the uniform of a serviceman - three buttons, aquamarine, fitted. Shoulder straps of employees of department A, B and C have a cornflower blue edging on a silver or gold field, border service- green edging. The parade military uniform is completed with boots or boots (for formation), a golden belt. The color of the overcoat is gray-steel, it fastens with 6 buttons.

Special Forces of the National Guard Troops (maroon berets)

A distinctive element of the parade uniform of the special forces of the former Internal Troops, preserved after they were renamed the National Guard, is the headdress. The maroon beret appeared in 1978, until 1989 it remained a non-statutory element of the uniform, to which senior officers turned a blind eye. The qualification test for the right to wear it was legalized only in 1993.

Simultaneously with the maroon beret of the special forces of the explosives, vests with stripes of a similar color appeared by analogy with the airborne forces and the marines (blue and black vests in the color of the berets of these military branches, respectively).

PDSS and MRP GRU (combat swimmers)

PDSS units were created to identify and eliminate enemy underwater saboteurs. However, in order to effectively combat them, combat swimmers are included (the same saboteurs, but their own). In addition, there are separate formations in each fleet for highly specialized tasks, for example, protecting the water area and ships inside it under water or organizing sabotage.

These formations of the Russian special forces are considered the most secret so far. In the days of the USSR, they were provided with regular uniforms for privates and sergeants of the home fleet. They went on vacation in it and went on vacation, they never participated in parades.

The situation is currently being maintained. The parade uniform of the MRP and PDSS detachments is completely identical to the uniform of the Navy.

Clothing for especially hot regions

Dress uniform for hot regions in the Russian army is not provided. But for the Russian soldier there is a special everyday uniform from the manufacturer BTK Group of 8 items:

  • socks;
  • t-shirt;
  • baseball cap;
  • Panama;
  • shorts;
  • trousers;
  • jacket.

It is this uniform that units of the MTR of the RF Armed Forces wear in Syria. All clothes are sand-colored without camouflage patterns.

female form

In the formations of the Special Forces, women's casual and field clothing has special sizes. The shirt-tunic is completed with a large number of pockets. The dress uniform is distinguished by the presence of a blouse and skirt made of wool instead of a men's tunic and trousers. Berets, berets and vests are preserved in full for special forces, which the Russian army has.

Special forces of law enforcement agencies and ministries

After 2008, in the form of Special Forces, staffed by non-military personnel, differences from army uniforms are used. This was done on purpose to avoid confusion. However, even before the renaming, the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs received the right to wear a maroon beret and vest.

By default, employees use the full dress police uniform (MVD) or similar uniforms of their own department (FSB, FSIN). In most cases, a domestic VKBO kit is used as a daily uniform. The field uniform corresponds to the tasks of the units, differs significantly from the army uniform.

For example, the formations of the Special Forces of the FSB and the Ministry of Internal Affairs use a black uniform.

Regular uniform

By analogy with the army, in 2011 the last edition of the Rules for wearing uniforms of the Ministry of Internal Affairs took place, so the “parade” of the special forces practically does not differ from the uniform of the teaching staff. The main nuances are:

  • even at ceremonial events, OMON is allowed gray camouflage, and SOBR is allowed a black summer suit;
  • instead of an army field uniform, there is an analogue - uniforms for performing service and operational special tasks;
  • instead of a jacket, the suit set may include a “Gorka” (mountain suit) of anorak style (put on over the head) or a single-breasted jacket with a zipper;
  • by analogy with airborne troops a beret is provided, only green or black.

Unlike the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the uniform of the GRU special forces is subject to the rules of wearing the Ministry of Defense, that is, by default it is army.

Individual uniform and ammunition

If secretive operations are typical for army special forces, police special forces more often confront armed formations “face to face”, therefore the cut of the clothes of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB, its protective characteristics are often unsatisfactory when using a regular set. Uniforms of American and European production are being purchased, including by the special forces themselves:

  • bulletproof vests Redut, Defender and Bagariy of modular type;
  • vests unloading manufacturer Armak;
  • sets of pouches Molle;
  • helmets OpScore, Omnitech-T and SHBM;
  • Veresk SR-2M and PP-2000 submachine guns.

Regular AKs are equipped with length-adjustable butts and Picatinny rails, which allow you to hang additional devices on the machine.

Special Operations Forces MTR

The unit reports to the Minister of Defense, was created in 2009, and the data of the current commander of the MTR are classified. They are considered rapid reaction forces, they conduct operations abroad (Somalia, Aleppo) and within the country (North Caucasus).

From the moment of its inception until the middle of 2014, only the form of foreign special forces was used to equip these units:

  • Propper BDU (multicam coloring);
  • special purpose kits for hot climates;
  • Arcteryx Leaf;
  • Tactical Combat, Field or Performance;
  • tactical overalls Fortreks K14;
  • helmets Warrior Kiver and 6B7-1M;
  • ballistic helmet Spartan;
  • diving suit GKN-7 set Amphora diving;
  • anti-fragmentation suit Reid-L;
  • body armor 6B43;
  • unloading vest 6Sh112.

Currently, the BTK Group holding company provides decent quality materials, design and functionality of equipment, the domestic form is used, with rare exceptions.

In the media, that unit is usually called "Polite People" because of the appropriate attitude towards journalists during the maintenance of order in the Crimea in 2014. The camouflage during the operation was either the uniform of a security guard or civilian clothes.

Variants of camouflage suits

Domestic camouflage for military uniforms is of several types:

  • Deciduous forest - created during the Second World War in 1942, suitable for the forest;
  • Silver leaf - has the additional names "birch" and "sunny bunny";
  • Amoeba - originated in 1935, the spots are large, there are options for any season of different staining intensity;
  • HRV-93 - "Butane", more often called "vertical", the pattern completely merges the form with vegetation;
  • HRV-98 - "Flora" or "Watermelon" due to the corresponding stripes, is considered the base for the European part of the Russian Federation;
  • Flora digital - called the "Russian figure", is the youngest option.

Initially, special forces weapons and their uniforms were disguised with camouflage under the surrounding area. Such field clothes worn by all units of the Special Forces. However, for special operations, there are better camouflage options:

  • Goblin - the cape is hung with bunches of green, brown and yellow, merges with any vegetation and tree trunks;
  • Kikimora is a high-strength, shapeless marsh-colored fiber.

Known options for third-party manufacturers of camouflage fabric and ready-made sets of tactical uniforms from it:

  • Twilight - color from black to light gray (twilight);
  • Cobra - similar to the scales of a large reptile, merges with the blueberry and tall grass;
  • Kink - waterproof fabric for deciduous and coniferous forests;
  • Frog - large digital squares;
  • Multicam - an American version for urban development, slums, communications, not suitable for forests;
  • Suprat - a domestic development of a forest camouflage pattern and suit style, costs three times cheaper than imported analogues;
  • Amoeba - created from illogical fabric, has the largest operating experience;
  • Black - for units of departmental security forces (Ministry of Internal Affairs, FSB and UPSIP) in order to quickly identify each other;
  • Winter is clean White color or with black spots;
  • Desert - the advantage of sandy and brown;
  • Jungle - yellow with green;
  • Urban - considered basic, has a gray background, a dark "number".

In addition to Special Forces, camouflage clothing is used by combat units and units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Armed Forces, the GRU, the FSB, and even civilians and organizations. For example, an employee of the teaching staff and a fisherman can be dressed in camouflage. Until recently, the uniform of the guard practically did not differ from army uniforms.

Foreign analogues of camouflage fabric most often outperform domestic developments:

  • Apu Pat - the name of the style of clothing and coloring of camouflage fabric, does not change color when wet;
  • Woodland - a budget version of the previous material, darkening when wet, nicknamed "NATO", has four shades - rich green for swamps, moderate for forests, brown for mountains and basic universal;
  • Marpat - has three options for the desert, city and forest, digital spots with black, brown and green hues that break the symmetry of the human anatomy, which the eye of the observer usually clings to.

The digital drawing is considered the best option, as it is being developed in a special camouflage department of the Central Research Institute named after Karbyshev. The shape of the pixel interferes with the concentration of the gaze on it, “falls out” of the field of view. For example, the "kink" option has the following masking properties:

  • the scheme is divided into color parts - mustard, dark green and brown;
  • the break imitates the three main coverings of a coniferous forest - moss, foliage and fallen needles;
  • deforming visual perception of the silhouette behind the camouflage fabric is achieved by increasing the size of the pattern;
  • digital areas of green should be close to the actual size of the needles, brown - to the dimensions of moss spots, and mustard - to dry foliage.

The kink camouflage colors are often used for tailoring everyday uniforms, as the fabric is very strong.

Special outfit

In addition to Kikimora and Leshy camouflage suits, several categories of military specialists have special uniforms:

  • scuba divers and divers;
  • paratroopers and snipers;
  • saboteurs and anti-terror groups;
  • sappers and miners.

For the same reasons, special forces weapons are diverse:

  • Pecheneg and AKM machine guns;
  • pistol Vityaz PP-10-01, Glock-17 and PYa;
  • assault rifles AK-105, 74M and APS (underwater);
  • sniper complexes VSK-94 and Vintorez;
  • complexes PRTK Kornet;
  • hand grenade launchers GM-94 and grenade launchers GP-34.

The special forces move overland on SUVs, KamAZ-Mustangs, BTR-82 armored personnel carriers, armored vehicles and ATVs.

Delivery by air is carried out by AN-26 transporters and Mt-8MTV-5 helicopters, by water by BRP SEA-DOO jet skis, under water by tugboats and mini-submarines of nuclear submarines.

Thus, the dress uniform of special forces units is a kind of disguise. Everyday uniforms are most often the same, and the field uniform is very diverse and unique.

Fighters prefer non-standard butts, sights, bulletproof vests and boots. Servicemen of special forces units of the Ministry of Defense, internal troops and SOBR of the Special Purpose Center (TsSN) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs agreed to tell the Military Industrial Courier newspaper why Russian special forces American colors are popular, how effective are domestic body armor and night vision devices, how combat equipment and weapons are selected.

IN last years protagonists of television reports and photographs from North Caucasus became fighters of various special forces units, performing tasks to combat the terrorist underground. On the video and photo chronicles, it is striking that the field uniform, bulletproof vests, communications equipment, etc. of the special forces are different, so to speak, from the world by thread.

IN modern world the segment of private production of tactical equipment and protective equipment is developing very dynamically. Even such well-funded Western divisions as the American Delta, the British SAS and others, buy their favorite products for their money. After all, the success of any operation depends on uniforms, equipment, and even more so weapons. How are things going with the Russian security forces, what problems do you have, what would you like to change?

If for a civilian, a beret is an ordinary headdress, which, in principle, is more popular among women, then for military personnel, a beret is not just an integral part of the uniform, but a symbol. Currently, each branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation has its own beret. Hats differ not only in color, but also in the rule and the right to wear it. Therefore, not everyone knows how it differs, for example, in taking the GRU special forces from the headdress of the marines.

The first mention of an army headdress

The very first army berets appeared at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries in England and Scotland. Then the warriors wear special caps that look like berets. However, the mass distribution of such a headdress began only during the First World War. The first who began to wear them were the soldiers of the tank and mechanized units of the French army.

Further, the baton for the introduction of such an element of clothing was the UK. With the advent of tanks, the question arose of what to wear to the tanker, because the helmet was very uncomfortable, and the cap was too bulky. Therefore, it was decided to introduce a black beret. The color was chosen on the basis that the tankers are constantly working and are near the equipment, and soot and oil are not visible on the black color.

The appearance of a beret in the army

During the Second World War, such hats became even more popular, especially among the Allied forces. US Special Forces soldiers noted the following conveniences of these headgear:

  • First of all, they hid their hair well;
  • Dark colors were not visible in the dark;
  • The berets were warm enough;
  • He could wear a helmet or a helmet.

Accordingly, some types and types of troops in Great Britain and the United States adopted a headdress as one of the main elements of uniforms. IN Soviet army this element of clothing began to appear already in the early sixties, as the head attribute of the landing and special forces. Since then, the rules and wearing of such hats have not changed much.

Which one does the special forces take?

At the end of the 20th century, berets became an integral part of the daily and dress uniforms of the armies of many countries. Almost every defensive state has elite special units that have their own unique headgear:

  1. The mountain infantry detachments of the French armed forces, the Alpine Chasseurs, wear a dark blue beret of a sufficiently large diameter.
  2. The elite Foreign Legion is characterized by light green robes.
  3. French naval special forces are distinguished by wearing a green beret.
  4. German airborne troops and reconnaissance units wear maroon berets, but with different emblems on it.
  5. The Royal Netherlands Marines are distinguished by wearing dark blue uniform elements, while the paratroopers are wearing maroon headdresses.
  6. British special forces SAS have been wearing beige caps since the mid-forties of the last century, and the marines are green.
  7. The US Rangers are recognizable by the same color as the British Special Forces - beige.
  8. US Special Forces have been wearing green berets since 1961, earning their nickname.

It can be seen that most NATO member countries have an identical color scheme headwear. As for the shape, it is round for all armies, and differs only in size.

Distribution in the Armed Forces of the USSR

In 1967, an updated uniform was adopted for the Airborne Forces. The famous Soviet artist A.B. Zhuk submitted a proposal to General V.F. Margelov to use crimson caps as an attribute of paratroopers, referring to the use of such caps in other countries of the world. The commander agreed and approved the beret. For privates and sergeants, an emblem in the form of an asterisk was intended, which was attached to the front in the center of the beret, and a blue flag was located on the right, and a cockade was provided for officers.

A year later, a blue beret was adopted for the paratroopers, as the leadership considered that it more symbolizes the color of the sky. As for the marines, black was approved for this type of troops. Tankers also used black berets, but not as the main headgear, but during the maintenance and repair of equipment to protect their heads from dirt.

The difference between the uniform of the GRU special forces and the rest of the military branches

Special Forces developed with the Airborne Forces at the same time and due to similar specifics And the use and profile of the tasks of these troops, their uniforms were identical. The special forces soldiers wore exactly the same uniform as the paratroopers. Outwardly, it is very difficult to distinguish who is standing in front of you: a commando or an airborne officer. After all, the color, and the shape, and the cockade itself are the same. However, the GRU had one caveat.

Blue berets and Airborne Forces uniform Soviet time Special Forces soldiers mostly wore training parts or at the parade. After the training centers, the soldiers were assigned to combat units, which could be carefully disguised as other branches of the military. This was especially true for those who were sent to serve abroad.

Instead of a white and blue vest, beret and lace-up boots, the soldiers were given the usual combined arms uniform, for example, like tankers or signalmen. So you could forget about berets. This was done in order to hide the presence of the special forces from the eyes of the enemy. Thus, for the GRU, the blue beret is a ceremonial headdress and only in those cases when it is allowed to wear it.

The beret of the GRU special forces is not just a type of headdress and an integral part of the uniform, but a symbol of valor and courage, honor and nobility, the right to wear which is not given to every even the most experienced and brave warrior.

Video: how do they pass the standards for a maroon beret?

In this video, Pavel Zelennikov will show how the special forces elite receive an olive and maroon beret:

Today our interlocutor Ivan. We talked about equipment, food and more.
G99: To what extent do you use regular clothes, how often do you buy additional ones with your own money? What equipment is missing from the issued?

Ivan: As a rule, we use our own clothes and equipment for tasks. Regular we use at various ostentatious events. Naturally, they are very dissatisfied with this state of affairs.



G99: How do you see the right set of clothes for movement and static in the cold season?

Ivan: I fully adhere to the concept of layering in clothes. I try to use clothes like PCU, ECWCS (a separate conversation is VKBO - we wanted the best, it turned out as always ..).



G99: What backpacks did you use? Their pros and cons. What would you like to change in the design of backpacks, how do you see an ideal backpack for 3-5 days?



Ivan: Previously used ALLOY backpacks. Then there was the Attack from the MTR. I have nothing bad to say about these manufacturers. I was very pleased at the time when I went away from wearing what they give out. Until I got acquainted with the frame structure. There was a choice between ILBE / FILBE and G99, in the end I decided to support the domestic manufacturer, and I never regretted it. Currently, the frame is T10 + T40 with side pouches from G99 and Rush 24 from 5.11. For daily events, I take a backpack 5.11, everything over - T40. I thought in the direction of the T60, but at the moment I don’t feel the need for it - there is a reason to think about the things that you really need with you and what you can do without) There is such a common misfortune for many people when it’s not the task that determines the necessary things, but size of the backpack. And yes, you need to be as flexible as possible.



G99: How do you maintain and improve your physical fitness at the location and on business trips? What sports do you do and how much?

Ivan: Physical training in our work is very important. Whether you can successfully complete the task depends on your condition. So I take this as seriously as possible. In addition to regular activities, I go in for sports in my free time and after work. Behind leisure) Previously, I was engaged only in the weight of my body, kickboxing, sambo. Then I realized that I need to turn on the iron, because. everything is hard at work. But running is also important. Need golden mean, which is why I really like Crossfit at the moment. On business trips to for a long time we try to take out the necessary basic equipment - weights, a barbell with pancakes, various collapsible dumbbells. If we are limited in carrying capacity, then we take only Sandbag - it is very convenient to fill it with sand upon arrival and the projectile is ready. But even if it is not possible to take it, you can always use improvised means. It would be a wish)



G99: How do you plan meals at reconnaissance and search activities in the cold season? What do you take from the regular dry ration, what do you buy in addition? What food warming systems do you use and how much water do you take per day?

Ivan: In this matter, everything is different. Someone is satisfied with the regular dry ration - irp, someone basically does not eat it, but prefers to buy, for example, dried meat or various cereals. Personally, I use IRP as a basis and add the necessary to it - various high-calorie bars. For heating food we use gas burners - various companies such as track, pathfinder, etc. Someone uses jetboil burners or their Chinese counterparts. As for water, it all depends on the task being performed and the climate conditions. But you should always follow the drinking regimen. Some preparation is needed. I always carry a hydrator in my backpack - up to 2.5 liters of water. I dilute citric acid and rehydron in it to maintain the salt balance. A minimum of water for yourself for a day is one and a half liters.

G99: What kind of armor and helmets do you use, do you buy additional covers for plates and do you use armor in the forest? If yes, which one and, if not, why? Would use if it would be more convenient / more compact

Ivan: Established SIBZ from the Ratnik kit. We buy covers for stoves, because staff do not satisfy us at all in the performance of our tasks. We do not use armor in the forest, because. We believe that mobility in this case is needed more. But it all depends on the task. If an assault is needed, then there will be armor. If search, then without armor. In choosing a cover, everyone decides for himself. Someone chooses minimalism, someone chooses maximum protection.