Fighters prefer non-standard butts, sights, bulletproof vests and boots. Military personnel of units special purpose 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 American colors are popular in Russian special forces, how effective domestic body armor and night vision devices are, how they select combat equipment and weapons.

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, means of communication, 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?

Now they are talking a lot in newspapers, on TV, on the Internet about the GRU Spetsnaz and 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 digression. Who came first? Spetsnaz GRU is definitely accurate in 1950. Since a lot of tactical blanks 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 to conduct sabotage operations forced many countries of the world (including Russian Empire) to keep completely autonomous "scout" units in their armies, then the origins of the appearance of the GRU special forces go back to "the depths of centuries."

The special forces of the Airborne Forces appeared in 1930, along with the Airborne Troops. With the very first landing near Voronezh, when there was an obvious need to start our own intelligence. The paratroopers can't just land in "paws to the enemy", someone has to shorten these "paws", break off the "horns", and file the "hooves".

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

The 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 preparation of the landing (if necessary) of the main forces ("cavalry"). Capturing airfields, sites, small bridgeheads, solving related tasks with the capture or destruction of communications, related infrastructure and other things. They act strictly on the orders of the headquarters of the Airborne Forces. The range is not as significant as that of the GRU, but still impressive. The main aircraft of the Airborne Forces IL-76 is capable of overcoming 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 the research. An interesting question with the form of clothing. At first glance, everything is the same. Bertsy, camouflage, vests, blue berets. But this is only at first glance. Take, for example, takes. This piece of clothing is of medieval origin. Pay attention to the old paintings of 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 are behind the scenes to wear a beret, bent to the right. If you suddenly see a commando in the form of the Airborne Forces and in a beret bent to the left, then this is just an ordinary paratrooper. The tradition has been carried on since 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 breaking the beret on the left side of the head. And there is no reason to shine intelligence.

Let's move on to signs. During the Great Patriotic War, the Airborne Troops made many landings and landing operations. Many awarded heroes. Including the units of the Airborne Forces themselves were awarded the title of Guards (almost all). The GRU special forces for the period of that war were already in the process of formation as an independent branch of the armed forces, but were outside the legal framework (and in general everything was secret). Therefore, if you see a paratrooper, but without the "Guards" badge, then with almost 100% certainty - GRU special forces. Only a few GRU units bear the rank of Guards. For example, the 3rd Separate Guards Warsaw-Berlin Red Banner Order of Suvorov III Art. SPN GRU brigade.

About food. Those. about satisfaction. Spetsnaz 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 due hardships and hardships, both in sickness 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 themselves air- landing troops.

But with the GRU, the issue is more tricky, and this detail always brings confusion. A friend wrote to me after the Pechora training of the GRU special forces in the eighties. "Everyone, ** ***, arrived at the place, in the company. We sit for the first day, ****, rip off blue shoulder straps, gave out fuel oil, everything is black, **** today is mourning (((((((. Berets , vests were also taken away. Am I now in the signal troops or something, *****?". So, they arrived in Germany, in the Western Group of Forces, and changed clothes. They immediately became signalmen. And changed their shoes (boots with lacing were replaced with ordinary boots). But Germany is small, there our sworn "friends" are also not fools. They are watching. There is a strange signal company. All signalmen are like signalmen, and these stir up something all day. in full swing, then digging trenches (similar to a comfortable bed in a forest belt behind the autobahn), then hand-to-hand combat, then shooting for the whole day, then at night something happens. "And for you, dear, there is a field post. Forward! The trumpet is calling! Soldiers! On the march!"

In this way, the GRU special forces can disguise themselves (at times successfully) under absolutely any branch of the armed forces (as the Motherland orders, and to what quiet / rotten distance they send).
The unmasking signs will be numerous badges with sports ranks, badges of paratroopers, all the same vests (stubborn boychins will still be put on them under any pretext, but you can’t see everyone, and it’s good that airborne vests are terribly popular in all branches of the military), tattoos in the form of clothing No. 2 (naked torso) again airborne theme with an abundance of skulls, parachutes, bats and all sorts of different living creatures, slightly weather-beaten muzzles of faces (from frequent running around in the fresh air), always increased appetite and the ability to eat exotic, or completely artless .

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

And the most important thing is not this. Clothes are clothes, but what is inherent in absolutely the same as the GRU special forces and the special forces of the Airborne Forces is the eyes. The look is so completely relaxed, friendly, with a share of healthy indifference. But he looks right at you. Or through you. You never know what to expect from such a subject (only a megaton of trouble, if anything happens). 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 ever-memorable times (a lifestyle, that is).

Let's talk about swimming. The special forces of the Airborne Forces must be able to overcome water obstacles. Are there many obstacles along the way? All sorts of rivers, lakes, streams, swamps. The same is true for the GRU special forces. But if we are talking about the seas and oceans, then for the Airborne Forces the topic ends here, the diocese begins there marines. And if they have already begun to distinguish someone, then more precisely, a very specific area of ​​\u200b\u200bactivity 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 officer in the GRU has undergone diving training. The combat swimmers of the GRU special forces are a really closed topic. They are few, but they are the best of the best. Fact.

What can be said about physical training? There are no differences at all here. 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 are a couple of every creature (and there are many who want to). Therefore, it is not surprising that all sorts of random people get there. Then they read books, from the Internet there are videos with window dressing, or they watch enough films. Often they have an abundance of sports diplomas, awards, categories and other things. Then, with such a hard-boiled porridge in their heads, they arrive at the duty station. From the very first forced march (named after the Great Special Forces), enlightenment sets in. Complete and inevitable. Oh fuck, where did I go? Yes, you got it ... For such excesses there is always a stock of personnel recruited in advance, just for the subsequent and inevitable screening.

Why go far for examples? Finally, for the first time in the Russian army, six-week survival courses for contract soldiers were introduced, which end with an examination 50-kilometer field trip, with shooting, overnight stays, saboteurs, crawling, digging and others unexpected joys. First (!). Twenty-five thousand contract soldiers in three military districts were finally able to experience for themselves what the average soldier-special forces intelligence officer has always lived for. Moreover, they have it for "a week before the second", and in 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 a safari show for personal motivation. Some parts of the body suddenly bench-press.

Therefore, why talk for a long time? Survival courses in the conventional army, ie. something so unusual and stressful, they are equated with the average way of unremarkable ordinary service in the GRU special forces, and in the special forces of the Airborne Forces. Nothing new seems to be here. But the special forces also have an extreme pastime. For example, "races" have been traditionally arranged for many years. In ordinary language - competitions 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. To the fullest extent possible human body(and far beyond). Just in the GRU special forces, these events are very common.

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

Recently, exercises took place in the USA (Fort Carson, Colorado). First. Representatives of the special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces took part in them. And they showed themselves, and looked at "friends". Whether there were representatives of the GRU, history, the military and the press are silent. Let's leave everything as it is. Yes, and it doesn't matter. One point is interesting.
With all the differences in equipment, weapons and approaches to training, joint exercises with the "Green Berets" demonstrated an absolutely amazing similarity between representatives of the special forces (the so-called forces special operations on the base parachute units) V different countries. And here you don’t go to a fortuneteller, you even had to go overseas to get this long unclassified information.

As it is now fashionable, let's give the floor to bloggers. Just a few quotes from the blog of a man who visited the 45th Special Forces Regiment of the Airborne Forces during an open press tour. And this is a completely unbiased view. Here's what everyone found out:
“Before the press tour, I was afraid that I would have to communicate mainly with oak martinet special forces who beat off the remnants of their brains by breaking bricks on their heads. This is where the stereotype collapsed ...”.
“Immediately, another parallel stamp dissipated - the special forces turned out to be not at all two-meter ambals with bull necks and pood fists. I don’t think I’m lying too much if I say that our group of bloggers, on average, looked more powerful than the special forces group of the Airborne Forces ... ".
"... for the entire time of my stay in the unit, out of hundreds of military men, I did not see a single ambal there. That is, absolutely not a single one ...".
"... I did not suspect that the obstacle course could be more than a kilometer long and full walkthrough it can take an hour and a half ... ".
"... Although at times it really seems that they are cyborgs. How they carry such heaps of equipment on themselves for a long time, I do not understand. Far from everything has been laid out here, there is no water, food and cartridges. The main cargo itself is not there! .. .".

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

(From the editors of 1071g.ru, we will add about the obstacle course. In 1975-1999, at the height of the Cold War between the USSR and the USA and later, there was an obstacle course in the Pechora training of the GRU special forces. The officially common name for the entire GRU Special Forces is "trail reconnaissance officer ". The length is about 15 kilometers, the terrain was successfully used, descents and ascents, there were impassable areas, forests, water barriers, some in Estonia (before the collapse of the Union), some in the Pskov region, a lot of engineering structures for classes. Two training battalions (9 companies, in others up to 4 platoons, this is about 700 people + a school of ensigns of 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. the units not only did not intersect, but could not enter into visual contact at all. The cadets ran "admittedly", now they are dreaming about it. A fact based on real events.)

Today in Russia there are only two, as we found out, exactly the same (with the exception of some cosmetic details) special forces. This is the GRU special forces and the special forces of the Airborne Forces. To perform tasks without fear, without reproach, and anywhere in the world (by order of the Motherland). No more, from the legally authorized by all sorts of international conventions, divisions do not exist. Forced marches - from 30 kilometers with a calculation or more, push-ups - from 1000 times or more, jumps, shooting, tactical and special training, development of stress resistance, abnormal endurance (on the verge of pathology), narrow-profile training in many technical disciplines, running , run, and run again.
Complete unpredictability by opponents of the actions of reconnaissance groups (and each fighter separately, in accordance with current situation). Skills to instantly assess the situation, and also instantly make decisions. So move on (guess how fast)...

By the way, is the reader aware that during the entire war in Afghanistan, 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 took upon themselves the burden of the hardships of military intelligence? There, the now known abbreviation "SpN" was born.

Finally, let's add. "Graduates" of the harsh school of the Special Forces of the Airborne Forces and Special Forces of the GRU are ready to accept with open arms any law enforcement agencies and departments, from the FSB to small private security companies. This does not mean at all that the Bolshoy Spetsnaz are ready to accept employees of any law enforcement agencies, even with an impeccable track record and the most high level preparation. Welcome to the club of real men! (If you are accepted...).

This material was prepared based on the forum of the Landing Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, various open sources, the opinions of professional experts, the gosh100.livejournal.com blog (credit to 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.

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 in this moment I don’t feel the need for this - 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 the volume of the backpack. And yes, you need to be as flexible as possible.



G99: How do you maintain and improve your physical form 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 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 breed in it citric acid and rehydron to maintain 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.

“A soldier does not need extra property!” - these words of a famous song can be the motto of those specialists who are developing a set of equipment worn by military personnel in combat conditions or during exercises that imitate such.

But with all the minimization of the soldier's needs, the warrior must have everything necessary to complete the task. This is especially true of the issue of equipping the fighters of those units that are commonly called special. Sometimes too much depends on their actions.

It turns out that not so little special forces need. And the farther, the more things are needed in battle.

All these items, each of which can be used at the most critical moment of the battle, are generally called equipment.

Concentrated Experience

It could be assumed that the very first item on the list of things needed in battle is assigned to weapons. This, of course, is true, but machine guns, machine guns, pistols, grenade launchers, flamethrowers and other deadly gizmos are in a completely separate category, and do not belong to equipment.

But uniforms, shoes, hats, backpacks, body armor, flasks and much more can be designated with this word. An ordinary ordinary fighter should be dressed comfortably, according to the season and climate zone The in which the service is running. But there is also special forces. They will be discussed.

Of course, special elite units any army relies on equipment corresponding to the complexity of the tasks performed. Special Forces equipment is the embodied concentrated military experience of mankind, accumulated over many centuries in conjunction with the latest technological advances.

Suvorov equipment

In ancient times, the troops transported everything they needed in wagon trains following the army columns. Foragers, marketers and other heroes of military supplies carried out the difficult mission of obtaining and delivering all that without which the army cannot wage war. Soldiers on the march, as a rule, carried weapons, a certain amount of ammunition and a satchel or bag in which simple military belongings were placed. During the Suvorov campaigns, the Russian army, which was distinguished by its special mobility, took a slightly different approach. A soldier had to have with him everything necessary for survival and even helping a comrade in trouble. The weight came out considerable, but the principle of increased autonomy as a whole justified itself. The equipment of the Russian special forces is formed taking into account the continuity of this tradition.

Special forces of the war years

The modern equipment of even the most ordinary soldier is much more functional than the equipment of a warrior of World War II, Korean, Vietnam, Afghan and most other wars of the twentieth century. In the USSR, the issue of military supplies was rather simplistic, believing (and not without reason) that our soldier is already good, and will give odds to anyone else simply due to his endurance, unpretentiousness and readiness for inconvenience. Yes, in Soviet army really did without carbide lamps (which were in the backpack of each German soldier), toilet paper, condoms and many other items unnecessary in battle. The duffel bag contained spare footcloths, a change of linen, some crackers and dry rations (if the suppliers went too far), as well as “letters from the mother and a handful of native land” sung by poets. But even in the difficult war years, the equipment of the special forces took into account special, complicated combat conditions, both special footwear and lightweight clothing were used in it, in which it is warm in the cold and cool in the heat. After all, a front-line reconnaissance or saboteur most often had a long, full of danger path through enemy rear lines. Every gram counted, every kilocalorie of food counted. And still required invisibility and noiselessness.

The main requirement for the equipment of a reconnaissance saboteur during the war years was not its convenience, but the ability to disguise a fighter on the ground. The scientific approach to this issue was then only being formed, but certain developments already existed.

Intelligence services of the post-war era

IN post-war years attention to the issues of ammunition only increased. Ever since the Stalin era, a number of intelligence services have been created in the USSR, each of which had its own departments, independent of each other. Such an organization of information support for the country's leadership, despite departmental disunity, is fully justified. You can compare information obtained from different sources, and draw conclusions about their reliability. Today it is difficult to judge which of the departments was the most effective, but there is no doubt that, along with the all-powerful Committee State Security The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense made a significant contribution to the defense of the Motherland on invisible fronts. Each of these services, modestly called competent, had special units. The requirements for their employees were not just high, they can be called unique. And, of course, the country supplied them with everything necessary to carry out especially important tasks. The equipment of the special forces of the Soviet intelligence services was created in secret institutions, and experienced saboteurs who had gone through more than one war served as consultants.

Glavrazvedupr

An army intelligence officer may work abroad illegally, with or without diplomatic cover. In this case, he walks around in a good civilian suit, speaks the language of the country in which he lives, and without an accent, and tries to be like an ordinary citizen in everything. they even forbade wearing sunglasses, so as not to match the cinematic image of the "red spy" in any way. Another thing is if such an officer performs a special mission during hostilities. The equipment of the GRU special forces, depending on climatic conditions and the nature of the tasks, was completed in different ways. For example, in the tropics, the so-called "net", woven from a special rope, was an indispensable item of clothing. Mosquitoes, mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects, even piercing clothes with their stingers, could not reach the skin with them, and the air layer contributed to better heat transfer. The shoes were also special, with a heel at the toe, in order to mislead possible pursuers (of course, not very experienced ones) as to the direction of movement. The equipment of the GRU special forces also included a special saboteur jacket, in the tailoring of which everything was taken into account based on the rich experience of army intelligence.

What else is meant by the word "equipment"?

There is no bad weather, there are inappropriate clothes. This English proverb is quite suitable for the uniform of special forces. Special forces equipment, however, is not only jackets, boots and pants. Conventionally, it is divided into several functional sections, although many of them overlap. So, for example, the "survival knife" can be attributed to weapons, and to means of protection, and to special elements. In addition to clothes, equipment Russian special forces and special units of other countries includes means of protection, communications, navigation, life support, as well as a first aid kit, satellites and special devices. Some of these equipment groups are worth considering separately.

Vietnamese experience

In Vietnam, the Americans put on Kevlar body armor for the first time. Movies about these tragic sixties, both documentary and fictional, testify to the fact that ordinary GIs wore dirty green cotton uniforms and metal helmets, sometimes covered with cloth or mesh covers so as not to glare in the sun. American special forces equipment was more complex and perfect. The uniform had spotted body armor protected from fire damaging means, the "green berets" had individual means of communication (ISS), which helped to better coordinate the actions of units.

Helmet

The helmet, which everyone has become accustomed to since the First World War, was originally designed to protect the soldier’s head from saber strikes and stone fragments, and not at all from bullets or shrapnel. The very first attempt to give it the ability to withstand the effects of small arms is associated with the world-famous "horns" of the German helmet. German inventors planned to mount additional armor plates on them. The bullet did not really take the helmet, but they could not withstand the blow, and the soldier still died. Modern special forces equipment includes a helmet, usually made of heavy-duty polymer, which is much lighter and more comfortable than metal. Experts consider the American Op Score helmet to be the most perfect product at present, taking into account the possibility of wearing (also an indispensable attribute at present) and walkie-talkie headphones along with a microphone. This helmet has mounts for infrared night vision and other gadgets. Her replicas are known (for example, the Russian "Armakom").

Shoes

Equipment of the Russian special forces during Afghan war left much to be desired. Comfortable trousers and jackets were a good solution in the southern climatic conditions, but shoes (boots or heavy berets) in the mountains turned out to be of little use, and special forces soldiers were more willing to wear ordinary sports shoes, sneakers and sneakers on combat missions. Unfortunately, it was not possible to fully solve the boot even today, although good models, light and durable, already exist (for example, safety shoes from a Russian manufacturer, the Faraday company, are very good).

American "A-C-Y"

The equipment of the Russian special forces has become more perfect in recent years, but so far it does not fully satisfy the military personnel either in terms of quality or quantity. In this area, the Americans have gone far ahead, the ACU field uniform developed by CRYE does not hinder movement and has ergonomic pockets. In general, she is just the right one for the fight. The sewn-in knee pads and elbow pads are very successful, hardly flammable textile materials are used.

The stand-up collar fits snugly around the neck, preventing dust from getting under the jacket. Pockets are sewn at an angle to make it easier to get items hidden there.

The soldiers of the Russian special forces like such foresight. Our uniform is sewn taking into account foreign experience.

Russian counterparts

It should be noted that the US defense budget is several times greater than the funds allocated by the Russian Defense Ministry. To date, American special forces equipment seems to be the most convenient and versatile, but it also costs accordingly. Nevertheless, the military personnel of the special forces of the Republic of Armenia make the purchases of the most necessary components themselves, knowing that the success of the operation, and sometimes their very life, often depends on the equipment.

Thus, the best fit for our conditions is the cut “A-Ci-Yu” (translated as “army combat uniform”) in the “surpat” color scheme, developed by Russian designers taking into account colors appropriate for our climate. "Multicam" camouflage was created in the USA for mountain-desert conditions.

unloading

Modern full equipment of special forces is impossible without the main means of bulletproof protection - body armor. It consists of two main types of elements, armored plates and a cover containing them, a kind of “sleeveless jacket” with large pockets on the back and chest. In addition, the body armor is used to attach pouches, additional equipment and accessories. The fighter knows in which compartment he has what he has, it is convenient for him to get automatic magazines, grenades and other necessary things in battle.

Spetsnaz "fashion"

It is difficult for an uninitiated viewer to even guess how complex the equipment of special forces is. The photo of the soldiers of the special forces units impresses with a lot of hinged pouches, built-in technical means and devices. Basically, all this is fixed on the so-called "unloading", freeing the hands and reducing the weight of the satchel, and at the same time protecting the fighter. According to the latest "fashion", it should be modular, that is, it should consist of several functional elements.

What will be new equipment special forces? Maybe Russian inventors and designers will be able to surprise the whole world with their achievements in this area as well?

Flag in the car with a sucker "Spetsnaz GRU and Airborne Forces" will be a great gift for both paratroopers and scouts. After all, their functions, goals and methods are so closely intertwined.

Flag in the car with a sucker "Spetsnaz GRU and Airborne Forces"

The formations of the GRU and the Airborne Forces in the public mind have long been firmly established as a single entity, the border separating different, in general, departments is often extremely blurred. For special forces, both airborne troops and military intelligence are equally close. The second of August for the special forces is the same “red day of the calendar” as the sixth of November, the paratroopers and scouts are united by the flag of the Airborne Forces, blue berets and vests, a really special spirit in these military branches.

What do the GRU special forces and the Airborne Forces have in common?


If strictly - in accordance with the existing charter, scheme of functioning armed forces, the existing combat order approved by the Ministry of Defense - to consider the organization of the Special Forces troops, then the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces include formations of different formats. Moreover, there is only one special-purpose unit in the airborne troops - this is the legendary 45th Guards Reconnaissance Regiment, here, as you can see, it could not have done without belonging to military intelligence. Paratroopers from the Kubinka very often conduct joint operations with the troops of the Special Forces of the GRU, the last major military operation special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces - South Ossetia 2008, then 45 ORP worked in the conflict zone together with detachments 22, 10 and 16 ObrSpN.

Separate special-purpose brigades are subordinate to the leadership of the GRU and the military district to which they are assigned; they have no organizational relationship to the airborne troops, which is why the connection between the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces does not become weaker. Back in the middle of the last century, when special forces in the country were just beginning to be created, some identification of the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces appeared. Firstly, conscripts with the mark “fit for service in the Airborne Forces” were called up to the formations of the Special Forces troops that were being created. Secondly, new units were formed primarily on the basis of airborne regiments and separate battalions, airborne officers also took an active part. Finally, dress uniform the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces are initially almost identical.

Why does the GRU special forces wear the uniform of the Airborne Forces?


For the Special Forces troops, the very existence of which at that time was a military secret, a special form was not developed, there were no insignia either. Veterans say that military personnel of other types of troops during the exercises even mistook mobile groups without identification marks for saboteurs, but the uniform of the Airborne Forces was chosen as the dress code of the GRU special forces - they were most often mistaken for paratroopers.

Further, the kinship intensified more and more - preparation and combat missions paratroopers and special forces are in many ways similar, in general, both are essentially saboteurs. Of course, the tasks of the troops of the Special Forces of the GRU directly behind enemy lines are completely different than those of the assault groups of the airborne troops. One way or another, the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces consist of units of constant combat readiness, but the training of fighters is always higher than the standard in the troops. Well, of course, one cannot fail to say about the mandatory VDP - the sky makes the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces more related than the above, the program of jumps in the ObrSpN and airborne formations is approximately the same, they often jump together.

Combat interaction between the GRU special forces and the Airborne Troops


The joint use of the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces in real combat conditions is a practice that has brought more than one victory to the command of the domestic armed forces. It all started with the introduction of formations of Special Forces troops into Afghanistan, when a few special forces units of the GRU and the Airborne Forces managed to carry out operations that seemed impossible. The story continued in Chechnya, the troops of the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces resolved issues in which motorized rifle formations were powerless. It's scary to imagine how many people our generals would have killed in Grozny in 1995 if special forces had not taken part in the assault.

So, if you do not take into account the subtleties of subordination, the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces are in many respects organizations related to each other, primarily in spirit.