Russian Spetsnaz: Ultimate Superhumans on Guard of Peace
Russian Spetsnaz: Ultimate Superhumans on Guard of Peace
Sputnik International
On October 24 Russia celebrated the 65th anniversary of the creation of its Special Purpose Forces, commonly known by their abbreviation... 25.10.2015, Sputnik International
On October 24 Russia celebrated the 65th anniversary of the creation of its Special Purpose Forces, commonly known by their abbreviation “Spetsnaz.” Sputnik provides insight into the history of these elite forces and explains how they became the best of the best.
After WWII, the Soviet government ordered in 1950 the establishment of a highly specialized unit that could rapidly deploy and take on demanding missions.
The personnel of the first special purpose companies were selected from army reconnaissance units. A total of 46 such companies comprising 120 people each were formed by May 1, 1951.
Their purpose was to organize and conduct reconnaissance, as well as uncover strategic objects in the enemy's rear and destroy atomic attack weaponry and other important facilities.
The new units were also tasked with carrying out acts of sabotage, creating rebel (partisan) units, as well as searching for and neutralizing saboteurs.
Spetsnaz units carried out missions both in wartime and peacetime, particularly during exacerbated international situations and during emergencies in Russia and beyond.
This picture has become a legend. It shows one of the soldiers saving a baby from terrorists who in 2004 captured a school in the Russian town of Beslan and held over 1,100 people hostage.
A Russian special police soldier carries an injured colleague as two soldiers and two women take cover behind an APC during the rescue operation at Beslan's school, northern Ossetia, September 3, 2004.
The main feature of the Russian Special Forces is their relatively small size, excellent training, weapons skills, ability to use military hardware, and their all terrain mastery.
They are able to fight at any time of the day in any weather conditions. Additionally they are daring and rely on surprise, initiative, speed, and coordination.
Unit members are trained to conduct bold, covert missions in enemy territory, handle various weapons, drive vehicles, engage in martial arts and handle explosives.
Spetznaz units are equipped with the most advanced weapons and military hardware, including unmanned aerial vehicles, remote-controlled reconnaissance strike systems, night-vision devices and many others.
To enter the ranks of the Spetsnaz, a soldier or officer must pass tests that push the limits of human ability. Completing 25 pull-ups are just one of the basic requirements. But the core trait of Spetsnaz is extreme stamina and the ability to cover great distances with a full load out of equipment.
When new servicemen join the Spetsnaz, their instructor has two phrases for them: “I feel proud of you” and “I feel pity for you” – as being in the special units is both honor and an ultimate challenge.
Finally, the physically and mentally emaciated applicant enters real hand-to-hand combat scenario with four experienced Spetsnaz members who substitute each other during a 12-minute-long battle.
If he manages to remain on feet, he wins. The desired maroon beret is his prize – the soldier kneels, kisses the cover and joins the ranks of the elite.
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