MTR of the Russian Armed Forces

Structure:

Special Operations Forces Command (SOF)

Directorate (Special Operations)

Directorate (Naval Special Operations)

Directorate (Counter-Terrorism)

Center special purpose RF Ministry of Defense "Senezh".

Directions department.

“Training center for military personnel of military unit 01355, Moscow region, Kubinka-2”
Special operations direction (airborne) - the main emphasis is on airborne training and other methods of penetrating behind enemy lines by air. Parachute jumps are practiced, both long jumps with oxygen masks, and with the parachute opening immediately after separation from the board. Jumps are carried out both day and night using night vision devices, in bad weather, in strong winds and fog. In addition to parachutes, fighters are also trained in the use of motor hang gliders and paragliders. Mastery of such methods allows special forces to fly tens of kilometers unnoticed by the enemy.

Special operations direction (mountain) - specializes in conducting reconnaissance and combat operations in mountainous areas, training is carried out on the basis of the 54th reconnaissance unit training center, military unit 90091 (Republic North Ossetia- Alania, Vladikavkaz) and in the mountain training and survival center “Terskol” of the Federal Institution of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation “CSKA” (Terskol village, Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria).

Special operations direction (assault) - specializes in penetration/capture/destruction of enemy objects (headquarters, buildings, structures, bunkers, etc.).

The direction of special operations (protection of high-ranking leaders) - the tasks are clear.

Special Operations Department (marine) on the territory of the 561st Navy Emergency Rescue Center, military unit 00317 (Russia, Crimea, Sevastopol, Cossack Bay). The Naval Department of Special Operations is a multi-purpose naval formation trained and equipped to carry out combat missions in the waters of the seas, oceans, rivers, and lakes. Basically, personnel operate from various watercraft (boats, jet skis) or operate underwater in diving equipment using special towing vehicles, conducting reconnaissance and performing other combat missions at sea, on the shore or in river waters.

Exit means direction - specializes in the delivery of special forces to the operation area by land, air and water, and their subsequent withdrawal/evacuation. It is armed with Mi-8AMTSh and Mi-35M helicopters, boats, ATVs, all-terrain vehicles and a variety of vehicles.

Several support units (communications, radio intelligence, electronic warfare, IT, special equipment).

Several support and security units that are staffed by conscripted military personnel - a company of reinforcement equipment, commandant company(security), material support company, technical platoon, communications company, young recruits company.

On the territory of the Senezh military camp there is a training, airborne and fire training complex, a dog training complex, an indoor swimming pool, sports town, a tactical camp for practicing actions in populated areas, a helipad, as well as a platform for driving special equipment, medical and office premises.

Specialist Training Center (formerly the 322nd training center), military unit 43292 (Moscow region, Solnechnogorsk district, urban settlement "Senezh").

The main task is the training of special forces specialists, as well as the training of military personnel of other special forces of the Russian Defense Ministry.

Department for modernization, maintenance and storage of weapons, military and special equipment and military-technical property (Department for modernization, maintenance and storage of military equipment and military technical equipment) - the tasks of this department are clear from its name.

Special Purpose Center of the RF Ministry of Defense (“Kubinka-2” or “Kuba”), military unit 01355 (Moscow region, Odintsovo district, Kubinka-2). Solve the same problems as TsSN "Senezh".

Selection, combat training and frames:

Selection for the MTR is carried out in different ways; representatives of the MTR can select themselves, study candidates who have the necessary knowledge and skills, and then make an offer to them. In addition, every month on the 15th at 9:00 a.m. is candidate day, when volunteer candidates can try to pass the entrance tests which are taken in part: physical fitness (3km-12.00-12.30, 100m-13.0-14.0, pull-ups at least 18 times), professional selection, medical examination.
Also, military units included in the MTR periodically place advertisements in military registration and enlistment offices and selection points for contract service of a list of military specialties that they need.

Training is carried out at the specialist training center and directly at permanent deployment points, where the necessary infrastructure has been created and is being created.

Officer training is carried out at the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School - RVVDKU (Faculty of Special and Military Intelligence and the Department of the Use of Special Forces Units) and the Novosibirsk Higher Military Command School - NVVKU (Faculty of Special Intelligence and the Department of Special Reconnaissance and Airborne Training).

This article was automatically added from the community

Home Encyclopedia Dictionaries More Strategic Missile Forces

Special Operations Forces (SSO)

Specially created, trained and equipped formations, units and units in the armed forces of a number of states, designed to conduct sabotage and reconnaissance operations, organize insurgent activities and armed attacks, including providing assistance to foreign states in ensuring their internal security.

The MTR primarily includes “special forces” formations, which in most states are called “commandos” or “rangers”; As part of military fleets, similar tasks are performed by units of combat swimmers. MTR are contained in constant readiness for immediate use and can solve problems in Peaceful time, V conflict situations and during the war, acting both as part of heterogeneous forces in the theater of operations and independently. The operations they carry out, as a rule, are secret in nature and are under the direct control of senior military leadership or commanders-in-chief of the armed forces in theaters of war. The SOF are equipped with a variety of small arms and bladed weapons (both those in service with the Armed Forces and specially developed models), light artillery pieces, grenade launchers, MANPADS, sets of explosive devices, optical-electronic equipment, small-sized radio and satellite communications equipment, light vehicles, parachute -landing and light diving equipment, technical means of propaganda, etc. Personnel training is carried out in special training centers and schools. The program includes parachute training, training in the use of all types of weapons, including weapons of foreign armies, driving vehicles, sabotage methods of combat, mine-explosive, light diving and radio operations, studying methods of collecting intelligence information, conducting intelligence work, knowledge of foreign languages, customs of countries operational purpose, methods of penetration behind enemy lines, survival in extreme conditions, etc.

The fulfillment of the tasks assigned to them in the positional areas of the missile divisions will be carried out in the form of a special operation, during which intelligence information about the most important military installations will be obtained, the destruction or disabling of these objects, as well as the organization of sabotage and sabotage and terrorist acts.

The most numerous SOF were created in the USA (over 45 thousand people). Organizationally, they are consolidated into a joint special operations command, to which the command of joint special operations and the command of special operations of the armed forces (ground forces, air force, navy) are subordinated. The Joint Special Operations Command does not have a permanent MTR staff. In fact, it is represented by the headquarters, which is engaged in the development of optimal options for the integrated use of special forces of types of armed forces. SOF NE include formations of regular troops, army reserve and national guard. Regular formations include 5 Special Forces Groups, 1st Special Operations Detachment Delta, 75th Infantry Regiment Rangers, Regiment army aviation, a psychological operations group, a communications battalion with the civil administration, communications battalions, logistics support and 5 commands for supporting special operations in theaters. The Army Reserve includes 2 special forces groups, 3 group headquarters, 9 battalion headquarters and 27 psychological operations companies. The National Guard has 2 special forces groups and an army aviation battalion.

Military service has always enjoyed great honor and respect in almost every existing state. After all, the troops are the force that can protect the country from external aggression. It should be noted that the history of the development of military art stretches back to ancient times. Many modern principles of army building were laid down in Ancient Greece and Rome. With the passage of time and gradual technical evolution, new devices and technologies were included in the activities of the military. This has led to the fact that in the 21st century, the art of killing in most cases is carried out remotely, through computers, missiles, drones, etc. However, there are tasks that are simply impossible to cope with remotely or with the help of machines. That is, it is necessary to involve people with a special level of training. This type of military exists in every state. As a rule, they are combined into units. In the Russian Federation, there is a similar formation within the Armed Forces. It performs special functions and also has its own structure, staff and features, which will be discussed later in the article.

The concept of special units

The special operations forces of the Russian Federation are special units in the structure of the Armed Forces, as was already indicated earlier. But few people understand what the category of “special units” is in general. As a rule, formations of this kind are created as part of the army, since it is precisely in combat conditions that situations very often arise that require a special approach. But there are also special units in internal services, for example the police, etc. Taking this into account, we can conclude that special units are formations in the system of bodies involved in the comprehensive defense of the state, which are responsible for carrying out the most dangerous and complex tasks. essence of missions.

Russian "analogue"

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

Main tasks of the unit

Russian special operations forces are highly mobile units. Their employees have special military training, which increases their experience in performing important and dangerous tasks. In accordance with this, we can say that the main directions of the work of the MTR are quite specific. They, as a rule, are implemented in times of peace and war, both abroad and on the territory of the Russian Federation. It should be noted that the Russian special operations forces are a young unit. Many aspects and immediate goals of his work are still not fully known. However, we can say with confidence that special operations forces are engaged in the implementation of the task of the same name, which, in turn, has its own characteristics.

The concept of a special operation

The presented term characterizes the military process. It is different from normal operations the specifics of its implementation, goals, and methods of activity of its subjects. First of all, it should be noted that a special operation is carried out by military units to protect the interests of the state in a particular territory. Moreover, such actions are considered special because it is simply impossible to implement them using conventional methods and means. That is, the subject composition of special operations is almost always highly qualified fighters of well-trained and highly mobile units. The methodological basis of their activities in most cases is the secrecy and secrecy of any actions. For this purpose, military personnel special units undergo special psychological, combat, fire and other types of training. They are trained to operate both as part of a mobile group and individually behind enemy lines. The most common purposes of special operations are the following:

Sabotage;

Sabotage;

Activities of a subversive nature, etc.

History of the creation of the MTR

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

Division structure

The special operations forces of the Russian Federation have their own internal structure, determined by the need to quickly respond to situations, the solution of which is within the scope of the unit’s activities. At the same time, the composition of the MTR, in turn, has an internal hierarchy, which makes it possible to distribute functional responsibilities between individual structural elements. Thus, the special operations forces of the Russian Federation consist of the following elements:

• Direct command located in the Moscow region.
• Special center "Snezh", which is also located in the Moscow region. It should be noted that this center today is one of the main parts of the unit presented in the article. Its task is not only to train fighters, but also to conduct special operations. Therefore, Snezh has a structure consisting of departments in different areas of activity, which will be discussed below.
• Special training center for specialists. Direct training of personnel takes place in this department. Here, in fact, they are born Russian forces special operations. In addition, soldiers from other special units of the Russian Federation undergo training and retraining at the center.
• A combat center similar to “Snezh” is “Cuba” or “Zzaborye”, as it is commonly called.

Of course, it is possible that there are other special centers, but information about them may be strictly classified. This level of mystery around the MTR is not accidental. After all, the fighters of this unit carry out operations that are far from straightforward. It should be noted that the SEAL unit, the SEALs, popular throughout the world, also did not officially exist in the first stages of its development. Only over time was the fact of its creation and real activities revealed.

Structure of the special center “Snezh”

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

There is also a special mountain division. Its fighters specialize in operating and surviving in appropriate conditions. As we know, carrying out special operations in the mountains has increased level risk, which necessitates special training of fighters. The same requirements are put forward to employees who work in the department for the destruction and capture of enemy infrastructure, that is, buildings, headquarters, bunkers, etc.

The Special Actions Department is multi-purpose in nature. Navy. Most often it is called sea. This formation is a competitor to the Navy SEALs of the United States of America. Because its activity is based on performing tasks in the waters of lakes, rivers and seas. As a rule, fighters carry out their work from watercraft. In addition, the functional tasks of the department include reconnaissance operations, sabotage operations on enemy water bodies and those located directly on the shore.

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

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

Russian special operations forces: how to get there?

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

Conflicts involving the unit

To date, special operations forces have officially been deployed on the territory of the state of Syria. In this country, the unit was engaged in ground reconnaissance of the area to support airstrikes. At the same time, the activities of the unit are confirmed by a fact that was also covered in the media. According to the official version, near Palmyra in March 2016, MTR soldiers liberated the city. Due to superior enemy forces, one of the employees special forces was killed. In addition to military operations in Syria, there is a lot of unofficial information about the activities of the Special Forces in other military conflicts, for example in the North Caucasus during the fight against Islamists. The most controversial is the fact of the participation of fighters of the mentioned unit in the Crimean crisis.

Special unit emblem

The Russian special operations forces, whose emblem is presented in the article, have special symbols. It is, first of all, represented by a common sign that exists among all military formations in Russia. The emblem of the MTR of the Russian Federation is a gray wreath, at the top of which is a reduced emblem of the Russian Armed Forces, namely: double headed eagle golden color. In the center of the Special Operations Forces badge is a bow, the string of which is pulled by an arrow with wings. This symbol is also gold in color.

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

It is intuitively clear that special forces, based on the nature of their tasks, should accordingly be equipped with “special” weapons. However, to be more precise, this implies a careful selection of the best “tools”, taking into account special tasks or, of course, even one specific task.

Indeed, the weapons used by special operations forces (SOF) soldiers are "special" not so much in terms of their specific design and characteristics, but rather because the special forces themselves have the privilege of choosing them, despite standardization issues or any other industrial or logistical considerations, based solely on your own assessments and preferences.

Indeed, a very large part of the "mystique of the SOF" is the use of weapons other than those assigned to a conventional infantry unit, and it is not uncommon to see an SOF soldier within the same unit carrying a different weapon.

The picture shows the Elcan SpecterDR sight, it is used by German special forces and is an innovative product that combines a reflex sight for close combat and optical sight with 4x magnification for longer range combat. Also note the custom attachment of accessories to the G36 assault rifle - a hallmark of special forces around the world

Another aspect of “exclusivity”, which consists in a careful search for absolutely optimal solutions in the field of equipping the MTR, is that personal and crew-served weapons, as a rule, are almost never used in the MTR in the configuration originally manufactured by the manufacturer; weapons should receive a whole series of design changes, improvements and additional devices.

Personal weapon

Automatic pistols (and in some cases also revolvers) present a very strange paradox in the equipment of the MTR. While they are quickly falling out of favor as standard combat weapons, even including secondary missions such as self-defense or weapons for non-combatant personnel, they are still an integral part of the SOF arsenal and have indeed effectively replaced the combat knife as the symbol of close combat. The use of MTR pistols is usually associated with the “liquidation” of specific people, but in reality it is much more important to provide a deliberate close-in defense.

Prudence certainly requires the elimination or reduction of gunshot noise. An important distinction in this regard is between weapons that are silent (that is, those built as such or capable of using silent ammunition) and those that are called "silenced", usually by installing a silencer.

Typical examples of quiet pistols are the Chinese Type 64 and Type 67, both chambered for the 7.65 x 17 rimless cartridge and based on the expansion chamber concept. The Russians, for their part, have developed a whole family of silent/flashless cartridges that are used in a single-action (non-self-cocking) firing mechanism.

The first appropriate weapons for special forces were two small models large caliber, SME (cartridge SP2 7.62×35) and S4M (cartridge SP3 7.62×62.8), whose obvious limitations led in 1983 to the introduction of a semi-automatic (special self-loading pistol) with a magazine for 6 rounds. The PSS still has no analogues in the West; several units are currently armed with it Russian special forces(for example, capture groups of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Alpha group of the FSB).

The PSS pistol fires SP4 7.62×42 cartridges with a 13-gram steel bullet, created specifically to obtain good armor-piercing power, at least against the simplest types of body armor. The Tula KBP recently introduced the OT 38 chambered for the SP4 cartridge, which apparently was aimed at fulfilling the strong desire of special forces not to leave behind spent cartridges.

The Makarov PB represents a compromise between silent and suppressed weapons. It is based on the design of the standard Makarov automatic pistol and fires conventional 9x18 cartridges with a traditional removable suppressor, but also has a large expansion chamber around the perforated barrel. More recently, Russian special forces units appear to have adopted a silent variant of the new PYa automatic pistol (known as the MP-443 Grach), selected in 2003 as the new standard pistol for the Russian military.

Western industry and SOF soldiers have never been particularly interested in silent weapons, but, nevertheless, several models of pistols were designed and manufactured specifically for the requirements of special forces (including the well-known Heckler & Koch Mk23Mod0 for the US Special Operations Command); all are equipped with standard mufflers. The emphasis is rather on characteristics such as maximum stopping energy, rugged construction and superior reliability, while a large magazine is usually a major requirement for military hand weapons, is less important here.

In 2005, US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) began the JCP (Joint Combat Pistol) program, a rather perplexing and ill-advised attempt to combine the US Army's Future Handgun System and USSOCOM's own projects called Combat SOFCP pistol (Special Operations Forces Combat Pistol) in a single purchase volume of 645,000 pistols.

Less than a year later, the program lost its "J" (Combat Pistol - CP) and was decisively scaled back to USSOCOM's own needs (approximately 50,000 pistols) before being shelved indefinitely until late 2006. Be that as it may, several potential competitors have prepared models that meet the mandatory key characteristics of the JCP/CP (.45 ACP cartridge and the use of two magazines of different capacities); these include, for example, the H&K HK45 and HK45C, Beretta PX4 SD, S&W MP45, FN Herstal FNP45 and Sig Sauer P220 Combat TV.

IWI GALIL ACE is the latest example of a 5.56 mm assault rifle, created specifically for the needs of MTR soldiers. The weapon in the picture is without a scope

Aimpoint's CompM4 series of red dot sights match the US Army's latest M68 Close-Combat Optic (CCO)

A special category includes automatic pistols with a chamber for powerful types of ammunition, originally developed for the PDW (Personal Defense Weapons) class, which, paradoxically enough, were intended to replace pistols. After the cancellation of the H&K P46 (4.6x30) project, the only Western weapon in this category is the FN Herstal FiveseveN (5.7x28). FiveseveN's large, capacious magazine (20 rounds), significant range (100 m), excellent penetrating power and the availability of a full family of special cartridges open up completely new perspectives regarding the combat use of hand-held weapons.

The Chinese were also moving in the same direction, and in 2006 the QSW-06 model was introduced to replace the Type 67. It fires Chinese 5.8x21 cartridges (two types: standard DAP92 with Vo = 895 m/s and supersonic DCV05), they are fed from a 20-round magazine, this pistol is equipped with a standard silencer.

Submachine guns (SMG)

Despite the general trends regarding the standard military small arms, SMG (sub-machine guns) submachine guns are still widespread in MTR units, despite the recent definite preference given to compact/short-barreled models of assault rifles and carbines in many combat scenarios.

The most common in Western MTRs, without a doubt, is the ubiquitous series, available in many variants. For highly specialized applications, extreme compactness is valued above all, which is why there is some interest in models such as the MP-5K, Micro UZI and B&T MP9 (originally Steyr TMP).

The vast majority of Western SMGs are chambered in the standard 9x19 cartridge, and numerous industry attempts to introduce new or MTR-optimized cartridges, such as the 10mm Auto or .40 S&W, or to "resurrect" the respected .45 ACP have achieved little commercial success. Even the H&K UMP, firing the new +P variant of the .45 ACP cartridge, remains unnoticed in the global MTR community.

Beginning in the late 1980s, the Russian handgun industry also re-opened the SMG market and offered an absolutely stunning variety of new designs and models that often show a degree of innovative ingenuity, all of which were noted to be "accepted", "approved" or , at least “tested” by special forces.

A partial list could include with helical magazine (suitable for 9x18 PM/PMM, 7.62x25 Tokarev and 9x19), (9x19 and 9x19 7N21 Russian), (9x18), PP-91 Kedr /Wedge (9×18 PMM), PP-93 (9×19 PMM), PP-90M1 with helical magazine (9×19, 9×19 7N21/7N31), (9×19), AEK-919K Kashtan (9 ×18), OTs-02 Cypress (9×18) and SR-3 Veresk (rather a unique design, acting by gas removal, fires powerful 9×21 cartridges). The helical magazine is a clever idea to combine high capacity (64 rounds on the Bison) with compactness and of course it was promptly copied by the Chinese (Chang Feng 05).

And again, when it comes to suppressed SMGs, this is definitely the best known representative of the first category weapon, the H&K MP-5SD, which in fact could be considered as an “icon” weapon for the MTR. Thanks to the presence of concentric expansion/decompression chambers with internal deflection flaps, the MOP-5SD can fire a standard 9x19 cartridge, which, however, is made slower (subsonic speed) in order to eliminate the most important part - the sound signature (a sign of visibility).

The weapon was also produced in several countries under more or less authorized licenses, and inspired designs such as the Daewoo K7 (South Korea), FAMAE SAF-SD (Chile) and Pindad PM-2 (Indonesia). The IWI Micro TAVOR MTAR 21 (9x19 variant of the compact 5.56mm carbine) is an interesting attempt at an original modular solution, both modules have a built-in suppressor.

The main disadvantage of SMGs with a built-in suppressor for MTR use is that the already modest stopping power of their pistol cartridge is further reduced due to the need to reduce the bullet's speed to subsonic. The Russians have been at the forefront of work on this issue, and in the past, special forces have almost completely replaced their SMGs with the AK-47/AKM assault rifle, which has a removable suppressor and fires a special subsonic variant of the 7.62x39 cartridge with a 193 gram bullet.

Starting from the late 80s, a more radical approach would be adopted to specifically develop special types of cartridges and weapons for firing them. Subsonic 9×39 SP5 and SP6 cartridges showed good characteristics regarding practical range (up to 300 m) and penetration ability. These cartridges are based on the M43 7.62x39 case with a neck extended to 9mm and feature a heavy, streamlined bullet; The SP5 has a 260 gram bullet for accuracy, while the SP6 has a 247 gram armor-piercing bullet with a hardened steel core.

The first automatic weapons created for these new cartridges were the VSS Vintorez carbines from Central Research Institute Tochmash and AS Val, followed by 9A-91 and VKS-94 from KBP, SR-3 Whirlwind from Central Research Institute Tochmash, modular bullpup schemes SOO OTs-14 Groza from TsKIB and latest model(in 2007) AK-9 developed by Izhmash Kalashnikov. The basic (i.e. 9x39) version of the Groza is reported to be in service with the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Special Forces, while the special forces apparently chose the version chambered for the original US 7.62x39 cartridge.

The Western analogue is the .300 “Whisper” cartridge from SSK Industries, it is based on the .221 Fireball cartridge case expanded to accommodate a 7.62 mm bullet; There are either subsonic (220 g, 1040 ft/s) or supersonic (125 g, 2100 ft/s) options. Several companies (such as the French Stopson TFM) modified AR15 assault rifles to chamber new cartridges, but very few of these rifles were sold.

As for the PDW class (Personal Defense Weapons - personal defense weapons), then a short time It seemed that this weapon had completely lost its originally intended market (this, however, had nothing to do with its quality and characteristics), it could find a new important market niche, effectively replacing the SMG in the arsenals of SOF units. However, this does not happen.

Despite the clear advantages of PDW in terms of overall ballistic performance and especially penetration power, whose importance will be further enhanced by the current widespread use of enhanced body armor, including by non-combatant personnel, PDW is purchased in relatively small quantities with the aim of replacing SMGs for certain specific applications, but not for their final replacement.

An important exception is the Chinese army, which is apparently going to introduce the QWC-05 bullpup rifle with a chamber for the already mentioned 5.8x21 cartridge, it has a 50-round magazine, and will replace the suppressed Type 79 and Type 85 SMGs in service MTR. India also seems to be moving in the same direction with the MSMC (Modern Sub-Machine Carbine) weapon produced by DRDO and the unique 5.56x30 cartridge.

Optical-electronic sights for small arms

The broad category of electro-optical sights (or perhaps more accurately sighting systems) consists of two main groups: laser/infrared and red dot devices. Regardless of the technology, their primary function is to assist the shooter in acquiring and destroying a target or range of targets without the use of standard sights, including in very low light conditions (especially laser/IR systems).

Laser/infrared pointers

Laser pointers produce a beam that is visible as a small red dot on the target, corresponding to the point of impact of the bullet. This mode of operation makes them suitable for use in special combat conditions, when the emphasis is on instinctive fire “from the hip,” for example, in close combat inside buildings.

There are two main classes of laser pointers currently available:
- daytime systems operating at frequencies of approximately 620 nm to create a red dot that is visible to the naked eye under normal daytime conditions;
- night systems that operate in the near-infrared spectrum and thus create a red dot that can only be seen with night vision goggles.

Beyond this basic difference, a number of intriguing variations and improvements are possible. LAM (Laser Aiming Module) from Insight Technologies Inc., adopted by the US Special Operations Command for the OHWS/H&K Mod pistol. 23.45 ACP. It has a dual laser pointer operating in the visible and infrared spectrum, plus a conventional illuminator + IR source.

Another interesting model is the increasingly popular AN/PEQ-2, which in addition to the IR pointer also works as an IR “spotlight”, which allows (through night vision goggles) identification of a target at long range, as well as providing adequate combat visibility in absolute darkness (for example, at night inside a building or in a tunnel).

Collimator sights

So-called collimator (red dot) systems work on a completely different principle, where the red dot is visualized inside the sight and superimposed on the image of the target, rather than physically projected onto the target itself as in a laser system. Accordingly, red dot sights do not have a signature and nothing can be detected on the target.

Leading suppliers of red dot sights to the military and police include the Swedish company Aimpoint, which originally invented the system, as well as the American companies Tasco and Weaver. The Aimpoint Comp M model was purchased in large quantities, starting with 100,000 sights ordered in 1997 by the US Department of Defense under the designation M-68, plus 10,000 units ordered by France in 2000, 60,000 sights delivered to Sweden in 2003–2005, later Italy ordered 24,000 units.

The M2 features enhancements such as 4 day settings and 6 low light settings, as well as new CET (Circuit Efficiency Technology) diodes to reduce power consumption. It quickly became a popular red dot sight for weapons such as the H&K MP5 series SMG, the H&K G36 and Colt M16A2 assault rifles, the Colt M4 carbine and the FN MINIMI/M249 machine gun.

The R3.5 tactical model includes additional features such as illuminated reticle and the highest magnification of 3.5x (previous models were non-magnified). The 8mm exit pupil combined with a wide field of view allows you to quickly acquire stationary and moving targets.

The CompM4 series of sights (in the US military the M68 CCO (Close-Combat Optic) is a close-combat optic) is said to be the most advanced series of sights it produces. Improvements include high energy efficiency, as shown by continuous operation for 8 years on a single AA battery! CompM4 sights have an integral mount, eliminating the need for a separate ring, and can be mounted to a variety of weapon systems using vertical and front spacers.

A specific and potentially dangerous characteristic of collimator systems is that, under certain lighting conditions, their front lens can produce reddish reflections. For this reason, some Comp M users equip their scopes with a honeycomb anti-reflective device.

Mirror systems, which could be considered as a variant of red dot technology, were first introduced several years ago by Bushnell. These devices replace conventional light dots with a holographic reticle that becomes visible when illuminated by built-in light sources and can be selected from several different configurations (traditional or open reticle, dual ring, 3-D rising marker, etc.) .

The main advantages of reflex sights over traditional models are the ability to increase brightness by up to 20 depending on operating conditions and the elimination of possible parallax errors caused by the need for the shooter to simultaneously focus his eye on a red dot and a target that are on two different focal planes.

Mirror systems, such as the Trijicon series, have very high accuracy and extremely high speed target acquisition, while miniaturization components make it possible to create extremely compact and lightweight devices for hand-held weapons. For example, this is the Docter Sight (46×25.5×24 mm, 25 g) which also has automatic brightness adjustment depending on the lighting conditions in the direction of the target.

A further step forward in the design of sights and their parameters was the SpecterDR model from Elcan (Raytheon), recently adopted by the MTR command. It is claimed to be the world's most advanced combat optical rifle sight. The SpecterDR is essentially two scopes in one, combining a wide field of view (24°) optical sight with 1x magnification and a long range optical sight (4x magnification, 6.5° field of view).

Switching between the two sighting modes is instantaneous and, unlike sights with magnification mechanisms, the reduction in eye strain and optical design are optimal. The battery-powered LED illumination has two ranges: one that illuminates the entire crosshair for long-range, low-light applications, and another that illuminates just the red dot in the center for close-quarters use. The zero function is included in the integral mount, the scope is mounted on Mil-Std-1913 Picatinny rails.

The Trijiton RX01-NSN mirror sight is designed for the US military and is designed for close combat. The reticle on all reflex sights is illuminated with both fiber optics and tritium, providing shooters with a bright, clearly defined aiming point in any lighting conditions. The RX01-NSN is part of the SOPMOD M4 weapon systems used by US Army Special Forces

Aimpoint CompM2 in the US Army received the designation M68 CCO

Assault rifles

In most cases, SOF units are simply equipped with short-barreled/folding or compact carbine variants of standard assault rifles with telescopic stocks, these are perceived as more suitable for special operations, despite their inherent losses in actual range, accuracy and penetrating power.

More recent examples of variants specifically designed for unconventional combat would be the Colt CAR-15 (later M4 COMMANDO/XM177) and the Russian AKSU-74. The latest development is the Israeli IWI GALIL ACE, based on the proven mechanisms of the GALIL rifle, but with a chamber for a 5.56 mm cartridge, it is equipped with a telescopic butt. The ACE is available with three barrels of varying lengths.

Principle collimator sight. The lens is used to create a virtual image (top) of a red object. By collimating the image using a reflective lens (middle) or a refractive lens (bottom), the image can be projected to infinity

At the beginning of 2004, the American command of special operations forces issued a requirement for SCAR (Special Forces Combat Assault Rifles) for a family of combat assault rifles for the MTR. The basis of the requirement is two different calibers, high interchangeability of parts and identical ergonomics. After the first tests in the preliminary selection, the SCAR system developed by FN Herstal remained the first and only choice of the command. The SCAR system consists of two highly adaptable modular rifle platforms, i.e. 5.56x45mm NATO SCAR-Light (or SCAR-L) and 7.62x51mm NATO SCAR-Heavy (or SCAR-H), and an improved grenade launcher (EGLM or FN40GL ). Both SCAR platforms are available with two different barrel lengths: a CQC barrel for close combat and a standard barrel for longer ranges.

The search for American SOF military personnel to increase combat flexibility led, firstly, to the development of the so-called SOPMOD kit (Special Operations Peculiar Modification - a special modification for special operations), it consists mainly of commercial off-the-shelf accessories for the M4 carbine. Although originally developed by the MTR command for themselves and issued to special forces personnel, the SOPMOD kit quickly became very popular among infantry units, partly due to its inherent advantages, but also partly due to a certain “MTR mystique.”

However, in 2003, the USSOCOM command - also taking advantage of the growing interest in the SOF due to the brilliant results of their use in the open phases of Operation Enduring Freedom - decided to move beyond the SOPMOD and launched a bold program for a new assault rifle, specially created for its individual requirements - the SCAR ( SOF Combat Assault Rifle is a combat assault rifle for MTR).

Initially, SCAR was conceived as a multi-caliber modular system capable of using (of course, by replacing the barrel and other main parts) not only Western cartridges, but also Russian cartridges, "liberated" after the operations, but since then practical considerations have led to a narrowing of the choice: cartridges of either 5.56 mm or 7.62 mm NATO standard. FN Herstal, through its American subsidiary FNH, developed the new family of weapons in an incredibly short period of 10 months, and after a series of comparative tests won the corresponding contract.

The SCAR's exceptional flexibility will allow USSOCOM personnel to configure their weapon as a very compact 5.56mm carbine for urban combat on one side and as a 7.62mm carbine for long-range precision fire reconnaissance on the other. The “H” (Heavy) option will also be available to increase penetration power. In practice, USSOCOM has thus cut the Gordian knot of the perceived lack of lethality of the 5.56mm round by simply switching to the older 7.62mm cartridge when necessary.

SCAR is the only Western assault rifle created specifically for use by the MTR and adopted for service. In USSOCOM, it is intended to replace five weapons: the Mk18 CQBR, M4A1, Mk12 SPR, Mk11 SASS and Mk14 EBR.

You can also consider special category as an intermediary between SMGs and assault rifles, although in technical terms it would be more accurate to say that it is a variant of the latter. It is represented by weapons that are available in 5.56 mm and 9 mm variants, or what is more interesting, the user can easily switch from one caliber to another. The main logic of this two-caliber weapon is to simplify logistics, and it will also allow training on one weapon, while simultaneously providing a flexible solution for SOF personnel.

A typical newer example of this class is the IWI X95, based on . It is interesting to note that IWI initially developed and marketed only a 9mm weapon known as the Mini-TAVOR. This was a requirement of the Israeli MTR, which led to the Mini-TAVOR being abandoned and replaced by a two-caliber model.

MTR units were the initiators and first users of the currently popular large-caliber long-range rifles for destroying manpower and materiel. The photo shows a McMillan TAC-50 in service with the American SOF

The IWI X95 is a typical rifle from a special category of two-caliber weapons. Allows quick transition from 5.56x45 to 9x19 cartridge to suit operational needs

The suppressed Mk11 sniper rifle was originally developed for the SOF based on a commercial product; since then it has also been adopted by the American army

Unlike other military units, SOF soldiers maintain a great interest in pistols and actually use them. The picture shows the Heckler&Koch HK45 pistol in action

Sniper rifles

SOF units often use the same bolt-action sniper rifles that the Army has adopted, even though they could have gotten better (and more expensive) optics if needed. Another issue, however, is suppressed sniper rifles, which are usually of little interest to the army (but this is changing, as evidenced by the new M110 SASS for the US army), but are extremely important for SOF activities.

The Finnish Vaime SSR Mk1 (7.62mm NATO) is a very popular design, while other models have appeared, such as the Accuracy International AWC Covert with a folding stock (a rare solution for sniper rifles) and a removable barrel/integrated suppressor for ease of transport, which is rumored to be in service with the 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force group) as part of USSOCOM, the British 22 SAS rifle, and a similar French PGM Ultima Ratio/Suppressed. You need to understand that real jamming requires subsonic cartridges (either due to the design or operation of the suppressor), which sharply reduces the maximum engagement range to 200–400 meters.

However, based on the nature of their tasks, SOF snipers are much more likely to use semi-automatic rifles; this has led in many cases to the adoption of advanced modification kits for existing rifles or models specifically created for the MTR.

A typical example is the Mk12Mod0/1 SPR (Special Purpose Rifle) with the NATO 5.56 mm cartridge, created by the Crane Division of the US Navy Surface Weapons Systems Research Center. It is based on the AR15/M16 body, but is complemented by off-the-shelf parts, most notably an 18-inch heavy-duty stainless steel float-mount rifled barrel designed by Douglas Barrel and an M4 Rail Adapter (RAS) from Knights Armament Company. SPR, used by the Navy SEALS special operations forces, optimized for the Mk262 cartridge with a 77 g bullet (Mod 0 = HPBT, Hollow Point Boat Tail), Mod 1 = OPM, Open Tip Match (increased accuracy)).

Prior to the development of the SPR, USSOCOM introduced sniper rifle Mk11Mod0 with 7.62 mm NATO cartridge. It is a modified version of the KAC SR-25 design and has also recently been adopted by the US Army along with the M110 SASS rifle (with minimal additional modifications).

Let's move on to Russia. The SVD-S is a folding stock variant of the widely used Dragunov with the 7.62x54R cartridge. Originally developed for paratroopers, it was also adopted by special forces. A more MTR-specific design is the SVU-OT 03, introduced in 1991. This is a bullpup weapon (the trigger mechanism and bolt carrier are located behind the fire control handle (inside the butt)) based on the SVD, but with a shorter barrel, while the SVU-A version has a completely auto mode. Reportedly, the special forces are intrigued by the compactness of the weapon (total length 900 mm, weight 4 kg without accessories).

In general, SOF units were the inventors and early users large-caliber weapons for the destruction of people and material at long distances, which has since become extremely popular in armies around the world. Also, the requirement formulated by Marine Special Forces in 1983 for a cartridge intermediate between the 7.62mm NATO and 12.7x99 (.50 BMG) that would allow more accurate shooting at ranges out to about 1200–1550m led to the subsequent introduction and widespread adoption of the excellent cartridge .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6×70).

The Barrett M82A1/A3 is definitely a 12.7mm materiel-killing rifle that is very common around the world, while European models might include the Accuracy International AW-50 (AS-50 is a semi-automatic variant) and the PGM HECATE II. The Russian design, specially developed for the FSB, is very interesting. This is a semi-automatic bullpup rifle. It is equipped with a silencer built into the barrel, and a unique subsonic cartridge STS-130T 12.7 mm (case length unknown) with a monolithic bronze bullet weighing 900–1200 grams was created for it.

Machine guns

While there are no light (LMG, that is, 5.56 mm NATO) or universal (GPMG, 7.62 mm NATO) machine guns specifically for the MTR, MTR fighters again have an irresistible desire to modify and adapt any weapon that they could take into their hands.

For example, in 2000, USSOCOM, after a long process of testing and testing, accepted the Mk46Mod0 LMG as a deeply modernized variant of the US Army's M249 LAW (FN Herstal MINIMI). Modifications included, for example, belt feed only (alternative feed from the magazine was removed), the carrying handle was removed, the barrel was shortened by 40 mm, a titanium bipod was added, a new stock and a Picatinny rail on top of the cover. The overall length is reduced to 915 mm and weight to 5.9 kg.

Almost the same applies to GPMG. USSOCOM initially adopted a compact variant of the M60 (M60A3/A4) with a shorter barrel, lightweight bipod and foregrip. After some reliability problems due to the very heavy use of this weapon in the hands of special forces, a program for a new LWMG (Light Weight Machine Gun) was started. Despite the designation, it retains the 7.62mm NATO caliber. The competition was again won by FN Herstal with another MINIMI variant, classified by USSOCOM as Mk48Mod0. It retained the general configuration of the Mk46, but was longer - 1010 mm with a 502 mm barrel and 8.28 kg heavier without ammunition.

Other Western LMG designs developed for possible use The MTRs are NEGEV COMMANDO, H&K MG4E and Denel Mini SS and SS77 Compact.

Interestingly enough, Russian gunsmiths followed exactly the opposite path of development. Unlike the West, there was initially no requirement for lighter and more compact LMG/MG, simply because weapons such as the RPD, RPK-74 and PKMS were completely satisfactory in this sense.

Combat experience in Afghanistan and later in the Caucasus, however, led to the fact that the special forces formulated a requirement for a special automatic weapon of the SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon). To meet this requirement, TsNI Tochmash developed the Pecheneg as a variant of the PKM with a heavier barrel chambered for the formidable 7.62x54R cartridge. Although the weight is somewhat reduced by removing the standard PKM quick-release barrel (the steel casing around the barrel helps dissipate heat, allowing up to 600 bullets to be fired continuously without breaking), the 8.7 kg Pecheneg does not have any weight savings due to other modifications.

Special forces seem to be much more interested in long-range accuracy and end-of-trajectory performance (a very important characteristic in mountainous terrain!), which requires a combination of a powerful cartridge and a heavy, permanent barrel. As a squad weapon, the SAW should not be confused with an LMG or MG.

The picture shows a suppressed MP-5SD with a 9x19 SMG cartridge in the hands of a Finnish combat swimmer

The 5.56 mm M4 carbine with the SOPMOD modification kit is currently the main individual weapon of the American SOF

Chinese naval special forces soldier armed with a Type 95 5.8x42 assault rifle with a 40mm AG91 automatic grenade launcher

There is a market for PDWs such as the FN Herstal P90, but it is not as large as initially expected

Special forces are currently assessing further development PKM designs, AEK-999 Badger. It has additional enhancements such as a foregrip, a sophisticated muzzle brake/flash hider, a slightly shorter barrel (605mm) and a special suppressor.

A particularly interesting model special weapons for the MTR is the new 40-mm automatic grenade launcher Mk47 STRYKER. It was specifically designed for USSOCOM command and did not have any special requirements from the SOF. Rather, it was intended to be a direct replacement for the ubiquitous standard Mk19. However, the very high cost of the weapon, as well as its special ammunition with a proximity fuse, led the Pentagon to limit its production and distribution to USSOCOM units. The only possible logical justification for his joining the SOF is that more intensive training of special forces and the expected better fighting qualities would justify the excessive costs.

Special Operations Forces Day is celebrated on February 27th professional holidays and memorable days in the Russian Armed Forces in accordance with the decree of the President of the Russian Federation of February 26, 2015.

On this day, February 27, 2014, armed people in camouflage without identification marks over the building of the Supreme Council and the government of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, which at that time was part of Ukraine, and in subsequent days over the airport in Simferopol and other strategic objects on the peninsula.

In addition, they helped ensure order and security during the March 16, 2014 referendum on the annexation of Crimea to Russia. The emphasized correctness of their behavior led to the emergence of the expression “polite people.”

On April 17, 2014, answering questions from citizens during the “direct line”, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that we're talking about about Russian military personnel who “correctly, decisively and professionally” provided conditions for the free expression of the will of the Crimeans. Since then, the phrase “polite people” has become synonymous with those who serve in the Russian Special Operations Forces (SSO).

By special operations as a form of use of the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation understands the coordinated actions of specially trained and equipped forces using methods and methods of combat operations that are not typical for conventional troops. These are reconnaissance and sabotage, subversive, counter-terrorism, counter-sabotage, counter-intelligence, partisan and anti-partisan actions and others.

SOF are kept in constant readiness for immediate use and can solve problems in peacetime, in conflict situations and during war, operating both as part of heterogeneous forces in the theater of military operations and independently. The operations they carry out, as a rule, are secret in nature and are under the direct control of senior military leadership or commanders-in-chief of the armed forces in theaters of war.