In a certain sense, special forces soldiers can be compared to doctors. Both save lives. Often, in order to stop a war and save an entire region, or even a country, special forces soldiers must work quickly, accurately, performing “local surgery.” However, operating as part of special forces is not as simple as it seems at first glance.
Sea devils
Even from the point of view of planning the operation, the fighters of the PDSS (short for “Underwater Sabotage Forces and Facilities”) are faced with atypical ground forces tasks. For short description the tasks that “sea devils” can perform contain something more than just extreme difficult work. Combat swimmers are considered to be part of the navy only nominally. In fact, the battlefield for such specialists is air, water and land.

Landing on a captured object? Please. Secretly approach a given area and complete the task? Fine. Land from the sea and do work on the shore? No problem. The equipment and weapons of combat swimmers are as unusual as the people themselves. Just look at the special underwater pistol SPP-1, specially designed for PDSS fighters, or the equally unusual special underwater assault rifle APS. “Needle-shaped” ammunition for such weapons even differs in appearance from conventional rifle and pistol cartridges.

They are much longer, and fire such ammunition mainly underwater. The timid and frail are not accepted into the PDSS. Even from the point of view of regular military service, the health requirements for PDSS candidates are significantly higher than usual. To withstand landing from a submarine, when the exit in full equipment is carried out through a torpedo tube, is difficult not only physically, but also psychologically. Much more complicated special equipment and “clothes” of PDSS fighters. Technologies for manufacturing special heavy-duty fabric for a diving suit, its composition, place of production - all this information is top secret. The situation is exactly the same with the special set of underwater equipment “Amphora”. The closed-cycle breathing system is one of the most modern developments for special forces. Contrary to popular belief, the Amphora is not just a fancy, modern military scuba gear.
In addition to the breathing apparatus, the system also includes a special communications complex, and even a special body armor with suspension system. All specialized equipment, including protective equipment and weapons are needed " sea ​​devils"with one goal - to act as covertly and as quickly as possible. Experts explain that although the number and organizational structure PDSS included navy Russia is classified, one thing can be said for sure - the geography of work of combat swimmers is not limited to the borders of the Russian Federation.
Spetsnaz GRU
History of the special forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate General Staff The Russian Armed Forces is a topic for a separate film, if not a voluminous one scientific work. The period of combat work of the GRU special forces in Chechnya during the first and second campaigns in this case is especially worth studying. In order to effectively counter militants in mixed terrain, it took not only all the experience of combat work, but also enormous courage. Experts still talk with admiration about the enormous effectiveness of the GRU General Staff special forces during the fighting in the Caucasus.
They say about special forces soldiers - general specialists. During the fighting in Chechnya, special forces soldiers performed in, perhaps, all possible roles. They acted as part of sabotage and reconnaissance groups, directed aircraft at targets, destroyed hiding places and caches of militants, hunted leaders and field commanders, and much more. A high degree of autonomy and secrecy are two main qualities that helped the GRU special forces operate in difficult conditions. One of the main achievements of the special forces soldiers and the special operations command was the disruption of the militants’ logistics.
Caravans with weapons for Chechen militants from the territory of neighboring states were organized according to all the rules of military science. Special forces soldiers who retired long ago say that “on the other side” they knew well who was hunting the militants. “It was well clear that foreign sponsors were working on the issue of organizing the supply of weapons, equipment, money and everything that ensured the “work” of the militants. When the approximate routes were discovered and successful forays began, tactics were changed almost immediately. They began to launch one or several “false” caravans, empty, and at the same time they spread “misinformation” through satellite channels. What paths the real caravan followed, with valuable cargo, had to be found out,” one of the former intelligence officers explained in an interview with the Zvezda TV channel.
To track the “recipients” and destroy the caravan with weapons and money, not only modern means of electronic reconnaissance and interception were required, but also high intelligence. Experts note that the leadership of special forces of this level is trusted only to the most experienced officers who have proven themselves more than once.
Surgeons of war
The MTR of the Russian Ministry of Defense is in some way the quintessence of experience, technology, methods and the result of colossal work. Experts say that numerous speculations about SOF fighters and ways of entering the service are largely untrue. Retired military officers say that getting into such a unit is difficult. at will It's unlikely to work. In most cases, a candidate with combat experience, an impressive track record and special skills is “invited for an interview”, and only then is the question of enrollment in the detachment decided.

For a general understanding of the differences between the fighters of the Special Operations Forces of the Ministry of Defense and other special forces within the Russian Armed Forces, it is important to understand that the MTR is a kind of “dad” to all special forces combined. The specialists of the special forces unit formed in 2009 can do everything. They are trained in sabotage work, operate equally well under water and on land, parachute from a height of many kilometers, carrying in addition to light small arms even anti-tank missile systems.
MTR of the Russian Ministry of Defense - surgeons modern warfare, acting in all directions at once. For a long time the very fact of the existence of the MTR was hidden, but quite recently the presence of Special Operations Forces specialists was officially confirmed. The combat path of military personnel in Syria, unique even by army standards, is already being studied, because it was not least thanks to the actions of the Special Operations Forces in Syria that it was possible to achieve phenomenal accuracy when carrying out airstrikes.

A separate line in the combat work of MTR fighters in Syria is the use of special equipment for reconnaissance and detection of the enemy. Infrared sights, thermal imagers, small reconnaissance drones and robotic combat platforms. All the experience of the military-industrial complex and special training for ten years is combined together. The actions of MTR specialists in Syria best fit into the concept of “military surgical intervention": operating deep behind enemy lines with the help of sniper weapons, you can achieve significant great success than weeks of continuous bombing.
Despite the fact that the MTR is a young unit by army standards, certain qualitative changes are already on the way. One of the creators of the MTR of the Ministry of Defense, and now a member of the board of the Military-Industrial Commission of Russia Oleg Martyanov told on Special Operations Forces Day that the Ministry of Defense, together with the Fund, is implementing a project to combine all equipment components into a single system. According to Martyanov, we're talking about about the “Defender of the Future” project, in which sighting, observation and other devices, as well as communications and protection equipment, will be combined into a single whole. In general, in the history of domestic special forces this happened extremely rarely. Of course, specialists performing unique tasks in a combat zone have always received the most modern equipment and weapons, but such a rapid qualitative leap forward in terms of support, equipment, and, as a result, efficiency has been observed for the first time. However, this phenomenon cannot be called a surprise. Behind all this is competent planning, financing and control, thanks to which Russia will celebrate Special Operations Forces Day every year on February 27.

Photo: After President Vladimir Putin presented Major General Alexander Matovnikov with the Golden Star of the Hero of Russia. St. George's Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. December 28, 2017. Photo: website kremlin.ru

ALPHA VETERAN - HERO OF RUSSIA

Around everyone statesman, leading their country out of its doldrums during times of military trials, a cohort of commanders and generals is being formed whose names will forever remain in domestic and world history. This fully applies to President Putin.

"YOUR SON WILL BE A GENERAL"

Putin has fought three full-scale wars. The first one began in the summer of 1999, when the gangs of the “black Arab” Khattab and Shamil Basayev invaded peaceful Dagestan. And then, after their defeat, fighting were transferred to the territory of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria (CRI).

It is worth recalling that Ichkeria, after the Khasavyurt agreements signed by the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, General Alexander Lebed, gained de facto independence from Russia. However, it failed to use its unique historical chance, turning into an offshore zone of international and regional terrorism, banditry, slave trade and organized crime.

The second war is the Five-Day War with militaristic Georgia, which Mikheil Saakashvili unleashed in August 2008 against South Ossetia and Russian peacekeepers. As is known, it ended with the defeat of the warriors of the possessed Mishiko, trained by American and other foreign instructors, and a shameful flight in front of our military. If there had been an order, Tbilisi would have been taken immediately without any military complications.

The third war is the current one, in Syria, against savagery and barbarism, against everything that is a monstrous mixture of ISIS and Al-Qaeda, as well as “moderate” thugs, carefully patronized by the United States and its allies.

Those who are now Putin’s commanders and generals, naturally, did not immediately become such. During the second period Chechen campaign they were colonels, and now, having proven themselves in the army and intelligence services, they have reached their current heights.

One of them was my colleague in Group “A”, my special forces “godson” Alexander Anatolyevich Matovnikov, major general. On New Year's Eve 2018, he, among a group of other awardees, received the Golden Star of the Hero of Russia from the hands of the president.

Since this significant event, which took place on December 28 in the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, was covered by leading Russian and world media, I have every right to talk about this wonderful person and officer. But at the same time, communicate just enough so as not to violate state or official secrets.

The time will come, I really count on it, and the retired Alexander Anatolyevich will write a book of his eventful memoirs, thoughtful assessments and personal experiences. No, not for the sake of glory... He already has it, and what a glory! And so that our grandchildren and great-grandchildren know what it was like to serve the Motherland in an era of drastic changes and what Group “A” and the Forces were and became for the country special operations. In any case, that’s my commander’s order for him!

By the way, on that day, December 28, the President of Russia awarded the Hero Star to SSO Corporal Denis Portnyagin, a subordinate of General Matovnikov. At the same time, the official feat that the corporal performed in Syria has not yet been made public.

Those who began serving in our unit were not only anti-terror fighters, “militants,” but operational employees. This is a very important combination! Accordingly, we selected those who, in terms of their moral, volitional, psychological and physical qualities, were suitable for this kind of complex and specific service.

It must be said that Matovnikov Sr. at that time was in the position of deputy head of the secretariat of the Seventh Directorate of the KGB of the USSR and could directly make this request to the head of this directorate, General E.M. Rasshchepov, so that his son would be enrolled in Group “A”. But Anatoly Mikhailovich decided differently: “You tell him, it will be better…” Which is what I did.

“Evgeny Mikhailovich,” I told E.M. Raschepov, - Matovnikov’s son graduated from the border school, the reviews are very good. We know him, we controlled him during his studies. He deserves to be included in our unit." - “Okay, look at it. If it fits, then take it."

This is, in fact, where it all began. I talked with Matovnikov and the impression was positive. In 1986 he was enrolled in the Group. Alexander worked for a year in the unit, proved himself and began to grow on this special forces path. And then I told his father: “Your son will be a general!”

When this happened in 2017, I immediately called Anatoly Mikhailovich Matovnikov and said: “Do you remember my words?” - “I remember, but of course!” - “Did it work out with your son, as I told you?” - “Yes, Gennady Nikolaevich, you turned out to be a seer.”

And he became a general and a Hero of Russia.

FROM ORDINARY FIGHTER TO SPECIAL FORCES GENERAL

Now the little that can be told about Alexander Anatolyevich Matovnikov, who served in Alpha for more than thirty years. He became the second employee to complete his fourth decade of service in Group A.

He graduated from the Higher Border Military-Political Red Banner School of the KGB under the Council of Ministers of the USSR named after K. E. Voroshilov.

In 1986, he was enrolled in Group “A” of the Seventh Directorate of the KGB of the USSR. He took part in many landmark special operations to free hostages and neutralize terrorists, including in Budyonnovsk, Dubrovka (Nord-Ost) and Beslan.

I especially want to emphasize that Alexander Anatolyevich has two wars behind him - two full-scale campaigns in the North Caucasus.

In our division, Matovnikov Jr. went from an ordinary employee to the first deputy head of Directorate “A” of the Center special purpose FSB of Russia.

In addition, Alexander Anatolyevich actively participated in various events jointly held by the International Association "Alpha" and the combat unit - these are various sports tournaments, championships, visits to registered and sponsored "Alpha" secondary schools educational institutions. If you look through our newspaper “Special Forces of Russia”, information about this is interspersed in individual articles, essays and reports.

So, for example, in the summer of 2007, Alexander Matovnikov visited the field training of the Military-patriotic youth association “Warrior” named after Hero of Russia Alexander Perov, which took place at Southern Urals. I know that the students of the Chelyabinsk “Warrior” remember this!

For one term (from 2002 to 2005), Alexander Matovnikov was a member of the Council International Association veterans of the anti-terrorism unit “Alpha”, having been delegated there by Directorate “A” of the TsSN FSB of Russia.

After many years of combat work in the FSB, he moved to serve in the Ministry of Defense, where he took the position of deputy chief of the Special Operations Forces of the Russian Armed Forces. As one of the leaders of the MTR, he took part in a military operation in the Syrian Arab Republic against ISIS, al-Qaeda and other evil spirits.

It remains to add that the long-term contribution of Major General Alexander Matovnikov to ensuring the security of our country was awarded five orders - “For Services to the Fatherland” 4th degree with swords, Alexander Nevsky, Courage (twice), “For Military Merit”, and also many state and departmental medals and insignia.

PUTIN'S COHORT

We are no longer boss and subordinate, but I always have an extremely positive attitude towards him. Firstly, he is a very even person in his relationships with his comrades and with his colleagues. Never raises his voice. Self-possessed and tactful. Assembled. Able to listen and hear.

Secondly, Alexander Anatolyevich knows the special forces specialty very well, which is supported by his military education. Has a broad outlook. Good analyst. At the same time, he can always show by personal example what and how to do. Well prepared physically. A team man, a team player, but at the same time has his own bright personality.

Thirdly, Matovnikov is very persistent in achieving goals - those set by the command, management, and those that he determined personally for himself.

As a leader, as a special forces soldier, this is a person who is in the right place.

I started with the fact that General Matovnikov is a representative of a galaxy of young generals who can rightfully be called Putin’s cohort. In a harsh time of testing, they advanced not at the expense of their family ties or let's say financial situation, but paved the way and earned respect for their intelligence, efficiency, high professional and personal qualities.

Another such figure of the new formation is the governor Tula region Hero of Russia Alexey Gennadievich Dyumin, who led the Special Operations Forces during the return of Crimea “to its native harbor.” In the summer of 2017, I had the opportunity to communicate with him (in Tula we visited him together with the President of the Alpha International Association, Sergei Alekseevich Goncharov), and I came away with a very positive impression of him.

In the film “Crimea. The Path to the Motherland” by Andrei Kondrashov, which caused a worldwide resonance, also tells about the Special Operations Forces, which played one of the key roles in the operation to annex Crimea to Russia. The commander of the MTR at that time was Alexey Dyumin.

For me, Alexey Dyumin, Alexander Matovnikov and a number of other young generals and commanders are an example of the fact that President Putin is testing and preparing military and government personnel who will solve problems in the near future increased complexity. And there is no doubt that Russia still has a lot to overcome and accomplish.

In fact, the question is stark: either Russia, having radically changed itself, will be able to become a strategic leader of a multipolar world, or civilization will perish in the chaos of the decaying former world order, which drowned the world in blood and violence.

They, the young leaders of Putin’s call, combine the positive things they received in Soviet period, as well as new ones acquired later. By definition, there cannot be many of these. Good or bad, it's a fact! However, I am sure that the future of our country lies with such leaders.

Venues of the newspaper "Spetsnaz of Russia" and the magazine "Razvedchik" in social networks:

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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 non-standard attachment of accessories to the G36 assault rifle – distinguishing feature special forces all over the world

Another aspect of “exclusivity”, which consists in a careful search for absolutely optimal solutions in the field of equipping the MTR, the fact is that personal and crew-served weapons, as a rule, are almost never accepted for use in the MTR in the configuration originally manufactured by the manufacturer; weapons should receive a whole series constructive 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 and are quickly losing popularity as a standard military weapons, even including secondary tasks 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 a program to combat pistol JCP (Joint Combat Pistol), it was a rather puzzling and ill-advised attempt to combine the Future Handgun System (FHS) American army and USSOCOM's own projects called the SOFCP Combat Pistol (Special Operations Forces Combat Pistol) into 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 capacity magazine (20 rounds), significant range (100 m), excellent penetrating power and the availability of a full family of special cartridges open up completely new prospects regarding combat use hand 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, so 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 venerable .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 sanctioned 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 a interesting attempt original modular solution, both modules have a built-in silencer.

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 were on cutting edge work on this issue, and in the past, special forces have almost completely replaced their SMGs with AK-47/AKM assault rifles with a removable silencer, it fires a special subsonic version of the 7.62x39 cartridge with a bullet weighing 193 grams.

Starting from the late 80s, a more radical approach would be adopted to the special development of 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. 9×39) variant 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 7.62×39 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 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, the importance of which will further increase due to the current widespread use of reinforced body armor, including by non-combatant personnel, PDW is purchased in relatively Not large quantities for the purpose of replacing SMGs for certain specific applications, but not as a permanent replacement.

An important exception is 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 magazine for 50 rounds, and will replace the suppressed SMG Type 79 and Type 85, which are in service with the 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 overlaid on the target image, 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, which shows permanent job for 8 years from one AA battery! CompM4 scopes have a built-in mount, eliminating the need for a separate ring, and can be mounted to various systems weapons.

Specific and potentially dangerous characteristics collimator systems are that under certain lighting conditions their front lens can create 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 light. 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. ACE is available with three barrels different 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, specifically 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, has developed a new family of weapons at an incredible short term in 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 simple trick, that is, if necessary, switch to the old 7.62 mm cartridge.

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 this 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.

Typical the latest example This class is 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 fact that the Mini-TAVOR was abandoned and it was replaced by a two-caliber model.

MTR units were the initiators and first users of the currently popular large-caliber long-range rifles to destroy 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 SOF use 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 collapsible stock (a rare solution for sniper rifles) and a detachable 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 silencer), 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, including 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 automatic 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 adopters large-caliber weapons for the destruction of people and material on 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 approximately 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; 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, but again the MTR fighters have an irresistible desire to modify and adapt any weapon that they could take into their own 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 carry 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 these weapons in the hands of special forces, a program was started to new lung machine gun LWMG (Light Weight Machine Gun). 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 from 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 (very important characteristic in mountainous areas!), which involves a combination of a powerful cartridge and a heavy, non-removable 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 soldier naval special forces, armed with a Type 95 5.8×42 assault rifle with a 40-mm 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 improvements such as a front grip, a sophisticated muzzle brake/flash hider, a slightly shorter barrel (605mm) and a special silencer.

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.

For many years, there has been talk in the Russian Ministry of Defense about the need to create a new separate structure, a separate type of troops - Special Operations Forces (SSO). The need to create such a structure has become urgent due to the experience of past wars and counter-terrorism operations. One of the goals of creating the MTR was to unite military special forces units under a single command. Before the emergence of the Special Forces as a full-fledged structure, special forces brigades were subordinate to the commanders of military districts, while the GRU formed the task of special forces, but did not directly supervise the brigade. In many ways, a similar structure in armed forces USA - United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM or SOCOM).

The first unit of the MTR was the Special Purpose Center "Senezh" in Solnechnogorsk, and a little later a similar body was created in Kubinka - the special purpose center "Kubinka-2". Judging by reports from various publications, before the departure of Anatoly Serdyukov new structure did not receive development. With the arrival of Sergei Shoigu as Minister of Defense, the situation changed dramatically and already in April 2013, selected journalists were invited to MTR exercises in the Caucasus. The main combat unit of the MTR is the Senezh Special Purpose Center. Special operations forces are surrounded by perhaps a greater veil of secrecy than other GRU special forces brigades. This is one of the most secret and elite structures of the Russian Ministry of Defense, on TsSN armament there is the most modern weapons, not only Russian, but also foreign.

“Overheard” publication in the group of the village of Paltso

A few days ago, while monitoring social networks with our team, we came across a post in the group “ Overheard in Finger", which spoke about the death of a certain Zhuravlev Fedor. At the same time, in the comments, the author of the post said that Fedor died in Syria:

A little later, a second publication appeared in the same group, in the comments to which another person said that Zhuravlev died in Syria. Also in the comments, one person wrote that he died in Dagestan - we will consider this version below, but this person was corrected by the author of the first post, again saying that Fedor died in Syria:

Original recording
Saved copy

As always in such cases, we began to contact the authors of posts and comments under fictitious legends and fake profiles. We asked for a link to Fedor’s profile on the social network VKontakte or Odnoklassniki (so that using his profile and photographs it would be possible in the future to prove or disprove that he is an active serviceman of the Russian Armed Forces and was in Syria):

We also clarified how he died and where he died:

After this, we clarified what branch of the military the deceased served in:

We checked where the information came from that he died in Syria:

The man in the screenshots above is a friend of the deceased, not the closest, judging by the fact that in last time I talked to him in the summer of 2014. Green On the messages we are painted over, in black - the friend of the deceased. Then we talked with another friend of the deceased. We established the patronymic of the deceased (Vladimirovich), confirmed his age (27 years old), confirmed the existence of his brother Alexander, as well as his wife and daughter. In addition, a second friend also confirmed that Fedor died in Syria:

Our messages are colored green, friend's messages are colored blue.

We tried to find profiles of the deceased Fedor on social networks, but as his friends said, he did not have profiles on social networks, which is quite typical for GRU officers. We observed a similar thing during ours - they also either did not have profiles on social networks, or they were under false names. We also did not find profiles of his brother and parents.

Field work

This information was too little to publish a full-fledged investigation, but the information itself was important and could not simply be passed by. Therefore, we passed on the collected information to several journalists so that they could get involved and conduct their own investigation, perhaps asking questions to loved ones, officials, and the Ministry of Defense. This was before the funeral. We also decided to go to the place, to the village where the parents of the deceased live and where his funeral was to take place. While working with local sources, it was established that on Monday, November 23, a farewell to him and his deceased colleague took place in Fedor’s native military unit. According to sources, this happened in Solnechnogorsk, on the shore of Lake Senezh. Sources also reported that in addition to the two dead, there was another wounded.

There are two military units in Solnechnogorsk: 43292 and 92154. Judging by some news, both military units are located on the same territory. At the same time, on the Internet you can find many links about military unit 92154, with a description that this is GRU special forces, from which the Senezh Special Purpose Center, SSO, was formed. There is very little information about military unit 43292 on the Internet, and everything is either with the context of “GRU special forces” (but there are much fewer such links than about 92154), or without mentioning the type of troops. Many links about military unit 43292 are redirected to topics and groups with names like “military unit 92154, GRU special forces.” We believe that military unit 43292 is simply the headquarters / command / garrison of the same Senezh TsSN.

We also established from local sources that the wife of the deceased lives in Solnechnogorsk, which further confirms that the deceased Fedor belongs to the Senezh Center.

On November 13, senior researcher (RUSI) Igor Sutyagin published an article in which he described which units of the Russian Ministry of Defense are involved in the operation in Syria. IN this list a team of snipers from the Senezh Special Purpose Center was also indicated:

Also, on November 17, when the FSB admitted that Airbus A321, flight 7K9268 crashed as a result of a terrorist attack, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Defense Sergei Zhigarev:

“Vladimir Vladimirovich said quite clearly that retribution will overtake the terrorists, and I think that special operations forces can be used for this, and they operate not from the air, but on the ground.”

This is nothing more than a comment from a private person, these are not statements by the State Duma itself, but it is important to note these words. Coupled with the words of Vladimir Putin that the organizers of the terrorist attack must be found and punished, no matter where they are, the appearance in Syria elite special forces Russia - more than expected.

When we started working together with individual journalists on this investigation, it seems that the locals noticed the attention and suddenly changed in behavior: they stopped making contact, and suddenly began to put forward the version that Fedor died during a counter-terrorism operation in Dagestan, and not in Syria at all. Fedor’s relatives also strictly stand by the version that Fedor was not in Syria and died during the counter-terrorism operation in Dagestan, and that he is not a special forces special forces officer of the Special Forces of the Special Forces or the GRU, but a simple paratrooper.

Let us recall that when in June 2015 we spoke with the parents of the dead GRU special forces from the 16th separate brigade GRU special forces that their sons died during a counter-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus, and not in the Donbass. In addition, they received documents from the Russian Ministry of Defense with exactly this version of death.

Indeed, there was recently a counter-terrorist operation in Dagestan, but nothing has been reported about the security forces killed in it. In addition, the counter-terrorist operation in Dagestan began on November 22, and the death of Fedor, according to his friends, “has been known since Thursday,” i.e. from November 19.

Departure to Paltso

For further investigation we needed to establish exact date death, and also obtain photographs of Fedor’s grave to prove that he was an active serviceman (by the wreaths and uniform in the photograph). To begin with, we tried to find assistants who could complete this task. We published a message about the search for assistants, while throwing in two additional cities known for their military units(Tambov and Baltiysk):

To carry out a secret mission we need people from Tambov, Bryansk and Baltiysk. Write to telegram https://t.co/6ZZnHY0zUK

But in the end we decided to go on our own, partly because it is too dangerous a task and the assistant would risk his health and freedom, partly because the assistant must be very trusted. Having waited until the funeral was over (so as not to attract unnecessary attention), which took place on November 24, we took the train and arrived in Bryansk at night:

The road to the small village of Paltso took an hour and a half along remote, snow-covered roads:

Arriving in Paltso at dawn, we were faced with the task of establishing the location of the cemetery. Since the village is too small (population only 968 people), its infrastructure facilities are not marked on navigators and maps. They helped us find the cemetery spruce branches with flowers that we suddenly noticed on one of the roads in the village. These branches with flowers stretched in an even trail from the house of the deceased’s parents to the cemetery itself, which was located on the outskirts of the forest. There we quickly found Fedor’s grave:

So we established the exact date of birth of Fedor (09.11.1988) and date of death (11.19.2015). The confirmed date of death did not coincide with the version of the counter-terrorism operation in Dagestan, which began three days after Fedor’s death.

Near Fedor’s grave we found exactly the same wreaths from the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and from colleagues who we:

In the photo Fedor is wearing military uniform with the rank of captain:

The Airborne Forces buttonholes are visible on the collar, but this does not in any way refute Fedor’s service in the GRU special forces, the Special Forces of the Special Forces of the Special Forces. Let us remind you that the dead servicemen of the 16th separate GRU special forces brigade, about whom, wear exactly the same uniform, with the same buttonholes:

Anton Savelyev, serviceman of the 16th OBRSpN GRU

In 10 days, 57 people supported us, thanks to which we at the moment managed to collect 2% of the target amount. This collection is very important for us, as it will allow us to conduct more thorough investigations, devote more time to them, and also What is important is to make such field trips more often in search of additional evidence. For example, this trip to Paltso cost us 7,600 rubles. We will write a more detailed report on the fundraising progress in a separate post.

Note: We found out that many people do not notice that in our command in the third field you can enter an arbitrary amount, including, for example, 50 kopecks.