In the elite branches of the military and special forces, the requirements for recruits - both physical and otherwise - are at the highest level. To get into the units special purpose you need to have a certain set of qualities, which would be a good idea to cultivate in yourself even before you reach conscription age or the opportunity to join the army.
Airborne troops Russian Federation- one of those branches of the military where they know better than anyone about traditions, morality and physical strength. Vasily Filippovich Margelov - the legendary founder of the airborne troops, "BATYA" - as the paratroopers themselves call him - at the dawn of the winged infantry, he laid down the basic principles and standards for those who aspired to serve in an army capable of marching across Europe in a week.
In addition to general physical “strength,” a potential “Marine” must have: height from 175 cm, weight up to 80 kg, not be registered with psychiatric, drug treatment and other dispensaries both at the place of registration and at the place of residence, and it is also advisable to have one from sports categories. The rule of having sporting achievements also works in the Airborne Forces, however, according to established tradition, it is in the Marine Corps that conscript athletes are given increased attention and are assigned the most important tasks.
“The essence of this tactic is that the conscript athlete does not need to be inspired and instilled with a sense of responsibility and discipline. Athletes who have serious achievements, as a rule, are already disciplined people and they do not need additional motivation in this regard,” Viktor Kalanchin, deputy head of the draft commission of one of the capital’s military registration and enlistment offices, said in an interview with Zvezda.
Also, it is in the Marine Corps that special attention is paid to conscripts who have certain technical knowledge: radio engineering, electronics, computing devices. Such qualities help to prepare for a military specialty directly during military service and will subsequently provide serious assistance when entering service under a contract.
Concerning physical requirements required for service in the Russian Marine Corps, then everything is simple - excellent health according to category A, the ability to do at least 10-12 pull-ups and the absence of chronic diseases. The rest, according to the military, will be consistently and diligently taught to the conscript.
Special Forces
People performing special tasks are subject to special requirements. It should be remembered, however, that special forces, whatever it may be, is not combined arms training, but hard and daily work, which not everyone can cope with. However, it is precisely with the offer to serve in the special forces that conscripts are “approached” precisely after, or even during, service in the air force. airborne troops or Marine Corps.
In any case, according to military commissars, the percentage of conscripts from these types of troops into special forces is the highest. The rules of standard training (both physical and psychological) do not work in special forces. Here, every fighter is made into a universal soldier, capable of doing everything and doing it well.
Running, pull-ups, grueling forced marches at distances three times greater than usual in the army - all this is present in abundance in the training of a special forces soldier. However, there are differences between special forces and special forces, and each special forces unit has its own specifics.
Special forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff and FSB special forces among special units stand apart: 20, or even 30 pull-ups, 30 push-ups, running a thousand meters in three minutes - this is far from full list what you need to do to begin to be considered as a candidate for service in the best special forces units in Russia.
Andrei Vasiliev, an instructor of one of the Moscow rapid response units, in an interview with Zvezda, said that physical activity is the least important thing that people who want to serve in special forces will have to face:
“In reconnaissance, in addition to endurance and physical fitness, intelligence is also important. Therefore, analytical thinking, the ability to quickly make certain decisions that will allow you to effectively complete a task is no less important than, for example, physical strength. The main attention in such things is paid to people who have already received higher education in some technical specialty. I know for sure that such people have been and are being shown increased attention.
One of the most serious tests for those who want to test their physical and psychological abilities may be an exam for the right to wear a “maroon” beret. It is this special forces insignia internal troops is the best proof of a fighter’s “professional suitability”. Not everyone passes the grueling test, which includes an almost marathon forced march, an obstacle course, and hand-to-hand combat with an instructor.
According to statistics, only 20-30% of examinees pass the test. Contrary to popular belief, the exam for the right to wear a “maroon” beret does not end with physical activity.
The basics of shooting skills against the background of severe fatigue, the basics of storming a building using special equipment, high-speed shooting - all this is included in the mandatory list of tests for those who want to devote their lives to special forces. The set of rules, both for army units and for special forces units, says one thing - service for the benefit of the Fatherland is not a vacation.
This is hard, difficult and truly masculine work, requiring absolute physical health and serious mental abilities. It is the combination of these qualities that allows yesterday’s ordinary guys to join the elite troops, and those who have served or are serving to improve their professional skills and move up the ladder of military service.
Dmitry Yurov
The well-being of absolutely any state directly depends on the national army. The more combat-ready it is, the fewer threats there will be to the country's security. But one should understand the fact that the army is a systemic concept that has internal features and specific structural components. Each of these elements is assigned a number of specific functions necessary to ensure the defense capability of the state. It must also be remembered that the army performs important tasks how in war time, and in peaceful times. IN classic version it consists of several main elements, namely: naval, ground, air forces.
In particular developed countries There are other troops, for example, in the Russian Federation there are space troops. Secretly, special elite troops are allocated, which are assigned special functions. It is these national military formations of the Russian Federation that will be discussed in the article below.
The essence of the concept
To get into the most elite troops in Russia, you need to train hard and for a long time. Many experts advise starting physical training even before the offensive. Both conscripts and officers who graduated from special universities enter the Airborne Forces. Knowledge of any martial arts or military sports training is welcome. This branch of the military is the most promising in the Russian Federation, because it recruits personnel for the GRU, FSB and other secret special forces units.
Conclusion
We looked at Russia's elite troops. Please note that this list may change over time. Nevertheless, the rating is based on facts of combat effectiveness and detailed surveys of the population. The article also answers the question of how to get into Russia's elite troops. In conclusion, we would like to add that the army is the destiny of strong and purposeful people. If you are one hundred percent confident in yourself, then the elite armed forces The Russian Federation is waiting!
For three minutes you are an eagle, and then you work like a horse - why do all conscripts strive to become paratroopers, despite the fact that the airborne forces require exorbitant physical exertion? The author of “Star” Viktor Sokirko, who himself served in the Airborne Forces, writes about this.
The eyes are full of stripes - a few days ago sailors in black and white vests celebrated their professional holiday, today the most popular color in Russia is blue and white. On August 2, the airborne troops, especially revered in the country, celebrate their day. Landing mission. Blue berets. At the military registration and enlistment offices, even the weakest recruit first declares his desire to serve in the airborne forces. The best are selected - the status of the troops obliges us, especially since the specifics of the service here are somewhat exaggerated compared to other branches and branches of the Armed Forces. And the holiday is just a beautiful sign for the ceremonial days, behind which the harsh and intense service is hidden.
The history of the Airborne Forces is inferior in terms of time of formation to sailors, artillerymen, border guards, tank crews, sappers, and certainly infantry. The starting point is the exercises of the Moscow Military District near Voronezh, when the first airborne assault was launched on August 2, 1930. But this - nice story, which, starting from the Great Patriotic War, was replenished with the exploits and courage of the troops, which became a symbol of courage and readiness to complete any assigned tasks. It is no coincidence that the paratroopers’ motto is: “Nobody but us!” and “No task is impossible.”
But the peak of the popularity of the Airborne Forces came during the command of the troops of the legendary Army General Vasily Filippovich Margelov, who was in this position from 1954 to 1979 (with some interruption in demotion to the level of deputy). Margelov “gave” the paratroopers not only blue berets and vests, which are now a symbol of the Airborne Forces. Under his command, new D-6 parachutes, armored vehicles BMD and BTRD, adapted for parachute landing, appeared in service. The foundation was laid for the development of airborne troops as special forces. Even modern paratroopers who did not see Commander Margelov in their service continue to believe that among other abbreviations VDV - Airborne Forces, there is one such as Uncle Vasya's Troops, named in honor of Vasily Filippovich.
By the way, the decoding of the abbreviation VDV, in addition to the official one, is very broad. Here are just a few options. “Two Hundred Options Are Possible,” hinting at the fact that paratroopers have to act in various situations, including without the use of landing, and constantly changing combat missions.
“A paratrooper can withstand anything” is an axiom that is instilled in a paratrooper from the first days of service, when an exorbitant degree of physical exertion can break even a very trained young man. There is an unwritten law in the troops - those who are not ready for such tests are transferred to other units without any special incriminating comments. And they accept into their ranks guys who ended up in other troops, but wrote reports asking to be transferred to the Airborne Forces.
“In my memory, there were dozens, if not hundreds, of cases when requests for a desire to serve in the airborne forces came from soldiers assigned to other troops,” recalls ex-commander of the Airborne Forces (1996-2003), Colonel General Georgy Shpak. - I always put the resolution: “I agree.” If the young man is so persistent in his desire to serve in the Airborne Forces, already understanding that airborne service will not be sweet, then why not give him a chance? Many of these guys subsequently entered the airborne school and became professional soldiers. We also had to deal with situations when applicants who did not pass the high enough competitive exams at the Ryazan Higher Military Airborne Command School did not go home, but remained to live in an almost illegal situation near the training center. They dug dugouts, it was unclear how they ate, they themselves organized the daily routine and studied physical training. With the hope that they will still be accepted into the school. And some of them achieved their goal - when places were freed up at the expense of those cadets who could not stand the tests of the airborne service and wrote reports of dismissal. Service in the airborne forces must not only be loved for the sake of the beauty of the uniform and the admiring glances of the girls, it must be devoted to the marrow of the bones. It is precisely such men who receive the right to bear the title of paratrooper.”
The Airborne Forces have more than once been the reserve of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Now they also remain in this status, but not only because of their professional characteristics. "Winged Troops" for last years transformed into a force that is capable of solving problems of a high degree of responsibility. Now strike units have appeared among the troops - these are those landing formations that, in addition to being equipped modern weapons and equipment, show excellent results in combat training. The title of “percussion” is given not by involvement, but precisely by merit. This is the stimulus that every connection strives for or military unit Airborne Forces The first to receive this title were the paratroopers of the 104th Airborne Regiment of the Pskov 76th Airborne Division, as well as three parachute battalions and two parachute companies. Among the candidates are almost the entire composition of the formations and units of the Airborne Forces.
Now in combat strength The Airborne Forces have four divisions - air assault divisions in Novorossiysk and Pskov, airborne divisions in Ivanovo and Tula. Separate brigades are deployed in Ulyanovsk, Ulan-Ude, Kamyshin and Ussuriysk. The special-purpose brigade, in addition to its location near Moscow in Kubinka and Solnechnogorsk, is also located in other regions of Russia. Total number The Airborne Forces are estimated at 45 thousand people, most of whom are professional military personnel.
The list of airborne equipment and weapons alone could take several pages, starting from the BMD-4M, the BTR-MDM “Rakushka”, ending with shooting knives (their tactical and technical characteristics can be found on the Zvezda TC website). But still, the main “trick” of the airborne troops is parachute jumps. There are also plenty of special landing systems here. The main parachute for airborne units is the D-10, which is now being modernized for landing from both military transport aircraft and helicopters and other light aircraft. The Arbalet and Lesnik parachute systems, which have received positive reviews and are already actively used by the troops, are considered the best in the world and, in addition to Russian special forces units, are also used in regular airborne units.
“The first parachute jump is the first step for initiation into the great airborne brotherhood,” says the first deputy chairman of the Committee on Defense and Security of the Northern Fleet, Franz Klintsevich, who passed military service in the airborne troops. - The feeling is incomparable when you soar above the ground and even control the dome above your head. But, as they say in the Airborne Forces, you are an eagle in the sky for three minutes, and then you plow like a horse. And our paratroopers gained fame precisely on the ground, because a parachute is only a means of delivery to the earth’s surface. The sky is romance, daisies in the sky, and then the main combat work begins. I would like to point out to you that our airborne troops deserve their glory and pride precisely for their cohesion and willpower. This is a special caste, where even a young fighter is instilled with a sense of community, collectivism, responsibility for his comrades and an indispensable rule - to complete the assigned task. For me personally, service in the airborne forces has become the core of my life that dictates - not a step back, only forward.”
Well, in order to dispel the myths about the reasons for paratroopers to bathe in fountains on Airborne Forces Day, which are tied to the patron saint of paratroopers, Ilya the Prophet, revered on August 2, you can note that everything depends only on the weather. Now, it seems, Hydromet gives the go-ahead for water procedures at least in the Central region of Russia. For the airborne forces!
Every future conscript, before joining the army, asks himself two questions: where is the best place to serve in the army and how to get into the right unit. To answer this question, you need to understand what goal you want to achieve when going to serve in the army. It is worth deciding on the presence of some specific skills and acquired knowledge in civilian life.
When going through the draft board, each conscript will be asked where the conscript would like to serve. The military registration and enlistment office will make a note about the conscript’s preferences, where it is best to send him, taking into account his medical characteristics and abilities.
True, often this mark does not play a special role. Distribution at the recruiting station occurs according to the needs of the “buyers” who came for young recruits. However, in some cases the wishes of the conscript are taken into account, and the region in which the conscript lives is also taken into account. In some cases, he may be left to serve close to home if there are certain reasons for this. Then, the conscript should take care of this issue in advance and choose for service those troops that are located in his home region.
Types of troops
What kind of troops are there and what skills do you need to have in order to join these troops? All troops can be divided into three types: ground, navy, aviation. It is impossible to classify any type of troops as elite. Each type of troops performs specific tasks and has its own goals. Therefore, it is better to worry in advance and decide where it is better to go to serve in the army.
Land
- Tank forces. They are the main attacking force of the ground forces. Defensive and offensive tasks in battle are carried out. For these troops, conscripts are selected who are no more than 174 centimeters tall, preferably of strong build, and who do not have significant vision problems.
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- Motorized rifle. They have versatility and the ability to perform any combat missions in any weather and in any terrain. There is no special selection for these troops. Health category goes from A1 to B4. The troops include many units, so everyone will be assigned to serve.
- Railway troops. Participation in military operations involving trains, as well as eliminating the consequences of natural disasters on railway tracks. A conscript with not very good health, has every chance of ending up in this type of army.
- Special Forces. Performing special tasks that no one else can do military unit. Recruitment for this unit is made from candidates who have already served in military service. The strictest selection and testing is carried out.
Air
- Airborne troops. Conducting special operations on enemy territory. Organization of sabotage activities and disruption of control and communications, as well as the capture of enemy targets. A candidate for these troops must meet very high requirements. Health category not lower than A1, physical endurance and psychological stability.
- Aerospace Forces (VKS, Strategic Missile Forces, Air Defense). Protection and control of the aerospace space of the Russian Federation and repelling enemy attacks from the air. Get into these units more chances among conscripts of technical and engineering specialties. During selection, emphasis is placed on psychological qualities and mental capacity conscript
Marine
- Navy. Carrying out combat missions in sea and ocean waters, repelling enemy attacks on the water and conducting offensive operations from the sea. Includes surface and submarine forces, as well as naval aviation and marines. In order to be called up for military service in the Navy, you must be at least 180 centimeters tall, have a health category of at least A3 and have good mental stability.
Where to go
If one or another branch of the military is considered prestigious, then this issue is very controversial. Any army has its own elite units, such as reconnaissance and special forces. It is honorable and prestigious to serve in such units, but you will also have to work hard. Getting into such units is not an easy task. To serve in these units, some conscripts initially only need to be in good physical shape and mental stability. In such a platoon, there is a high probability of learning useful skills such as hand-to-hand combat, weapon handling and other types of special skills.
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But at the same time, as practice shows, the selection of recruits occurs without the knowledge of the conscript. At the recruiting station, “buyers” usually say that the best troops are exactly where they came from, and their task is to take the best with them. If a recruit goes to the recruiting station with certain knowledge, which means there will be fewer problems with him in the combat unit. But after the oath is taken, re-distribution is carried out. At this moment, in most cases, attention is paid to what advantages the young soldier has. In accordance with his skills, the unit is distributed among units.
In order to get into good troops, before going to serve in the army, you must take the following actions:
- Increase physical activity. Good physical shape is valued everywhere.
- To increase organization and independence, you need to learn self-discipline.
- Get a profession. Soldiers with any skills are in demand in the army.
Pre-conscription training
It is worth mentioning the pre-conscription training of a conscript, because it is advisable to think in advance about where to go to serve. If you have a strong desire to serve as a driver or in an airborne brigade, it would be a good idea to take care of this in advance. In Russia, in every big city There are DOSAAF branches that are engaged in pre-conscription training. Through this training system, you can not only get a license, but also increase your chances of serving behind the wheel of any military equipment.
Almost every army has special forces units or troops. Russian airborne special forces are a special airborne regiment designed to perform various specific operations, part of the Russian airborne forces. The 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment was renamed the 45th in 2015 separate brigade Airborne special forces.
The history of the emergence of airborne special forces
During the Soviet era, there were not only no special forces, but also no specialized units. The first Russian special forces unit appeared only in 1994. Although about special forces in Soviet time There were many legends; in fact, dangerous missions were carried out by airborne troops, and secret missions were carried out mainly by scouts and secret agents.
The 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment was formed in February 1994, specifically to eliminate gangs in Chechnya. In 1995, when the entire regiment was withdrawn from Chechnya, it had already demonstrated its effectiveness in battle.
In 1997, the 45th Special Forces Regiment took an active part in the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict, for which it received Battle Banner and a certificate of the Order of Kutuzov. With the resumption of hostilities in Chechnya from 1999 to 2006, detachments of the regiment actively participated in many military operations against terrorists and bandits.
Although the history of the Airborne Special Forces Regiment begins in 1994, it has already managed to cover itself with glory, since many of its soldiers and officers are Heroes of the Russian Federation.
Weapons and equipment of airborne special forces
Since the airborne special forces solve very specific and complex tasks, then its weapons and equipment are of higher quality and more varied than the standard weapons of the Airborne Forces (which is already one of the best in Russian army). Such weapons require enormous funding. Airborne special forces fighters often use types of weapons that are practically inaccessible to other types of rifle troops.
Weapons most often used by airborne special forces:
- SVD is a famous sniper rifle. Although this weapon is not something outstanding, many airborne special forces veterans are accustomed to using this particular model sniper rifle. With this rifle, some skilled snipers even managed to shoot down planes, hitting their pilot;
- Currently, the SVD rifle is being replaced by the Vintorez, which is a silent model of a sniper rifle. A powerful “sniper” not only allows you to hit targets that are on considerable distances from the shooter, but is also capable of penetrating a modern steel helmet at a distance of up to 400 meters. The first combat use of the Vintorez sniper rifle was recorded in the first Chechen campaign. This weapon is in service only with airborne special forces units; other types of troops do not have access to this weapon;
- The Steyr automatic rifle is also used by airborne special forces. Although this weapon has a high price, its scope is quite wide. The Steyr rifle has the ability to install and use an under-barrel grenade launcher, which is often necessary when performing special tasks. The use of such combined weapons makes it possible to do without a standard grenade launcher, which can significantly reduce the mobility of an airborne special forces group performing a special mission. Although the Steyr rifle only recently appeared among the standard weapons of the Airborne Special Forces, the soldiers rightfully appreciated its reliability and versatility;
- The AS Val silent assault rifle entered service back in Soviet times. At the end of the 80s, they were recommended for use by special forces when performing various sabotage missions requiring silence and stealth. AS "Val" is equipped with a sniper and night sight, and its transportation is most often carried out in a compact case. The time required to assemble and prepare the AS “Val” for firing takes no more than 1 minute;
- The main assault rifle of the Russian army, the AK, is also used by airborne special forces. True, these are not ordinary modifications that are used in the Russian army, but export models of the hundredth series. Most often, airborne special forces use the AK-103, which, in addition to being better built, uses a caliber of 7.62x39 mm;
- For sudden operations, for which it is impossible to take large models of weapons, they most often take the AK-74M, which has a folding stock, the ability to use a sight and an under-barrel grenade launcher. In some cases, special forces soldiers use a shortened model from the line small arms Kalashnikov - AKS-74. At close ranges, this model is practically not inferior in performance to standard Kalashnikov assault rifles;
- Naturally, the most popular machine gun, both for the entire Russian army and for the airborne special forces, is the Kalashnikov machine gun. Developed back in the 60s of the 20th century, it has not yet lost its popularity. There are many variants of PCs that are used both for infantry and for installation on combat vehicles. Airborne special forces use the latest modification of the Kalashnikov machine gun - PKM, which is lighter in weight and easier to use. There is also a “night” version of the modernized Kalashnikov machine gun, which is called PKMN;
- A more modern model of a machine gun, which is in service with the Airborne Special Forces, is the Pecheneg machine gun. This model is not just a modification of PKM, but a truly new model, the basis for which was PKM. This machine gun is suitable not only for shooting at enemy personnel, but also for hitting transport and even air targets. The Pecheneg machine gun is exported to the CIS and Eastern countries;
- For operations to free hostages, they use the AN-95 Abdukan assault rifle, which in appearance resembles a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Its main difference from the Kalash is the incredible accuracy and accuracy of shots. At a distance of 100 meters, an experienced sniper is able to hit the same point with two shots. In hostage rescue operations, lives often depend on the accuracy of the fighters who participate in their rescue. The AN-95 “Abdukan” assault rifle is capable of significantly reducing the mortality rate of hostages in such operations, since several accurate shots can quickly eliminate terrorists;
- In addition to small arms, airborne special forces often use grenades. The most common is the RPG-26. This type of rocket-propelled grenades, which were developed back in the mid-80s, has still not lost its relevance and is effective means to destroy enemy equipment and fortifications. Since the range of applications for these grenades is very wide, they are used different types troops of the Russian Federation.
In addition to the above weapon models, airborne special forces also receive the latest designs equipment that is developed taking into account the specifics of special forces combat missions.
Specifics of special forces
Since the implementation of special tasks assigned to the airborne special forces requires specialized weapons, equipment and equipment, the funding allocated for the needs of the special forces differs significantly. The training of personnel is particularly thorough, and specialists are trained only in the best training centers, under the guidance of veteran instructors. In addition, joint international exercises are being carried out, in which special forces different countries exchanges combat experience.
Service in the airborne special forces is carried out, as a rule, under a contract, which is concluded for at least 3 years. This is explained by the fact that almost every special forces soldier is a highly qualified specialist in some field, and a huge amount of money is invested in him during training, and the departure of such a soldier can disrupt the entire established structure in the detachment, where each soldier clearly performs his tasks. For example, having lost a mining specialist, the squad will spend much more time penetrating the militants’ hideout, which can cost the life of the entire squad, as it will give the bandits the opportunity to prepare for an attack.
Tasks that airborne special forces must solve
The main task of special forces is to completely demoralize the enemy. Suddenly appearing behind enemy lines, experienced fighters who have excellent training are capable of causing significant damage to the enemy in a matter of minutes. Seeing how a small detachment can easily cope with many times superior forces, the enemy loses faith in victory and easily turns into panic. The task of the regular troops at this moment is to support the special forces and occupy captured positions.
In addition, airborne special forces are capable of carrying out sabotage activities behind enemy lines, organizing resistance units and “luring” civilians to their side. For this purpose, airborne special forces units not only undergo special psychological training, but also have mobile television stations capable of providing broadcasting within a radius of about 10 kilometers.
In peacetime, there is also a lot of work for airborne special forces soldiers. In addition, Russian special forces annually take part in competitions that take place among special forces of the leading countries of the world. Russian special forces constantly take first place, beating both the famous Green Berets and British special forces.
The training of airborne special forces is still at its best, but every year it becomes more and more difficult to recruit recruits. There are plenty of people willing, but it is quite difficult to choose the worthy ones among them. If previously each applicant had a sports rank (often even in several sports), now such conscripts are quite rare.
How to get into the airborne special forces
Those applicants who want to join the airborne special forces must have already served military service and have high health indicators, which are required for future special forces. After passing the medical examination, applicants are subjected to a variety of tests that are designed to determine mental health and readiness for service in special forces.
The most calm and balanced applicants are taken as snipers or sappers, the rest are assigned to military professions according to their temperament and psychological stability. Those applicants who do not pass the tests are offered service in other parts of the Russian army.
After selection, training begins, which no more than 40 percent of applicants pass. If after the exercise there are too few people left, the empty seats are filled by the best airborne soldiers who have proven themselves to be excellent during their military service. Such strict selection leads to the fact that after a year of training, fighters are already experts in the use of various types of weapons and special devices. The best airborne special forces fighters are true universal soldiers, although almost each of them is better at some military profession than others.
In the short time that the Airborne Special Forces have existed, its officers and soldiers have managed to take part in all the military conflicts in which Russia was drawn. Until now, airborne special forces fighters are the most elite warriors of the army of the Russian Federation. Numerous medals and orders awarded to soldiers and officers of the Airborne Special Forces serve as clear proof of this.
