The strongest elite units in the world are surrounded by an aura of mysticism and romance. They are the best prepared and perform the most difficult tasks. When ordinary soldiers cannot or do not want to take risks, special forces come into action.
8. "Black Storks"
Special Services Group (SSG) - Special Forces Group of the Pakistan Army.
Pakistan is not a country that you immediately think of when talking about the best elite troops. The SSG consists of 5,600 troops, distributed in eight battalions of 700 each. Each battalion is divided into platoons and groups. There are ten people in the group.
Context
Special forces, SEALs and others
Echo24 05/30/2016Turkish special forces operation in Syria
Hürriyet 05/11/2016Russian special forces in Syrian war
The Washington Post 03/30/2016Multimedia
Special Forces Soldiers
InoSMI 02/23/2015In their homeland, these fighters are called “Black Storks” due to their unique headdresses. This year “Black Storks” celebrates its 60th anniversary.
These units operate in an extremely turbulent region, where there are border clashes and religious extremism. In December 2014, Pakistani SSG forces tracked down and killed al-Qaeda operational leader Adnan Gulshair el Shukrijumha and five of his soldiers.
7. Protect the sea, shore and land
Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial - Special Naval Forces, Spain.
Until 2009, the Spanish Special Naval Forces were called the Special Operations Unit (Unidad de Operaciones Especiales), after which they changed their name to the current one. It is assumed that special unit employs about 100 people. Their task is to protect the sea, shores and land area 50 km inland from the coast.
The unit is believed to be modeled after the British SAS and American Navy SEALs. The Spaniards conducted joint training with both of them. Like all modern intelligence agencies, Spanish forces are prepared not only to fight the enemy, but also to combat the threat of terrorism that undermines the security of the state.
6. The release of hostages in the theater ended in disaster
"Alpha", Russia.
The Alpha special unit was founded in 1974 as part of the KGB by a special decision of the head of the Committee state security Yuri Andropov. The decision was made as a result massacre at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.
The Alpha Detachment was used against terrorists in Russia and also participated in operations abroad. The unit's special specialization is the release of hostages or kidnapped persons.
The counter-terrorism operation at the Dubrovka theater in 2002 ended in disaster. 129 hostages and 39 terrorists from among the Chechen separatists died. The Alpha special squad received a torrent of criticism.
5. Performed more than 1800 operations
National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN) - Special forces unit of the French Gendarmerie.
Like Alpha, GIGN was founded in 1974 as a result of the tragedy at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. It was then that it became clear that the world was facing new threat- terrorism.
During its history, the special unit of the French gendarmerie carried out more than 1,800 operations and freed more than 600 hostages.
Many operations received wide resonance. For example, in 1994, 229 passengers from a plane hijacked by Algerian terrorists were rescued.
In January 2015, these special forces eliminated two terrorists behind the murders at the editorial office of Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris.
4. Attacked terrorists at the airport
Sayeret Mat'kal ("Sayeret Matkal") - Special Forces of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces.
© AFP 2016, GPO Special forces soldiers of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces
Israel is a country that regularly becomes the target of threats and attacks, but there is hope that the Sayeret Matkal intelligence service will sooner or later correct this situation. The intelligence service is engaged, among other things, in collecting intelligence data, and is also used in critical situations.
One such situation occurred in 1976 and was called Operation Entebbe. Palestinian terrorists hijacked a French plane flying from Tel Aviv to Paris with 248 people on board. Terrorists forced the Air France airliner to change course and fly to Uganda, to Entebbe airport. Jews and Israeli citizens were separated from other passengers. The terrorists demanded that the hostages be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Otherwise, the Israelis and other Jews faced death.
The Sayeret Matkal special unit was called to the airport, where they carried out a successful operation to free the hostages. The incident was widely reported in the media around the world.
3. Created a special forces training system
Special Air Service (SAS) - Special Air Service, UK.
The SAS carried out several dangerous operations during the Second World War. After the Olympics in Munich, it became clear that the main threat to the world had changed its appearance, and the Special Air Service began to prepare for the fight against terrorism.
The British SAS in many respects turned out to be the author of the special services training system.
The 1980 photographs of British commandos storming the Iranian embassy in London have become classics. The soldiers of the unit got inside the building by descending from the roof along its facade. Then shots rang out and five of the six terrorists were killed.
2. Motto: “With strength and cunning”
Special Boat Service (SBS) - Special boat service, UK.
The Special Boat Service is the British equivalent of the Navy SEALs in the United States. While the SAS is responsible for land operations, the SBS is trained for naval operations. The motto of the special forces is “By strength and guile”.
The training for SBS soldiers is some of the toughest in the world. There are rumors that he dies during training more people than during armed operations. The training system includes tests of endurance, jungle survival, close combat, and intense interrogation techniques that break down the resistance of many participants.
1. Osama bin Laden was killed
Navy Seals - "Navy Seals", USA.
American Navy SEALs for many - perfect example elite military forces. The division was founded in 1962 by the decision of President John F. Kennedy.
The world situation was turbulent. After the unsuccessful capture of the Bay of Cochinos in Cuba a year before the planned overthrow of Fidel Castro, the authority of the United States and the president personally suffered a significant blow.
The unit was used in all armed conflicts involving the United States. On May 2, 2011, it was SEAL Team 6 that eliminated Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
InoSMI materials contain assessments exclusively of foreign media and do not reflect the position of the InoSMI editorial staff.
Marcos, India
Marcos - elite special forces Indian navy. It was created in February 1987 to conduct special operations such as unconventional warfare, hostage rescue in marine environment, combating terrorism in maritime conditions, reconnaissance, etc. The fighters of the Marcos unit are capable of conducting operations in all types of terrain, but specialize in maritime ones. Currently has about two thousand frames, although real number detachment is classified.
GIS, Italy
In ninth place in the ranking best squads Special Forces is home to GIS, a special forces unit formed on February 6, 1978 to combat the growing threat of terrorism. Nowadays he specializes in counter-terrorism operations and hostage rescue.
SSG, Pakistan
Eighth place on the list best units The number one special forces force in the world is SSG - Pakistani Army Special Forces, founded in 1956. It is analogous to the American Green Berets and the British SAS. They took part in the Afghan War (1979–1989) on the side of the Mujahideen. Today, the detachment is actively involved in anti-terrorist operations in Pakistan. The official number is 2,100 fighters.
EKO Cobra, Austria
EKO Cobra is an anti-terrorism unit created in 1978, initially to protect Jewish immigrants from attacks by Palestinian militant groups, and also in response to the terrorist attack at the 1972 Munich Olympics, where 11 members of the Israeli team were killed by terrorists. As of 2013, the unit has approximately 670 members, including two women.
Alpha, Russia
Alpha is a special unit formed on July 29, 1974 in the USSR on the initiative of the KGB (continues its activities in Russia) to conduct counter-terrorism special operations using special tactics and means. Nowadays, the main tasks of the detachment are to prevent terrorist acts, search for, neutralize terrorists, release hostages, etc. In the days of the former Soviet Union actively participated in pacifying riots in prisons and correctional camps.
GIGN, France
GIGN is an elite anti-terrorist unit of the French gendarmerie, created in 1973 after the events that occurred at the Munich Olympics in 1972. The main tasks of the unit are to fight terrorism, suppress uprisings in prisons, neutralize dangerous criminals and free hostages. During its existence, the fighters of the GIGN unit took part in about 1000 operations, freed approximately 500 hostages, arrested 1000 and killed hundreds of criminals, while losing only two fighters directly during operations and seven during exercises. The number of the unit is 380 people.
GSG 9, Germany
GSG 9 is a special unit created in September 1973 with the aim of suppressing terrorist activities in Germany after the terrorist attack that occurred at the Munich Olympics. The main tasks of the unit are the fight against terrorism, the release of hostages, the protection of important persons and territories, conducting sniper operations, etc. The number of the detachment is 300 people. From the beginning of its existence to 2003, more than 1,500 successful operations were carried out.
Sayeret Matkal, Israel
Sayeret Matkal or "Detachment 269" is a special forces unit of the Israeli army, formed on the model of the British SAS in 1957 by officer Abraham Arnan. Sayeret Matkal can conduct a wide range of special operations, including reconnaissance and information gathering on the battlefield, combating terrorism, carrying out special operations behind enemy lines, releasing hostages, etc. Over the last 50 years of its existence, the detachment has taken part in more than than 1000 operations, including 200 outside Israel.
Navy SEAL, USA
Second place in the list of the best special forces units in the world is occupied by the Navy SEAL or “Navy Seals” - a special forces unit of the US Navy, formed in 1962. The main task of the detachment is reconnaissance, sabotage operations and hostage rescue. They took part in all US military operations without exception (the war in Afghanistan, Iraq, etc.).
SAS, UK
The best special forces in the world is the SAS - special forces armed forces UK, founded May 31, 1950. Served as a model for special forces units in many other countries. The main tasks of the detachment are to conduct anti-terrorist operations, free hostages, train special forces soldiers from other countries, etc. The detachment gained fame and recognition throughout the world in 1980 after the successful storming of the Iranian embassy in London and the rescue of hostages.
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A special forces unit is a unique branch of the military or police, designed to fight and destroy terrorist groups, conduct special operations, organize guerrilla warfare, acts of sabotage deep behind enemy lines and performing other complex combat missions. The personnel of these troops have high combat, fire, physical and psychological training, whose task is to solve specific combat missions by forceful methods in extremely extreme conditions using special tactics and means. Below is a list of the best special forces units in the world. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the ranking of the best intelligence services in the world.
10 Marcos, India
Marcos is an elite special forces member of the Indian Navy. It was created in February 1987 to conduct special operations such as unconventional warfare, hostage rescue at sea, counter-terrorism at sea, reconnaissance, etc. The Marcos unit is capable of conducting operations in all types of terrain, but specializes specifically in marine. Currently it has about two thousand personnel, although the real number of the detachment is classified.
9 GIS, Italy
In ninth place in the ranking of the best special forces units is GIS - a special forces unit formed on February 6, 1978 to combat the growing threat of terrorism. Nowadays he specializes in counter-terrorism operations and hostage rescue.
8 SSG, Pakistan
The eighth place in the list of the best special forces units in the world is occupied by the SSG - the Pakistani army special forces, founded in 1956. It is analogous to the American Green Berets and the British SAS. They took part in the Afghan War (1979–1989) on the side of the Mujahideen. Today, the detachment is actively involved in anti-terrorist operations in Pakistan. The official number is 2,100 fighters.
7 EKO Cobra, Austria
EKO Cobra is an anti-terrorism unit created in 1978, initially to protect Jewish immigrants from attacks by Palestinian militant groups, and also in response to the terrorist attack at the 1972 Munich Olympics, where 11 members of the Israeli team were killed by terrorists. As of 2013, the unit has approximately 670 members, including two women.
6 Alpha, Russia
Alpha is a special unit formed on July 29, 1974 in the USSR on the initiative of the KGB (continues its activities in Russia) to conduct counter-terrorism special operations using special tactics and means. Nowadays, the main tasks of the detachment are to prevent terrorist acts, search for, neutralize terrorists, release hostages, etc. In the days of the former Soviet Union, they actively participated in pacifying unrest in prisons and correctional camps.
5 GIGN, France
GIGN is an elite anti-terrorist unit of the French gendarmerie, created in 1973 after the events that occurred at the Munich Olympics in 1972. The main tasks of the unit are to fight terrorism, suppress uprisings in prisons, neutralize dangerous criminals and free hostages. During its existence, the fighters of the GIGN unit took part in about 1000 operations, freed approximately 500 hostages, arrested 1000 and killed hundreds of criminals, while losing only two fighters directly during operations and seven during exercises. The number of the unit is 380 people.
4 GSG 9, Germany
GSG 9 is a special unit created in September 1973 with the aim of suppressing terrorist activities in Germany after the terrorist attack that occurred at the Munich Olympics. The main tasks of the unit are the fight against terrorism, the release of hostages, the protection of important persons and territories, conducting sniper operations, etc. The number of the detachment is 300 people. From the beginning of its existence to 2003, more than 1,500 successful operations were carried out.
3 Sayeret Matkal, Israel
Sayeret Matkal or "Detachment 269" is a special forces unit of the Israeli army, formed on the model of the British SAS in 1957 by officer Abraham Arnan. Sayeret Matkal can conduct a wide range of special operations, including reconnaissance and information gathering on the battlefield, combating terrorism, carrying out special operations behind enemy lines, releasing hostages, etc. Over the last 50 years of its existence, the detachment has taken part in more than than 1000 operations, including 200 outside Israel.
2 Navy SEAL, USA
Second place in the list of the best special forces units in the world is occupied by the Navy SEAL or “Navy Seals” - a special forces unit of the US Navy, formed in 1962. The main task of the detachment is reconnaissance, sabotage operations and hostage rescue. They took part in all US military operations without exception (the war in Afghanistan, Iraq, etc.).
1 SAS, UK
The best special forces in the world is the SAS - a special unit of the British Armed Forces, founded on May 31, 1950. Served as a model for special forces units in many other countries. The main tasks of the detachment are to conduct anti-terrorist operations, free hostages, train special forces soldiers from other countries, etc. The detachment gained fame and recognition throughout the world in 1980 after the successful storming of the Iranian embassy in London and the rescue of hostages.
Special forces units(SpN), (commando, special forces, English special forces) - specially trained units of state intelligence and counterintelligence services, army, aviation, navy, security of senior state officials and police (militia), whose personnel have high combat, fire, physical and psychological training, whose task is to solve specific combat missions in extremely extreme conditions.
RUSSIA
In the photo: airborne troops
Special forces of the GRU of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Russian Federation
Special units of the SVR
Airborne troops Russia
Russian Marine Corps
Special forces of the border troops of the FSB of Russia
Special forces of the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
The tasks of the center and detachments include carrying out anti-terrorist measures in the operational service area, searching for and eliminating illegal armed groups, eliminating riots, detention of especially dangerous criminals, release of hostages.
Police special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs
Special forces of the Federal Penitentiary Service
Special forces Federal service execution of punishments. Currently they are called “Special Purpose Departments”. The task of the unit includes the prevention and suppression of crimes and offenses at the facilities of the Federal Penitentiary Service, the search and capture of especially dangerous criminals, ensuring security at special events, the release of hostages taken by convicted prisoners, as well as the protection of senior officials of the department.
Special forces of the Ministry of Emergency Situations
In the photo: soldiers of the SEAL unit (Navy Seals)
The US Armed Forces operate the US Special Operations Command, which includes the United States Special Operations Forces. A common mistake is to call the SOF “US Special Forces,” which is incorrect, since only the Green Berets are “special forces.”
ISRAEL
In the photo: fighters of the anti-terrorist unit “Shayetet 13”
Israeli Navy Special Forces
Special Forces Mossad
Israel Police Special Forces
Others
FRANCE
In the photo: fighters of the anti-terrorism unit “GIGN”
Special Operations Command (General Commandant les Operations Speciales (GCOS)
Unites under its command all units and formations available in the armed forces intended for conducting reconnaissance deep behind enemy lines, as well as carrying out sabotage actions and other special measures, and units supporting their activities. Tasks - Providing military assistance, which consists of training foreign military personnel, mainly African states that have entered into an agreement with France on military assistance, conducting military support operations - consists of using the experience of conducting deep raids on enemy territory, the fight against terrorism, influence operations involve conducting psychological operations.
GCOS includes:
Units of the Separate Special Command (GSA) - Groupment special autonome:
1st company is intended to conduct operations outside the city, crossing water barriers and protecting and escorting especially important persons. The 2nd company specializes in operations in urban areas, sabotage and sniping. In addition, company soldiers are trained in the use of mine explosives, and also practice “breaking and entering” techniques. The 3rd company provides fire support with heavy mortar fire, air defense, and also conducts reconnaissance on light all-terrain vehicles.
Air Force special forces. These include:
Special Forces ground forces France
French Navy Special Forces
Traditionally, special forces of the French Navy are named after officers former first commanders.
The five remaining squads are the French equivalent of the British SBS - Special boat squodron and American SEALs. However, the Hubert detachment stands out from general list. It is fully staffed with combat swimmers.
Special forces of the French gendarmerie
Since the mid-20th century in the armed forces different countries Special anti-terrorist units for special purposes began to appear. Today they exist in more than 50 countries. We will tell you about the most famous and powerful of them.
Great Britain
"22 Special Airborne Service Regiment" (SAS-22). Formed during the Second World War. In terms of combat training, it is comparable only with the Israeli counter-terrorist units, but surpasses them in weapons. According to some sources, 500 people serve within the unit. Despite strict secrecy, he pays a lot of attention to creating publicity. The most successful operations were actions against the IRA in Ireland, Holland, and Germany. Participated in thousands of operations from the Sahara to Malaysia. The most famous operation is the release of hostages at the Iranian embassy in London. Over the entire history of its existence, several dozen employees died in Northern Ireland and in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.
Germany
"Federal Border Protection Group" (GSG-9). Created after the Munich tragedy during the 1976 Olympics. This was the group's first operation. Then one of the television journalists installed a television camera in the house opposite the building with the hostages and terrorists, and the terrorists watched all the preparations of “GSG” in live. More such incidents did not happen to German militants. Today, this group not only fights terrorists, but also provides security for German diplomats during trips to the Near and Middle East. Helps German counterintelligence by organizing surveillance of terrorists. The number is about 200 people. There are no women in the unit, but sometimes the group uses German counterintelligence employees. Over the entire period of its existence, more than 5 thousand operations have been performed. Ten members died at the hands of terrorists. The most famous operation is the October 1977 Mogadishu (Somalia) liberation of a plane hijacked by Arab terrorists with more than 100 hostages. The German service was invited to eliminate the terrorists also because the terrorists demanded the release from German prisons of the leaders of the Red Army Faction, a German left-wing radical group, the war against which GSG considered its main business in the 70s. Failures - 1994, the murder of Wolfgang Grams, a member of the Red Army Faction. During the capture of RAF leaders Grams and Brigitte Hogefeld on the subway platform, one of the special squad members was killed in a shootout. And then Grams was shot at point-blank range. Moreover, passers-by testified as follows: When the firefight ended, two GSG officers leaned over the wounded Grams and shot him with his own pistol.
France
"Group of Intervention of the National Gendarmerie" (GIGN). Created in March 1974 to combat Arab terrorism in France. At first it consisted of 15 volunteer gendarmes. Today the group numbers 200 people. Over the entire period of its existence, they saved about 500 people and carried out about 100 anti-terrorist operations. Ten soldiers of the unit were killed. The most successful operation was the rescue of 18 hostages from a plane in Marseille, hijacked by terrorists in 1994. GIGN fighters became famous during the suppression of a prisoner riot in French prison Clairvaux in January 1978, in the liberation of the main Muslim shrine of the Kaaba in Mecca (Saudi Arabia) from armed fanatics in September 1979, in the operation to restore order on the island New Caledonia during the Kanak Native uprising in May 1988.
Austria
"Cobra", an anti-terrorist unit of the Austrian police. Formed in 1978. Number of people: 200 people. The Austrian authorities decided to create their own anti-terrorist unit after ministers participating in the OPEC congress were attacked by terrorists in 1973. In 1978, the Austrian authorities officially announced the creation of Cobra. The unit is subordinate to the Director General of Public Security under the Austrian Ministry of Internal Affairs. In addition to anti-terrorist activities, Cobra is responsible for the security of Vienna Schwekat Airport. The militants are armed with 9mm French pistols. According to experts, this weapon is most suitable for anti-terrorist operations. So far, not a single member of Cobra has died. Therefore, the Austrian unit is considered one of the best anti-terrorist groups.
Israel
"Intelligence Group of the General Staff of the Ministry of Defense" (Sayeret Matkal). Created in 1957 as a special intelligence unit, in 1968 it switched to anti-terrorism activities. The number is unknown, but it is known that the soldiers are extremely young (from 18 to 21 years old). For every hundred terrorists killed, one unit soldier is killed. Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and current head of government Ehud Barak once served in the detachment. The group took part in more than a thousand actions. Considered the best counter-terrorism unit in the world. The most famous operation was in July 1976, the release of 103 hostages in Antebbe.
“Flying Leopards” (“Saeret Golani”). An infantry unit, which is also called the “Flying Leopards” because of its identification marks. It was formed in 1959 from best soldiers elite infantry brigade "Golani". Until 1974, they were considered an anti-terrorist unit, while special training the fighters did not pass, preferring simple army methods. Hence their biggest failure. In May 1974, three Arab terrorists seized a school in the northern Israeli town of Ma'alot. The unit's fighters literally riddled two terrorists with bullets, simultaneously killing 25 schoolchildren and wounding 100 more. It was after this failure that Saeret Golani began to be trained in special anti-terrorist methods.
"YAMAM" is a unit of the Israeli police. The number is about 200 people. Performs up to 200 operations annually. Today there are two women in the group. Created in 1974 as a special service responsible for anti-terrorist actions exclusively within Israel. One of their first operations to free a bus with hostages, seized in 1977 near Tel Aviv, ended in complete failure. During the operation, 33 hostages died and more than 70 were injured. There have been no more hostage losses since 1978. 20 officers of the unit were killed.
Jordan
"Special Operations Squad-71". Created in 1971. The number is about 150 people. It is fighting Islamic terrorists and drug smugglers. Members of the unit underwent special training under the guidance of the Americans and the British. There were no deaths of hostages, but there were losses among members of the unit. The most famous operation was the one that prevented PLO terrorists from seizing the Intercontinental Hotel in Amman in 1970.
USA
Delta Squad. Operational detachment of special forces of the American army. Created in 1976. Moreover, at first it was planned to create anti-terrorism groups in the United States on the basis of the Green Berets, but the high command of the US Armed Forces decided to create new forces. Therefore, to this day, Delta is in a tough confrontation with the US Marines. Based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. At one time they were the favorites of American President Ronald Reagan. The main anti-terrorist unit of the United States, created in the mid-70s. Engaged in the release of American hostages abroad. The number is about 500 people. There are two women. During its existence, it took part in hundreds of secret operations around the world. Including the war in Panama and Grenada. The most successful operation was the action against Iraq during the Gulf War. Most major failure- attempt to free hostages at the US Embassy in Tehran in 1980. During the assault attempt, the Americans accidentally set fire to a helicopter, a plane, a fuel depot and a bus, and the Delta militants retreated in panic. 53 hostages remained in the embassy for 444 days and were released only through negotiations.
NYPD Emergency Service Unit (ESU). The number is about 400 people, about a dozen of them are women. They are equipped with heavy weapons and have cover groups. We rescued about 500 hostages and lost about three dozen of our fighters. The most major operation-protection of the Pope during his visit to the USA in October 1995. This structure, reminiscent of a small army, participates in an average of 2.5 thousand operations per year
"Los Angeles Police Department" (SWAT). Created after youth unrest in the United States in 1965. An elite unit used both within the country and abroad. Number of members: 70 people, one of them is a woman. They are known for their fight against the US terrorist organization “Black Panthers”, for the liquidation of the kidnappers of the daughter of newspaper magnate Hearst. During its entire existence, the detachment freed more than a hundred hostages, and not a single one of them died. But about a dozen officers died in the unit itself.
Russia
Directorate "A" of the Special Purpose Center of the FSB of Russia ( Former group"Alpha"). The idea of creating a special unit to combat terrorism within the USSR belongs to Yuri Andropov (At first it was Detachment 7 of the KGB “Alpha” Directorate, created in 1974. At that time there were only 40 “Alfovites” - officers and warrant officers from among the KGB employees of Moscow and the Moscow region). Number of people: 200 people. Over the 25 years of their work, Alpha fighters have freed a total of more than a thousand hostages captured by terrorists in Tbilisi, Mineralnye Vody, Sukhumi, Sarapul. The biggest failure was the unsuccessful operation in Budennovsk, when Alpha was ready to carry out an assault on Basayev’s group, but received an order to retreat. During its entire existence, Alpha lost 10 fighters, three of them died in Budennovsk.
Directorate "B" of the FSB Special Forces Center (Former group "Vympel"). In 1981, under the control of “S” (illegal intelligence) of the First Main Directorate of the KGB of the USSR, the Vympel group was created. Its status formally sounded like a “separate training center of the KGB of the USSR,” But in fact, it is assumed that the group was intended for reconnaissance and sabotage activities outside the country. At first there were only 300 people in the group, but very quickly it became one of the best units special forces in the world. The group did not have any high-profile failures. Information about successful operations is still almost not disclosed. It is known that once during an exercise, Vympel scuba divers from under the ice attacked and captured the nuclear icebreaker "Sibir". The Vympel unit went on operations to Afghanistan, Mozambique, Angola, Vietnam, Nicaragua. In 1994, within the FSB, the Vympel group turned into the “B” (Vega) division.
Story modern forces special purpose in our country began relatively recently - in fact, the starting point can be considered the moment of the emergence of the Russian Federation itself. Numerous detachments assigned to the KGB and GRU were scattered into new units, and several new elite groups were formed, which immediately had to deal with the legacy of the collapsed empire. Despite the mortal danger that awaits each of the special forces fighters, many people dream of getting here, but only a few are able to pass the most severe selection.
Alpha Squad
The name “Alpha” was invented by journalists eager for catchy words, who slightly embellished the bureaucratically dry Directorate “A”. The fighters of this detachment are working on conducting counter-terrorism operations - we can say that this is the first level of protecting the country from the threat of world terrorism. The Alpha division is rightfully considered the elite Russian special forces and is highly rated internationally.
Squad "Vympel"
This is one of the oldest special forces in our country. The Vympel group was formed under the KGB of the USSR: with the collapse of the country, the sign was changed (now it is the Special Purpose Center of the FSB of Russia), but the structure remained the same. Vympel fighters are considered external agents - they are used for targeted operations outside of Russia.
OSN "Vulcan"
It is enough to look at the place of permanent deployment of this special unit to roughly imagine the level of training of the fighters. OSN "Vulcan" is based in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic of the Southern Federal District - these guys took part in the first Chechen war, and in subsequent counter-terrorism operations. Not only fire training is valued here: in order to get into Vulcan, the applicant will have to undergo serious engineering, technical, topographical and medical testing.
Squad "Ratnik"
Ratnik contract soldiers are tested for the right to wear a maroon beret as a monthly practice. The fight against organized criminal groups and terrorist gangs rests on their shoulders. It is the “warriors” who are trusted to ensure the security of senior officials of the Russian Federation.
PDSS
The abbreviation stands for “Underwater sabotage forces and means.” Roughly speaking, PDSS is an analogue of the American “ fur seals", with great adjustments to the harsh Russian realities. A candidate for combat swimmers undergoes a rigorous, months-long selection process, during which physical and psychological stress reaches the limit. PDSS units are on duty at all Russian naval bases and carry out targeted missions outside the country.