The operational and service activities of special forces units (SPU) in the structure of the internal troops require an instant response to destabilization of the situation in places of deprivation of liberty or when hostages are taken. Unlike regular army units, these formations are focused on working in dense urban areas, inside administrative buildings and in close proximity to the civilian population, which dictates special requirements for combat tactics and legal regulation of the use of force.
Activities of groups such as "Rosich", "Granite" or legendary "Sobrya", is based on a rigid vertical command and the highest level of physical and psychological training of fighters. The main difference is the priority of minimizing casualties among hostages and institutional personnel, which often requires assault operations using non-lethal means and special equipment.
Currently, after the 2016 reform, the functionality and staffing levels of these divisions have been integrated into the structure Russian National Guard, however, their specificity as an elite component of security forces capable of solving counter-terrorism tasks within the country has remained unchanged. Understanding how these forces operate is essential to analyzing the modern national security system.
Historical context and evolution of special forces
The history of the creation of specialized groups within the internal troops dates back to the late 1960s, when it was necessary to allocate separate units to suppress particularly dangerous crimes and riots in correctional institutions. Initially, specialized motorcycle maneuvering groups were created, which gradually transformed into full-fledged special forces (OSN). The evolution went from simple security functions to complex assault operations.
A key stage was the creation of the Cobalt detachment in the 1970s, which became the forerunner of many modern structures. In subsequent decades, especially during the 1990s, tasks expanded to include participation in counter-terrorism operations in the North Caucasus. The fighters of these units practiced tactics for storming buildings, freeing hostages and neutralizing illegal armed groups in real combat conditions.
⚠️ Attention: Historical data on the strength and deployment of some units from the times of the USSR and the early Russian Federation may be declassified and may not always coincide with the current organizational structure.
The 2016 reorganization, which transferred the internal troops to the status of national guard troops, did not eliminate the need for such forces, but only modernized them. Modern units such as "Granite" (St. Petersburg) or "Pendant" (Nizhny Novgorod), continue the traditions of their predecessors, possessing an updated arsenal and tactics.
Organizational structure and location
The modern structure of special forces units is built on a territorial principle, covering all federal districts. Each district has its own central detachment, which coordinates the actions of regional groups. Such a network allows for the rapid deployment of forces anywhere in the country in the event of an emergency.
A typical detachment includes several key elements: reconnaissance and assault groups, sniper pairs, communications and engineering support groups, as well as canine teams. Occupies a special place air support, which allows capture teams to be delivered directly to the operation site, bypassing ground checkpoints.
Below is a table of the main special forces units operating in various regions, indicating their conventional names and areas of responsibility:
| Region/District | Squad name | Deployment base | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moscow region | "Rosich" | Balashikha | Counter-terrorism, assault |
| Saint Petersburg | "Granite" | Saint Petersburg | OO defense, assault |
| Siberian Federal District | "Taiga" | Novosibirsk | Law enforcement, search |
| North Caucasian | "Flame" | Maykop | Anti-terrorism, intelligence |
| Far Eastern | "Ussuri" | Khabarovsk | Border security, assault |
Each unit is staffed by personnel who have passed the most rigorous selection process. Candidates They are tested not only for physical endurance, but also for resistance to stress, the ability to work in a team and mastery of complex technical equipment. Discipline within the units is maintained at a level exceeding standard army requirements.
Performance characteristics and equipment
The equipment of special forces units is constantly being modernized. The basis of the arsenal is made up of domestically produced small arms: machine guns AK-74M, AK-12, small-sized machines AKS-74U for indoor work, as well as sniper systems SV-98 and Vintorez. Particular attention is paid to silent weapons for covert operations.
Personal protective equipment includes high-class body armor (often class 6), ballistic helmets with the ability to mount night vision devices and active headphones for communication. Heavy weapons are used for assault operations. protective kits (assault shields, combat suits), allowing them to withstand direct hits from bullets and shrapnel.
☑️ Criteria for readiness of a PsP fighter
Technical equipment also includes reconnaissance and surveillance equipment: thermal imagers, night vision devices, miniature cameras for inspecting premises, robotic systems for clearing mines or inspecting suspicious objects. Communication is provided by secure digital radio stations operating in various frequency ranges.
An important element is transportation. The groups use special equipment: armored vehicles "Tiger", "Typhoon", as well as specialized assault vehicles with enhanced armor protection and ramming devices. This allows personnel to be quickly and safely delivered to the operation site.
Legal basis for the use of force and special means
The activities of special forces units are strictly regulated by federal legislation, in particular the Federal Law “On the Troops of the National Guard of the Russian Federation” and the Federal Law “On the Police”. The use of physical force, special means and firearms is permissible only in clearly defined cases, such as suppressing a terrorist act, freeing hostages or detaining persons offering armed resistance.
Each case of use of weapons is subject to mandatory verification and documentation. A fighter is obliged to warn of his intention to use a weapon, unless this creates a threat to the lives of citizens or leads to more serious consequences. However, in a real assault operation, when seconds count, the decision is made by the group commander based on the situation.
⚠️ Attention: Exceeding official authority or unreasonable use of force by special forces officers entails criminal liability in accordance with the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
The legal status of a special forces soldier gives him special rights, but also imposes increased responsibility. Immunity from liability is granted only in case of actions in a state of extreme necessity or reasonable risk in the performance of official duty. Knowledge of legal regulations is as important a part of training as fire training.
Personnel training and standards
The system for training candidates for special forces units is considered one of the most stringent in law enforcement agencies. The selection is carried out in several stages: medical examination, physical fitness testing, tests for psychological stability and professional suitability. The dropout rate at the initial stages can reach 70-80%.
The basic training course (young fighter course and specialized course) lasts several months and includes:
- 🏋️♂️ GPP: cross-country courses with a load, hand-to-hand combat, overcoming obstacle courses, swimming in full equipment.
- 🔫 Fire training: shooting day and night, on the move, from various positions, using non-lethal weapons.
- 🚁 Tactical and special training: storming buildings, working in teams, landing, mine-explosive business.
- 🧠 Psychological preparation: trainings on stress resistance, decision making in extreme conditions.
Special Forces Survival Secrets
Fighters use special breathing techniques to control their heart rate in stressful situations, which allows them to maintain composure and shooting accuracy even when adrenaline levels are high.
Constant combat training never stops. Joint exercises are regularly held with units of the FSB, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Interaction skills are honed, new tactical schemes are developed, and familiarization with the latest types of equipment and weapons is achieved. Professionalism A fighter is determined by his ability to perform tasks in any, even the most unfavorable conditions.
Specifics of operations in urban and institutional settings
The uniqueness of the work of internal special forces troops lies in the specificity of the objects. Often operations take place in correctional colonies, pre-trial detention centers or psychiatric hospitals. This requires a special approach: knowledge of the layout, taking into account the presence of a large number of people (prisoners, patients), the presence of weapons from potential opponents (sharpenings, homemade weapons).
When working in urban conditions (CQB - Close Quarters Battle), the priority is speed and surprise. Tactics of “dynamic entry”, clearing premises by sector, and the use of flash-noise grenades and gas weapons are used. Intelligence plays a vital role: obtaining accurate data on the number of criminals, whether they have weapons and the location of hostages before the start of the active phase.
The key principle of the assault: surprise and concentration of forces on the main direction make it possible to neutralize the enemy before he realizes what is happening.
Particular attention is paid to working with non-standard situations: hijacking buses with passengers, hijacking planes, actions in shopping centers. For each type of object, there are developed action algorithms that are brought to automaticity. Coordination with the outside perimeter and first responders (ambulance, fire) is also a critical element of success.
⚠️ Attention: Any information about the tactics of specific operations and the technical means used is often a state secret or restricted information.
Development prospects and modernization
In modern conditions, threats are transforming, and special forces units are forced to adapt. The emphasis is shifting to the fight against international terrorism, extremist cells and cybercrime, which has a physical embodiment. New technologies are being introduced: drones for reconnaissance, augmented reality systems for navigation in buildings, biometric control.
Interaction with similar departments of partner countries is developing, and experience is being exchanged. The main goal of modernization remains to maintain a high level of readiness to perform tasks of any complexity in the shortest possible time. The future belongs to multifunctional fighters who master not only weapons, but also negotiation skills, first aid and working with complex electronics.
The effectiveness of special forces depends not so much on the amount of equipment, but on the quality of training of each fighter and the coherence of the actions of the entire team.
Thus, internal special forces remain one of the key instruments for ensuring the internal security of the state. Their role in preventing and suppressing serious crimes, as well as in stabilizing the situation in critical situations, cannot be overestimated. Constant development and improvement of tactics allows these units to remain at the forefront of the fight against modern challenges.
What is the main task of special forces units of internal troops?
The main task is to suppress riots, release hostages, neutralize terrorist threats and ensure security in places of detention, as well as participation in counter-terrorism operations on the territory of the Russian Federation.
What is the difference between the special forces of the internal troops and the special forces of the GRU or FSB?
The special forces of the internal troops (now the Russian Guard) specialize in internal security, working with riots in colonies and riots. The GRU special forces (Special Operations Forces) are focused on operations behind enemy lines and sabotage, and the FSB special forces (for example, Alpha) are primarily engaged in the release of hostages and the fight against international terrorism, although their areas of activity often overlap.
What are the requirements for candidates for special forces?
Candidates must have a higher or secondary vocational education, an impeccable biography, excellent physical health, high psychological stability and experience in the army or law enforcement agencies. It is mandatory to undergo a rigorous selection process and special training courses.
Do special forces soldiers use non-lethal weapons?
Yes, special means are actively used: rubber bullets, gas cannons, electric shock devices, flash-noise grenades and water cannons. This makes it possible to minimize casualties when dispersing illegal groups or pacifying rebels.