Special forces combat equipment. Special Forces suits The uniform of the special forces of the USSR

What does the Military Pathfinder EDC* contain?

John Hurt of the TYR Group talks about his gear.

*EDC=

A reconnaissance squad should travel as lightly as possible, but everyone in it carries the right equipment to survive on the battlefield. In order for the "pathfinder" and his team to successfully complete their combat mission, mobility becomes a key factor. The scout's ability to react to the enemy is reduced when he is weighed down with a heavy load that causes physical/mental fatigue and puts the "tracker" in danger, if necessary, quickly react to contact with the enemy.

The Pathfinder's combat load is critical when it comes to working, fighting and surviving in the environment that surrounds him. He cannot count on a general set for all possible accidents or combat missions, its "offload" should be based on its specific mission and ability to remain mobile but maintain combat effectiveness. When choosing equipment, it is necessary to choose those elements that are light and multifunctional. The combat load should be light so that the "tracker" remains alert, agile and cautious.

Equipment required for a mission falls into 3 categories:

Level 1: Describes uniforms and items for personal use. These are uniform elements, boots, belt, tokens, compass, harness and any other survival items carried by the fighter personally.

Level 2: Describes the payload carried by the Pathfinder, which must not exceed 48 pounds. This is the personal weapons of the scout, ammunition and equipment for carrying it.

Level 3: Describes sustained payload for sustained operations not to exceed 72 pounds (including combat load).

Level 1

1. Camouflage jacket. Must have a 1-inch panel for an infrared identification tag "friend or foe" (hereinafter referred to as the "IFF tag").

2. Camouflage headdress. The IFF tag is placed on the top of the headgear to make it easier to identify the fighter from the air.

3. Signaling devices. The Phoenix IR-15 is a programmable transmitter with a 9V battery for marking one's position at night and a 10*10 inch signal fabric panel cut from VS-17 canvas. This panel is used as a signal recognition device to communicate with other ground elements of the group.

4. Identification Tags.

5. Signal device SAR Eclipse. SAR offers a very compact device that has been tested and validated over 10 miles in sunlight.

6. INOVA Microlight. This small flashing beacon operates in white, green, blue and red and is ideal for signaling or checking maps at night.

7. Signal Mirror. In addition to the fact that with the help of a signal mirror you can give signals, apply disguise to your face or shave - this is also good way light control to see details or traces.

8. Whistle. The whistle is very handy when you have to relay commands to other friendly party members while firing.

9. Magnetic compass. While GPS is an important piece of equipment, it will never take the place of a good compass.

10. Camouflage pants.

11. Trouser belt.

12. Lighter.

13. Notepad. This notebook contains information obtained during the mission, along with a map of the area.

14. Map, protractor and pencil.

15. Field repair kit. To quickly restore the uniform in case of damage (patches, fastex, etc. - approx. per.)

16. Diet. Must contain high energy foods.

17. Shoes.

Level 2

1. Unloading system (Load Bearing Equipment, LBE). In this case, it is MAV Tactical Tailor, with a split front panel.

3. Stores. In the "unloading" should be only the main ammunition - no more.

4. Insulating tape. For connecting various parts in the field.

5. Colored electrical tape. For marking on the last known sign.

6. GPS. The GPS is an important piece of equipment that can track a squad's route and give an accurate location. However, I wouldn't rely heavily on battery technology. If you are unable to locate your location, keep GPS turned off to save battery life.

7. Flashing light with IR attachment. To signal friendly forces.

8. Multitool. They are great for small repairs and usually have a knife, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, a can opener and pliers.

9. Spare batteries. In an amount sufficient for all your equipment for the period of operation. When choosing equipment, be guided by equipment that requires the same type of battery as you have. AA batteries are compact, and besides that, they can be found anywhere in the world.

10. Gun oil and brush. A bottle of oil to protect and lubricate gear is essential in any environment. The shaving brush is also useful when cleaning equipment from dust and debris.

11. Ruler (measuring device). For taking measurements or showing scale when shooting.

12. Headlamp. A good thing in moments when you need to keep both hands free - for example, searching a prisoner.

13. 550 paracord. 25-30 feet (~7-9 meters) of paracord can be used to repair, tie or fasten various items.

14. Knife sharpener. It is very important, as a dull knife is of no use.

15. Camouflage Face Paint.

16. Water bottles.

17. Knife. Multipurpose knife, with a blade at least 6 inches long The knife must be heavy, sharp, and versatile enough to be used for housing, various survival tasks, or combat use. The knife in the photo above is the result joint development author and knifemaker Jeff Crowner.

18. Smoke grenade. For camouflage or signaling.

19. Frag grenade. At least 2 fragmentation grenades take with them on patrol.

20. Individual first aid kit. This kit provides the necessary gear to help yourself or a comrade and addresses the two main causes of death on the battlefield, limb hemorrhage and airway obstruction. The kit linked above includes: tourniquet, 2 elastic bandages, 4-1/2" gauze bandages, adhesive tape, nasopharyngeal catheter, 4 pairs of sterile gloves, 2 Pri-Med gauze bandages, EMS scissors, kerchief bandage, and cleaning tablets water.

21. Protective Gloves. Used to mask and protect hands from cuts.

22. Mag-Lite flashlight / Blast Match lighter. Mag-Lite is essential for reconnaissance at night. Blast Match is another great all-weather survival tool that can be used one-handed in case of injury.

23. Rifle. The rifle is issued. Contrary to popular belief, soldiers and law enforcement do not choose their weapon system or weapon caliber. No matter what type of weapon is issued to him, the operator must be an expert in their use.

24. Weapon Accessories. optical sights or collimators may be required for the mission depending on the METT-T. Besides, laser pointer/ underbarrel flashlight would be nice to have for operations at night.

Level 3

1. Backpack. This is the piece of equipment in which the "tracker" carries all his equipment on long exits. The size of the backpack is dictated by the amount of supplies needed by the fighter for all the time when supplies from outside are not possible. Estimated time for surgery, relief and weather in which to work - all these factors should be considered by the "pathfinder" when collecting a backpack.

2. Dry rations. It is necessary to have a supply of 48-72 hours minimum.

3. 3 liter hydrator. The scout needs enough water to stay in line for the duration of the operation, or until a suitable source of water is found (or a supply is obtained). Water is consumed from the hydrator first. If for any reason the hydrator was dropped during an operation - a fighter should always have a full flask on his LBE.

4. CAT PAWS Carlton ("cat's paws"). CAT Paws are a great item for a tracker to cover their tracks.

5. Cape VIPER. The VIPER camouflage hood breaks the visual silhouette human head and shoulders. best side VIPER is that he performs his functions without blocking access to equipment, and without preventing the fighter from getting to the pockets on his LBE.

6. Large trash bag. For waterproofing or for storing debris during surgery.

7. A set for cleaning weapons. This kit should be able to support your weapon in the field. At a minimum, the kit should contain a collapsible ramrod with various attachments (bristle brush, vishers, etc.), a flathead screwdriver, rivets, grease, an optics brush and a universal brush.

8. Night vision device. The device will be required when carrying out operations at night.

9. Spare Magazines. Three additional equipped magazines.

10. Binoculars. Should be used whenever possible to detect an enemy from a distance. It also provides a wider field of view than a monocular or telescopic sight.

11. VS-17 Panel. The VS17 can be placed on the ground to locate troops from a friendly aircraft or determine where assistance is needed.

12. E-Tool. The E-Tool is a lightweight, collapsible shovel that can be used for digging or slicing.

13. Hammock. Depending on the operational environment, a hammock can be essential for staying dry while sleeping at night.

14. Repair kit for uniforms and equipment. It should include thread, needles and pins.

15. Personal hygiene kit. Minimal hygiene items such as nail clippers, toothbrush, toothpaste and a small wash cloth.

16. Compression or waterproof bag.

17. Tent-basha. It should be large enough to hide the fighter, or be used as a makeshift stretcher to transport the casualty.

18. Bedding. Depending on conditions, it can range from padded sleeping bags for extreme temperatures, to poncho liners for more tropical climates.

19. Gore-Tex bivy bag. The bivy provides a waterproof, breathable cover that keeps out wind, snow and rain.

20. Elastic cords (ties). For quick packing of items such as an awning.

21. 550 paracord. 25-30 feet (~7-9 meters) of paracord can be used to repair, tie or fasten various items.

22. Spare socks. Foot control is a must! Dry, clean socks will help prevent blisters, calluses, and fungus.

Again, when deciding on gear, choose items that are lightweight and versatile. The combat load should be light so that the "tracker" remains alert, agile and cautious.

Note from the editor-in-chief of It's Tactical: John (John Hurth) is a retired American special forces officer who was assigned to the 1st SOF Group based at Fort Lewis, Washington. During his service, he took part in several missions abroad, which included two military campaigns in support of the global war on terror. He now draws on his many years of experience as the owner and lead instructor of the TYR Group, where he and his staff provide training in various methods tracking.

If for a civilian a beret is an ordinary headdress, which, in principle, is more popular among women, then for military personnel it is not just component uniforms, as a symbol. Currently, each branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation has its own beret. Hats differ not only in color, but also in the rule and the right to wear it. Therefore, not everyone knows how it differs, for example, in taking the GRU special forces from the headdress of the marines.

The first mention of an army headdress

The very first army berets appeared at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries in England and Scotland. Then the warriors wear special caps that look like berets. However, the mass distribution of such a headdress began only during the First World War. The first who began to wear them were the soldiers of the tank and mechanized units of the French army.

Further, the baton for the introduction of such an element of clothing was the UK. With the advent of tanks, the question arose of what to wear to the tanker, because the helmet was very uncomfortable, and the cap was too bulky. Therefore, it was decided to introduce a black beret. The color was chosen on the basis that the tankers are constantly working and are near the equipment, and soot and oil are not visible on the black color.

The appearance of a beret in the army

During the Second World War, such hats became even more popular, especially among the Allied forces. Force soldiers special purpose The United States noted such conveniences of these hats:

• First of all, they hid their hair well;
• Dark colors were not visible in the dark;
• The berets were warm enough;
• He could wear a helmet or a helmet.

Accordingly, some types and types of troops in Great Britain and the United States adopted a headdress as one of the main elements of uniforms. IN Soviet army this element of clothing began to appear already in the early sixties, as the head attribute of the landing and special forces. Since then, the rules and wearing of such hats have not changed much.

Which one does the special forces take?

At the end of the 20th century, berets became an integral part of the daily and dress uniforms of the armies of many countries. Almost every defense-capable state has elite special units, which have their own unique headdress:

1. The mountain infantry detachments of the French armed forces, the Alpine Chasseurs, wear a dark blue beret of a sufficiently large diameter.
2. The elite Foreign Legion is characterized by light green robes.
3. French naval special forces are distinguished by wearing a green beret.
4. German airborne troops and reconnaissance units wear maroon berets, but with different emblems on it.
5. The Royal Netherlands Marines are distinguished by wearing dark blue uniform elements, while the paratroopers are wearing maroon headdresses.
6. British special forces SAS have been wearing beige caps since the mid-forties of the last century, and the marines are green.
7. The US Rangers are recognizable by the same color as the British Special Forces - beige.
8. US Special Forces have been wearing green berets since 1961, earning their nickname.

It can be seen that most of the NATO member countries have an identical color range of hats. As for the shape, it is round for all armies, and differs only in size.

Distribution in the Armed Forces of the USSR

In 1967, an updated uniform was adopted for the Airborne Forces. The famous Soviet artist A.B. Zhuk submitted a proposal to General V.F. Margelov to use crimson caps as an attribute of paratroopers, referring to the use of such caps in other countries of the world. The commander agreed and approved the beret. For privates and sergeants, an emblem in the form of an asterisk was intended, which was attached to the front in the center of the beret, and a blue flag was located on the right, and a cockade was provided for officers.

A year later, a blue beret was adopted for the paratroopers, as the leadership considered that it more symbolizes the color of the sky. Concerning marines, then black was approved for this type of troops. Tankers also used black berets, but not as the main headgear, but during the maintenance and repair of equipment to protect their heads from dirt.

The difference between the uniform of the GRU special forces and the rest of the military branches

Special Forces developed with the Airborne Forces at the same time and due to similar specifics And the use and profile of the tasks of these troops, their uniforms were identical. The special forces soldiers wore exactly the same uniform as the paratroopers. Outwardly, it is very difficult to distinguish who is standing in front of you: a commando or an airborne officer. After all, the color, and the shape, and the cockade itself are the same. However, the GRU had one caveat.

Blue berets and airborne uniform V Soviet time Special Forces soldiers were mostly worn in training units or at the parade. After the training centers, the soldiers were assigned to combat units, which could be carefully disguised as other branches of the military. This was especially true for those who were sent to serve abroad.

Instead of a white and blue vest, beret and lace-up boots, the soldiers were given the usual combined arms uniform, for example, like tankers or signalmen. So you could forget about berets. This was done in order to hide the presence of the special forces from the eyes of the enemy. Thus, for the GRU, the blue beret is a ceremonial headdress and only in those cases when it is allowed to wear it.

The beret of the GRU special forces is not just a type of headdress and an integral part of the uniform, but a symbol of valor and courage, honor and nobility, the right to wear which is not given to every even the most experienced and brave warrior.

Video: how do they pass the standards for a maroon beret?

In this video, Pavel Zelennikov will show how the special forces elite receive an olive and maroon beret:

Fighters prefer non-standard butts, sights, bulletproof vests and boots. Servicemen of special forces units of the Ministry of Defense, internal troops and SOBR of the Special Purpose Center (TsSN) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs agreed to tell the Military Industrial Courier newspaper why American colors are popular in Russian special forces, how effective domestic bulletproof vests and night vision devices are, how they select combat equipment and weapons.

IN last years protagonists of television reports and photographs from North Caucasus became fighters of various special forces units, performing tasks to combat the terrorist underground. On the video and photo chronicles, it is striking that the field uniform, bulletproof vests, communications equipment, etc. of the special forces are different, so to speak, from the world by thread.

IN modern world the segment of private production of tactical equipment and protective equipment is developing very dynamically. Even such well-funded Western divisions as the American Delta, the British SAS and others, buy their favorite products for their money. After all, the success of any operation depends on uniforms, equipment, and even more so weapons. How are things going with the Russian security forces, what problems do you have, what would you like to change?

The flag in the car with the sucker "Spetsnaz GRU and Airborne Forces" will become great gift for both paratroopers and scouts. After all, their functions, goals and methods are so closely intertwined.

Flag in the car with a sucker "Spetsnaz GRU and Airborne Forces"

The formations of the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces in the public mind have long been firmly established as a single entity, the border separating different, in general, departments is often extremely blurred. For the special forces are equally close and landing troops and military intelligence. The second of August for the special forces is the same “red day of the calendar” as the sixth of November, the paratroopers and scouts are united by the flag of the Airborne Forces, blue berets and vests, a really special spirit in these branches of the military.

What do the GRU special forces and the Airborne Forces have in common?

If strictly - in accordance with the existing charter, scheme of functioning armed forces, the existing combat order approved by the Ministry of Defense - consider the organization Special Forces troops, then the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces include formations of different formats. Moreover, part of the special purpose in airborne troops oh, only one is the legendary 45th Guards Reconnaissance Regiment, here, as you can see, without belonging to military intelligence also did not work. Paratroopers from the Kubinka very often conduct joint operations with the troops of the Special Forces of the GRU, the last major military operation special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces - South Ossetia 2008, then 45 ORP worked in the conflict zone together with detachments 22, 10 and 16 ObrSpN.

Separate special-purpose brigades are subordinate to the leadership of the GRU and the military district to which they are assigned; they have no organizational relationship to the airborne troops, which is why the connection between the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces does not become weaker. Back in the middle of the last century, when special forces in the country were just beginning to be created, some identification of the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces appeared. Firstly, conscripts with the mark “fit for service in the Airborne Forces” were called up to the formations of the Special Forces troops that were being created. Secondly, new units were formed primarily on the basis of airborne regiments and separate battalions, airborne officers also took an active part. Finally, the dress uniforms of the GRU and Airborne Special Forces are initially almost identical.

Why does the GRU special forces wear the uniform of the Airborne Forces?

For the Special Forces troops, the very existence of which at that time was a military secret, special shape was not developed, there were no insignia. Veterans say that military personnel of other types of troops during the exercises even mistook mobile groups without identification marks for saboteurs, but the uniform of the Airborne Forces was chosen as the dress code of the GRU special forces - they were most often mistaken for paratroopers.

Further, the kinship intensified more and more - the training and combat missions of paratroopers and special forces are in many ways similar, in general, both of them are essentially saboteurs. Of course, the tasks of the troops of the Special Forces of the GRU directly behind enemy lines are completely different than those of the assault groups of the airborne troops. One way or another, the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces consist of units of constant combat readiness, but the training of fighters is always higher than the standard in the troops. Well, of course, one cannot fail to say about the mandatory VDP - the sky makes the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces more related than the above, the program of jumps in the ObrSpN and airborne formations is approximately the same, they often jump together.

Combat interaction between the GRU special forces and the Airborne Troops

The joint use of the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces in real combat conditions is a practice that has brought more than one victory to the command of the domestic armed forces. It all started with the introduction of formations of Special Forces troops into Afghanistan, when a few special forces units of the GRU and the Airborne Forces managed to carry out operations that seemed impossible. The story continued in Chechnya, the troops of the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces resolved issues in which motorized rifle formations were powerless. It's scary to imagine how many people our generals would have killed in Grozny in 1995 if special forces had not taken part in the assault.

So, if you do not take into account the subtleties of subordination, the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces are in many respects organizations related to each other, primarily in spirit.

Servicemen of special forces units of the Ministry of Defense, internal troops and SOBR of the Special Purpose Center (CSN) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs agreed to tell why the American MULTICAM camouflage is popular in Russian special forces, how effective domestic bulletproof vests and night vision devices are, how combat equipment and weapons are selected.

In recent years, the main characters of television reports and photographs have become fighters from various special forces units performing tasks to combat terrorists. On the video and photo chronicles, it is striking that the field uniform, bulletproof vests, communications equipment, etc., are different for the special forces, so to speak. In the modern world, the segment of private production of tactical equipment and protective equipment is developing very dynamically. Even such well-funded Western divisions as the American Delta, the British SAS and others, buy their favorite products for their money. After all, the success of any operation depends on uniforms, equipment, and even more so weapons. How are things going with the Russian security forces, what problems do you have, what would you like to change?

Armor is strong

“We use body armor 6B23. There are also brand new 6B43s, but there are very few of them, ”says an officer of the Ministry of Defense based in the Moscow region. According to him, most military personnel buy imported products with their own money, mainly covers, which are then hemmed so that domestic armor panels can be installed. Colleagues from the internal troops are supplied with bulletproof vests developed in the early 90s "Korund", but now they have begun to supply the modern "Bagariy". Just like in the Ministry of Defense, foreign bulletproof vests, in particular American ones, are bought in VV. True, domestic Defenders and Redoubts are also popular.

Special forces equip themselves

Employees of the Central Security Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are protected by various products of the Fort-Technologies and Armacom companies. All interlocutors of the publication agreed that none of the types of body armor meets their requirements. What is needed is not ordinary body armor, but modular body armor systems, which are an unloading vest (“unloading”) with armored panels and the ability to install the necessary pouches for the tasks performed. Now such systems have become a mandatory attribute not only of special forces, but also of combined arms in many armies of the world.

“We would like to have full-time lightweight body armor according to the plate carrier scheme, like what LBT and PIG-tactical do. But since they don’t exist, many people buy with their own money and install armored panels,” says an officer of the Ministry of Defense. The same is true in the internal troops. "Americans have good system mounts with a set of pouches called MOLLE. Everything is of high quality, the pouches are held securely. Something similar was done on the Bagaria, however, the quality is worse and the pouches are enough for only two or three lessons. But we have only 30-40 percent of such bulletproof vests, ”complains the officer of the VV.

But the SOBR officer of the Ministry of Internal Affairs believes that domestic protective materials are better and the protection classes of bulletproof vests are higher than those of foreign products. But he also recognizes the need for modular armor protection systems. All interlocutors of the publication are not satisfied with regular protective helmets. “Like a chamber pot put on my head. It is necessary to make a special cover for landing, otherwise it may catch the edge of the helmet with slings during the opening. Ours do not have mounts for night vision devices, flashlights and similar things, ”says an officer of the TsSN of the Ministry of Defense. Regular ZSh-1s are not liked by the servicemen of the internal troops, and the Altyn, Mask and Lynx-T are not liked by the SOBR officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

By all accounts, the most optimal version of a protective helmet, which is used to supply special forces units around the world, was developed by the American company OpScore.

“Very comfortable, fit well on the head, combined with glasses, headphones, an oxygen mask, have a streamlined shape,” said a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense. He is supported by colleagues from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and internal troops. “ZSh-1 is the last century. We buy for our own money "SHBM" of the company "Omnitek-M", similar to "opskorovsky". You can easily put on headphones under it. It is comfortable to fit, lightweight. Under the ZSh-1, you need to wear a special cap, and if in the summer, then a bandana, but under the SHBM you don’t need to, ”says an officer of the internal troops. At the same time, SOBR of the Ministry of Internal Affairs uses a product similar to the American OpScore helmet by the Russian company Armakom. “Now we are working with the company to fine-tune their product to our requirements. But this is a long process, at least a year,” explains an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

"Kalashnikov" with a foreign butt

“We mainly use AK74M. There used to be a lot of ACMSL, but now they are almost all worn out and written off. There are several AK103s, but the current 5.45 cartridges (PP, BS, etc.) have reduced the advantage of the 7.62 caliber to zero. And the accuracy of small-caliber machine guns is higher, the ammunition load is greater with equal weight, ”an officer of the Central Security Service of the Ministry of Defense believes. According to his colleague from the internal troops, in addition to the AK74M, the TsSN also had the AK-104: “Now they took them away from us, but we liked them. They are shorter, it is more convenient to manipulate them, throw them on the back, etc. And the firing range suits us.” There are in service with special forces and submachine guns. According to the SOBR officer, his squad chose the SR-2M Veresk. It is lighter, more mobile, and the cartridge is more powerful than that of the proposed Vityaz software. But in the internal troops and the Ministry of Defense, "Heathers" did not take root.

“We immediately handed over our SR-2Ms - explosives did not purchase cartridges for them. We use PP-2000. “Shielders” (military personnel walking with bulletproof shields) work with them. The Vityaz submachine gun was also available, but was not used in combat. Were technical problems with a constant sticking of cartridges. Yes, and there is no such task, where the "Vityaz" better than Kalashnikov", - says the officer VV. In the TsSN of the Ministry of Defense, the SR-2M is used as the second sniper weapon.

But the biggest headache and a source of fixed costs - regular Kalashnikov assault rifles being finalized at their own expense. “We put a butt adjustable in length. Usually these are American Magpul or Israeli products. We put purchased DTK (muzzle brake-compensator), which reduce the toss of weapons, and some models also reduce the flash of a shot, which is very important when working with night vision devices. Adapters with Picatinny rails. Safety box with additional pedal for easy shifting of medium and/or index finger”, - the special forces officer of the Ministry of Defense lists the purchases. The military personnel of the TsSN VV and SOBR officers do the same.

“A gentleman's set on every machine is a front handle, a red dot sight and an adjustable stock. If the employee is comfortable, then he also adds a pistol grip. We put the Picatinny and Weaver adapters. The “inkwell” (muzzle brake-compensator. - Approx. Aut.) is very necessary, indispensable for night work, ”the officer of the special forces of the internal troops is sure.

According to him, of the numerous collimator sights currently offered on the market small arms, the center chose the products of the American firms Eotech and Aimpoint.

“We put Eotech on machine guns, and Aimpoint on machine guns. Russian and Belarusian sights do not like. The collimator is good with a triple magnifier, but it is too expensive, so not everyone has it, ”says an officer of the internal troops. In his opinion, a collimator sight should be cherished like the apple of an eye: “There are no licensed workshops of these companies in Russia, and it’s almost impossible to fix it yourself, especially if the matrix is ​​broken.”

An employee of the SOBR of the Ministry of Internal Affairs explained that, in addition to imported parts, his units also buy domestic productions from the Zenit company: “We do not purchase everything at our own expense, the Motherland gives us something. I would have liked ACOG scopes from TriJicon, but they are too expensive, so we opted for Aimpoint products.”

Over the past four years, the ACU (Army Combat Uniform) cut field uniform, adopted in 2008 for supply by the Pentagon, has become popular with Russian special forces, and differs from the traditional field uniform in a short jacket with a standing collar and oblique chest pockets. Also, the American camouflage coloring "multicam", jokingly called "cartoon" in Russia, is widely used.

“ACU is more comfortable, only pockets are needed with buttons. These are quality products made of good materials, although, of course, there are exceptions. Coloring "cartoons" is well suited for regions where you have to work. And another point - when working together with “fesniks” (FSB special forces fighters), specialists from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and others, it turns out that everyone is dressed in the same uniform and there are no problems with identifying each other, ”says an officer of the Special Purpose Center of the Ministry of Defense.

According to his colleague from the VV, these troops are now abandoning the coloring of "cartoons" in favor of "surpat" (SURPAT), developed by the Russian company "Survival Corps". "Cartoon" is worse in the forest, so officers take it for everyday wear, sometimes they put it on for classes. It happens that we use the standard camouflage field uniform of the internal troops. But the “surpat” in the ACU cut is very comfortable, especially the sewn-in knee pads. They do not pull the leg, do not disrupt the blood supply, ”explains a special forces officer.

An employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs SOBR said that his unit also prefers the field ACU, which is purchased from British and American manufacturers: “We take the original CRYE uniform. Our employees buy what is more comfortable for them to wear. We receive something from the field form regularly, but most We buy with our own money. According to him, the use of "multicam" colors allows you to quickly identify friendly units participating in the operation. Although this coloring is not optimal for the North Caucasus.

According to all interlocutors, a big problem- Uniform shoes that cannot be worn. And again you have to buy on your own, giving preference to foreign products, and not only for military purposes: sports boots are also in demand. IN Lately the special forces of the VV and the Ministry of Internal Affairs are increasingly liking the boots of the domestic company Faraday. “It is generally impossible to walk in shaped pieces of wood, and it is also life-threatening. Now Faraday shoes have appeared that are no worse than imported ones, but many times cheaper. If only they would take her for supply and give us regular ones, ”the officer of the internal troops modestly dreams.

Communications and night vision devices

Night vision devices are a headache for Russian special forces. When asked if you consider Russian devices adequate for the tasks assigned, an officer from the Special Purpose Center of the Ministry of Defense answered succinctly: “Are you kidding me?”.

According to the officer of the internal troops, his colleagues, if possible, prefer to purchase imported products, sometimes Belarusian "Filins". “For snipers, there are good full-time Russian “night lights” DS-4 and DS-6. But there are few of them in our center. Now we have purchased Russian night vision devices "Shahin". We immediately said that they did not suit us. The same "Cyclone" (manufacturer - NPO "Cyclone") is much better, more reliable and easier. But the intelligence department of the VV thought that such people would do for us, ”the commando of the internal troops is outraged.

Also, all interlocutors admitted that their units also purchase active headphones with built-in communication at their own expense, which amplify weak sounds and dampen strong ones. Peltor headphones are preferred.

“They are not needed everywhere, but only for the task, otherwise the rumor sits down very quickly. For fun, try walking in active headphones along a mountain stream or through a forest with strong wind. But indoors or in fire training, they are good, ”explains an officer of the Ministry of Defense.

His colleague from the internal troops believes that active headphones are necessary for operations in the forest: “There they amplify the sound and you can hear the enemy in advance. Although I personally prefer a regular headset.”

The ongoing counter-terrorist operations in Syria require the constant participation of military personnel and employees of special forces units of all law enforcement agencies. If in the early 90s the quality and quantity of equipment was determined by the capabilities of the department, now even for elite special-purpose centers everything depends on the thickness of the wallets of the servicemen themselves. It can be argued that foreign specialists also spend their money, because everyone chooses what is more convenient to fight in. But it's one thing - shoes and field uniforms, and when it comes to body armor, helmets, communications equipment, "body kits" for weapons, it's already worth thinking about.

international market weapons and equipment in the last 10-12 years is at the peak of activity. Russian companies, with rare exceptions, do not participate there, although the military and law enforcement officers have accumulated sufficient combat experience that can be implemented in new families of bulletproof vests, communications equipment, active headphones, etc. At the same time latest machines AEK-971 and AK-12 are presented for testing without full-fledged domestic-made collimator sights. Although the same Belarus actively produces these products. One can only regret that foreign special forces are supplied by departments, and Russian ones by their families, donating money from the family budget.

Alexey Mikhailov

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