Special Operations Forces of Belarus. Interview with the Commander of the SSO of the Armed Forces of Belarus, Major General Vadim Denisenko. ‑th Guards Separate Mobile Brigade of the Special Operations Forces of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus (ceremonial version)
The Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus (SSO Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus) is the youngest branch of the armed forces. On August 1, 2007, the command of the SOF of the Armed Forces was created. The MTR command reports directly to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus.
The command is a body of military control of the Armed Forces and is intended to control subordinate formations and military units, to manage their combat and mobilization training; planning the activities of the special operations forces of the Armed Forces, organizing their construction and development, as well as solving other issues related to the competence of the command.
Commander of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus - Major General Vadim Denisenko
The Special Operations Forces include:
- 5th detachment of Special Forces (Maryina Gorka),
- 38th separate mobile brigade (Brest)
- 103rd separate mobile brigade (Vitebsk)
- 33rd separate detachment of Special Forces (Vitebsk).
The organizational structure of the mobile brigades is as follows:
brigade management: headquarters, services;
combat military units and divisions
airmobile battalion;
2 independent mobile battalions
(in each BTR-80, MAZ vehicles, 82mm mortars, 40mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers);
artillery battalion (122 mm D-30 howitzers);
anti-aircraft missile and artillery division (BTR-ZD "Screeze", MANPADS "Igla");
combat support and communications units;
logistic and technical support units.
OBRSpN organizationally consists of:
Brigade management
-headquarters; services.
Combat military units and divisions
Special Forces units (detachments);
- communications department.
Support units
MTO division;
- headquarters company;
- medical company.
Based on the analysis of trends in the development of the armed forces of foreign states, the experience of military conflicts of the last decade and the exercises, it was determined that the special operations forces of the Armed Forces are designed to perform various tasks using special methods and methods, in order to prevent the escalation or cessation of the armed conflict against the Republic of Belarus from any aggressor, and are one of the main elements of strategic deterrence. Formations and military units of special operations forces are in constant readiness for timely use both in peacetime and in wartime. They can perform tasks independently or in cooperation with formations and military units of the Armed Forces, internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus and internal affairs bodies, the State Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus, newly formed operational detachments of the State Security Committee of the Republic of Belarus.
August 2 marked the 85th anniversary of the creation of the Airborne Forces, the successors of which in our country were the special operations forces. Our freelance correspondent met with the commander of the SOF of the Armed Forces of Belarus, Major General Vadim DENISENKO (pictured)
— Comrade Major General, in Belarus, the airborne troops have been transformed into a new branch of the military — special operations forces. What is the fundamental difference?
- With the development of weapons and military equipment, the views on the conduct of armed struggle, as well as on the use of the Airborne Forces, have also been transformed. Therefore, it was decided to create in our country on the basis of units of the Airborne Forces a separate branch of the Armed Forces - special operations forces.
The main distinguishing feature of the MTR is that they are in constant readiness for use both in peacetime and in wartime and are designed to solve special tasks in the interests of achieving political, military, economic and psychological goals aimed at preventing an escalation or ending a military conflict. in relation to the Republic of Belarus. The military units and subunits of the MTR are entrusted with the following tasks: conducting counter-sabotage, reconnaissance and combat operations and conducting special measures. Also, units of special operations forces are involved in the fight against terrorism, carrying out measures to strengthen the regime of protection of the state border and maintain law and order, together with the personnel of the units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- When creating special operations forces, did you study foreign experience?
- Of course, but we should not forget that the Belarusian special operations forces were not created from scratch. We had a strike component - well-trained landing brigades. We reinforced these mobile formations with a reconnaissance component - a special-purpose brigade. Both components were united under a single command - in general, they made the best decision for a country with a small territory and compact mobile Armed Forces.
I must say that today our experience is being carefully studied by other countries.
And when did you realize that you were on the right track?
“In 2004, while working out the tactics of actions, we understood that mobile brigades are mobile, capable of making large marches in any conditions, can be airlifted and deliver serious blows. All this was taken into account by us. A special forces group, capable of operating in any conditions, found the object, and soon a mobile unit arrived at the designated point. The commander of the special forces group, together with the commander of the mobile unit, clarified the decision and carried out the destruction of the object. The following year, we were already confident that we were moving in the right direction. The tactics of our actions were also tested during various large-scale exercises of the Belarusian Armed Forces.
- Do not we reveal all the secrets of the special operations forces in this way?
— This is the tactics of any professional unit in the world. And as for the secrets of mastery, believe me, professionals are very reluctant to share them. And we are no exception here. So let's leave the secrets of mastery outside of this interview.
- The BTR-80 armored personnel carriers have replaced the airborne combat vehicles in the mobile brigades. Also to match the modern look?
- We proceeded from the fact that our units must be very mobile: move at any time and on any roads. And this allows you to do the BTR-80. They contribute to the successful fulfillment of the tasks before us. "Wheels" in our conditions look preferable. Artillery of special operations forces is also on wheels. Today, we are considering the BTR-82 armored personnel carrier, which has more firepower, for re-equipment. In particular, the 30mm automatic cannon will replace the heavy 14.5mm KPVT machine gun.
- Since we touched on the issues of equipping the MTR with modern weapons and military equipment, tell us how seriously it has changed recently?
- Tests of the armored vehicle "Fox" have recently been completed. We decided what changes should be made to its design so that the vehicle meets our requirements for it: which combat module to install, how to arrange seats, loopholes ... All this is taken into account in the terms of reference submitted to the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant. First of all, the "Foxes" will go to mobile battalions on cars. This year, the newest ORSIS-T5000M sniper rifles, capable of hitting targets at ranges up to 1,500 meters, were put into service. They have become a good addition to the modern sniper rifles VSK-94, OSV-96, MTs-116M, which have proven themselves in the army.
The troops received high-precision powerful ammunition with an expansive bullet (338 caliber LAPUA MAGNUM), which pierces all existing armor protection equipment (body armor, helmets of the highest protection classes).
Our military personnel are provided with the most modern means of observation and aiming of domestic production: day-night sights DNS-1, night NV / S-18, night monocular NV / M-19, laser designator LAD-21T, collimator sight PK-01VS.
Delivered to the special operations forces and very worthy means of individual armor protection. In particular, the Skat protective helmet, which provides protection against a bullet from a Makarov pistol already at a distance of one meter, the Raven bulletproof vest, capable of protecting against a bullet from an SVD at a distance of ten meters.
Work is underway to provide and adopt other latest optical sights, ammunition, small arms, tactical and shooting glasses, RPG-32 "Hashim" grenade launchers.
Our divisions are provided with reliable communication. On the basis of the Bogatyr vehicle, a modern command and staff vehicle was developed (a means of communication for the commander of the MTR and brigade commanders).
Modern models of weapons and military equipment are supplied to the troops and mastered in the course of combat training. The mobility of the ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft mounts has been significantly increased by the modernization of these weapons, which are now located together with ammunition on the basis of the Ural-43202 vehicle. In the next two months, we plan to put them in the 38th Guards Separate Mobile Brigade.
The form of clothing and equipment of the military personnel of the special operations forces is being improved.
We have recently received new ATVs that have been tested in the Armed Forces. In the future, they will be adopted. I must say that this is a very effective technique when performing tasks in forest areas, in swampy areas, on rough terrain ... This was also confirmed by the exercises that took place in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan as part of the test of the CSTO collective rapid reaction forces.
- Servicemen of the 103rd Guards Separate Mobile Brigade are constant participants in such exercises. How important are they to us?
- First of all, it is gaining invaluable experience. We have a lot to learn from Russians, Kazakhs, Tajiks. In these exercises, we always learn something new. And, of course, we learn to interact.
Many other teachings are also of great benefit. For example, the joint Belarusian-Chinese anti-terrorist exercises (trainings) "Swift Eagle". Not so long ago, another such exercise (the third in a row) ended on the basis of the 38th Guards Separate Mobile Brigade.
But the closest cooperation has been established with Russian colleagues. Of the latest joint exercises, a battalion-tactical exercise that took place in the 38th brigade, in which a company of the 76th Guards Airborne Assault Division took part. Our servicemen showed themselves worthy during the humanitarian search and rescue operation at the North Pole, where they had to perform tasks in difficult climatic conditions. Those who distinguished themselves are presented for state awards. The test at the North Pole has passed both modern uniforms and the equipment of the military personnel of the special operations forces. Many of our novelties were received with interest by the Russians. For example, cargo containers with which our military personnel jumped with a parachute.
- Comrade Major General, what other successes did you remember the jubilee year for?
- In the first half of the year, the command of the special operations forces, as well as units of the 38th and 103rd Guards separate mobile brigades, successfully passed the inspection of the Ministry of Defense. The MTR team distinguished itself at international competitions for the best special forces group, held in Kazakhstan, where it won a prize. Our servicemen won the competition for the best special-purpose sniper pair of the Armed Forces, in which representatives from all power structures of our country and teams from Russia and Kazakhstan participated.
The SSO team won the championship of the Armed Forces in army hand-to-hand combat. The next tests for the right to confer the badge "Valor and Mastery" also showed the increased level of training of our servicemen.
Bilateral battalion tactical exercises were interesting. A very useful event was a joint diving training camp held in Ryazan. Much attention during it was paid to the study of new diving equipment, which is being supplied to the Russian Armed Forces today.
This year, 11 of our servicemen have mastered the most advanced Arbalet parachute systems. They were trained on the basis of the center for special training of the Russian Airborne Forces.
Undoubtedly, the participation of servicemen of the 5th separate special forces brigade in the parade held on Red Square in Moscow on May 9 was a landmark event. They adequately represented the Belarusian Armed Forces.
Another important event was the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the 334th separate special forces detachment, which took place on the basis of the 5th separate special forces brigade.
It's nice that the successes of the special operations forces do not go unnoticed, including at the highest level. This year alone, Colonel Vladimir Bely and Lieutenant Colonel Nikolai Smekhovich were awarded the Orders "For Service to the Motherland" III degree by the Head of State for exemplary performance of official duties. Last year, these high awards were awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Sergei Sukhovilo and Major Alexei Khuzyakhmetov.
- At all times, service in the "troops blown by all winds" was prestigious. How popular is service in the special operations forces today? Is it in demand among young people?
— We do not experience a shortage of people who want to serve in the special operations forces.
As for the training of officers for our branch of the armed forces, it is carried out at the military intelligence department of the Military Academy of the Republic of Belarus, as well as at the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. Training is conducted in two specialties: "Use of mobile units" and "Use of special forces".
The demand for the profession of an officer of the special operations forces is evidenced by the annual competition for admission to the specialty of the MTR. This year, he made up more than two people per place, and for the specialty "Use of special forces" - more than three people per place.
Service in the special operations forces is really prestigious. We are glad to see in our ranks those who have a craving for romance, a desire to see something new, learn a lot and build character.
CHRONICLEOn August 2, 1930, during an exercise near Voronezh, a group of armed paratroopers was shown dropping out. The landing force consisted of twelve people, who were divided into two groups of six paratroopers. The paratroopers were supposed to drop weapons and ammunition from aircraft on special cargo parachutes.
After a successful landing, groups of paratroopers, armed with rifles, light machine guns and grenades, were ready to perform combat missions.
PERSPECTIVES
The main directions of the construction and development of special operations forces of the Armed Forces:
- development and testing of new ways of performing tasks;
- optimization of the organizational and staffing structure of formations and military units in accordance with the tasks being solved, as well as taking into account changes in the forms and methods of military confrontation;
- modernization of existing types of weapons, military and special equipment and equipping with new types of both domestic and foreign production;
- improving the quality of training of specialists for special operations forces;
- beautification of military camps and the creation of housing and living conditions for servicemen that meet modern requirements.
Interviewed by Alexander MAKAROV
Almost everyone knows that there are special forces in Uruchcha, Maryina Gorka, Minsk, there are Alfa and Almaz groups. However, few people know how these structures differ from each other, who manages them, what is included in their functions.
"Nasha Niva" presented a brief overview of the main Belarusian special forces.
Uruchensk Special Forces Brigade
The third separate Red Banner Special Forces Brigade (military unit 3214, Uruchcha) was formed in the 1990s on the basis of the 334th regiment of the 120th division. It is prepared both to disperse street actions and to participate in special operations. This is the shock part of the Internal Troops. Its number is about 1500-2000 people. The unit includes several units - special-purpose battalions, a Special Rapid Response Unit (SOBR) and support units.
The main tasks of the brigade are the fight against terrorism, actions in case of emergencies, combat training in case of a military threat.
In peacetime, the fighters of the brigade perform the functions of protecting public order. Often representatives of the brigade go on assignments outside of Minsk. For example, they guard the "Slavianski Bazaar".
During the street actions of the opposition, the Uruchen brigade is usually kept on a safety net. They are used only in extreme cases, when the PMSN cannot cope with the demonstrators. Pavlichenko's fighters were seen several times during the last presidential elections.
Pavlichenko himself, being the commander of the brigade, repeatedly stated that he was trying to educate the fighters in the "spirit of Orthodoxy." There is a temple on the territory.
Combat training is of great importance; it is several times stricter than in other military units. The program includes acrobatics, hand-to-hand combat, strength training, athletic gymnastics, crosses. Great importance is attached to shooting from different types of weapons, as well as tactical and special training for actions in various situations.
It is worth noting that most of the ordinary fighters are in the brigade for a year or a half. This is a normal term of service in the army.
It was Pavlichenko who figured in the cases of Zakharenko and Gonchar - while those cases were being investigated by the KGB. In 2000, Lukashenka dismissed KGB chairman Matskevich and Prosecutor General Bazhelko, and everything fell into place.
Minsk Special Purpose Police Regiment
The regiment was formed in the autumn of 2005, shortly before the presidential elections. The PMSN was created on the basis of the OMON, and Yuriy Podobed headed it. As Anatoly Kuleshov (today's Minister of the Interior), the then chief of the Central Internal Affairs Directorate of the Minsk City Executive Committee, explained, the main purpose of creating the regiment was to protect public order during various mass actions.
According to him, the fighters of this unit must be prepared for cataclysms, disasters, natural and man-made accidents. Kuleshov called the third reason that the creation of the regiment would enable other police officers to perform their immediate duties. The officers of the regiment wear black uniforms. It was they who mainly participated in the dispersal of street protests, including on October Square.
The PMSN was created at the personal request of Yuri Podobed, who complained that the number of events that needed protection was constantly growing in the country. The staff has also been increased a lot.
Now Alexander Lukomsky manages PMSN. He graduated from the Leningrad Higher Political School of Internal Troops (1992), the Police Academy (1998), the command and staff faculty of the Military Academy (2002). Prior to that, he headed the capital's police brigade of internal troops (military unit 5448).
Maryina Gorka
Near Minsk, in Maryina Gorka (Pukhovichi district), there is a 5th separate special-purpose brigade. But this is not the Internal Troops. This special forces belongs to the Ministry of Defense.
The formation of the brigade began to take place in 1962.
During Soviet times, the fighters reached a level of training that corresponded to the Vympel detachment of the KGB of the USSR. Fighters from Maryina Gorka took an active part in the Afghan conflict. Two years after the withdrawal from there, the paratroopers from Maryina Gorka again went to war. Almost the entire brigade (805 people) under the command of Colonel Borodach was in Armenia.
On December 31, 1992, former Soviet special forces swore allegiance to Belarus. The main areas of training for today's fighters in the unit are sabotage and reconnaissance. Scouts are taught to overcome swamps, water barriers, forests. For this, exercises are often held in the forests. For ten days they are in an unknown area.
Maryina Gorka believes that their unit is the most elite in the country. There is an unofficial competition and confrontation between the special forces from Uruchcha and Maryina Gorka. Both there and there believe that their part is the best.
In 1996, the former head of the unit in Maryina Gorka, Colonel Borodach, took the side of the Constitution, against Lukashenka.
"Diamond"
In fact, the Belarusian special forces began with Almaz in the late 1980s. True, at that time this unit had the name "Berkut", and the main purpose was the organization of prison anti-terror detachments. They were also created in other Soviet republics.
Now it is a kind of rapid reaction squad. In 1994, the then head of Berkut and the future Minister of Internal Affairs, Vladimir Naumov, took the initiative to rename the special unit to Almaz. In a memo for fighters, Naumov once wrote: "Always remember that a special forces officer must be clean and hard as a diamond."
In 2002, Alexander Lukashenko personally opened the Almaz base.
In the event of an alarm, the "Almaz man" should arrive at the base within 5-7 minutes. And within 20 minutes, reconnaissance and a combat group are sent to the scene anywhere in the country. After another 20 minutes, the second group leaves.
The functions of the "diamond man" include the fight against terrorist activities, the release of hostages, and the disposal of explosives. "Almazovtsy" once detained suspects in the murder of Russian journalist Paul Khlebnikov in Minsk.
"Almazovets" must train at least three times a week. These are not only sports exercises, fighters also go to barriers, manholes, ladders in full gear.
Basically, Almaz receives officers from similar units of the Ministry of Defense, police special forces, the security service of the head of state, and border troops. As a rule, these are people who have served at least five years and have already participated in special operations. Serve in the "Almaz" and women - negotiators and snipers.
It was Almaz employees who on March 2, 2006, beat up presidential candidate Alyaksandr Kazulin. Soldiers of the same detachment detained Mikalai Autukhovich and his supporters this year. It was the former "Almazovites" who were convicted in the case of the disappearance of cameraman Dmitry Zavadsky.
Almaz is headed by Colonel Nikolai Karpenkov. He was still in Berkut, when from 1992 to 1994. He was the commander of the combat group of the unit. In 2003, Karpenkov returned to Almaz as a commander.
"Alpha"
The Alfa group under the State Security Committee of the USSR was created back in 1974. In March 1990, the then chief Chekist of the Union Kryuchkov signed a decree on the additional introduction of the Alpha group with a deployment in Minsk. Among the goals of the creation of the group were the localization and prevention of terrorist and extremist actions, especially dangerous criminal manifestations that threaten the security of the country. Initially, the group also acted on the Baltic countries.
Interestingly, until January 1992, Alfa was directly subordinate to the main department under the President of the USSR. Only then did she enter the structure of the Belarusian KGB. Alpha fighters ensure the physical defense and security of the Belarusian leadership and distinguished foreign guests. The new duties also included the fight against the illegal export of valuable metals, material and historical values outside the country.
When creating Alpha, preference was given to Afghan officers, vedeveshniks, and professional athletes. Now higher education and military service are mandatory for candidates. Also, attention is paid to the ability to endure great psychological and physical stress. The age of the fighters is 30-35 years.
It is noted that staff turnover at Alpha is very low. It takes four or five years to become a true professional. All this time the fighter is on the second or third roles. One full outfit of the "alpha" (body armor, helmet, weapons, ammunition) weighs more than 20 kilograms.
Sergei Naumchik, deputy of the Supreme Council of the 12th convocation from the Belarusian Popular Front, in his memoirs claims that it was Alfa employees who beat up opposition deputies who went on a hunger strike in the oval hall.
For some time there were rumors that the Alpha fighters received military experience in Chechnya, but the group's leadership stubbornly denies this. The head of the Alpha group is Colonel Nikolai Ivinsky.
Border Special Forces
The border guards also have their own special forces. This is the Separate Service of Active Measures, perhaps the most closed and little-known special unit.
OSAM appeared after the collapse of the Soviet Union, in 1993. The first chief was Gennady Nevyglas.
First of all, the creation of a special unit was explained by the fight against illegal migration. Mostly, citizens from Asian countries to Europe. That was the first task.
Later, new ones appeared - the fight against economic crime and drug trafficking, countering transit terrorism and human trafficking.
Checking the future Osamo resident lasts from a year to two. During this time, the service record of the fighter, all close and distant relatives are checked with special attention. The average age of officers is 33 years. On the uniform chevron of the OSAM fighter there are two crossed balls and a wind rose against the background of the contour of the country.
At one time, OSAM was headed by the current chairman of the Border Committee, Igor Rachkovsky. And the eldest sons of Lukashenka, Viktor and Dmitry, served in the special forces.
REPUBLIC OF BELARUS
At the turn of the 80-90s. of the last century, the rapidly developing instability greatly influenced all aspects of society. One of the important tasks was to bring down the wave of crime, to ensure order in society. Therefore, in the Republic of Belarus there are many special forces, and at each power ministry.
ARMY SPECIAL FORCE
5th SEPARATE SPECIAL PURPOSE Brigade
STORY
Formed in 1962 as an airborne reconnaissance unit, it has a high level of combat training and vast combat experience. Stationed in Maryina Gorka, Pukhovichi district, Minsk region. Participated in hostilities as part of a limited contingent of Soviet troops in Afghanistan, conducted special events in the Transcaucasus during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The appearance of such military units and formations in the Soviet army is caused by the presence of, as it was customary to call it, our potential enemy in Europe, tactical nuclear weapons. The tasks of the airborne brigades included the destruction of command posts and missile launchers, fuel and ammunition supply bases, the collection of intelligence, sabotage on communications, and in the future - and the organization of a partisan movement on enemy territory. Spetsnaz was designed to carry out operations in the rear in small groups. All brigades were directly subordinate to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff. Soon a unique unit appeared - a company, consisting only of officers and ensigns, well-trained professionals. The best of the best were selected, who flawlessly mastered various styles of martial arts, shooting from all types of small arms, including Western models. Knowledge of foreign languages was a prerequisite. The servicemen also took a course in light diving training under the program of naval special forces, mountaineering and piloting a trike. The company was intended to carry out especially important tasks in the interests of the GRU of the General Staff.
PREPARATION
The main direction of training is reconnaissance and sabotage activities. Scouts are taught to overcome swamps, water barriers. "Field is a soldier's academy" - fighters spend about seven months a year at the training ground.
In order to complete the task without losses away from the main forces, the commando must be a universal soldier. In his arsenal - tactics of covert movement, knowledge of engineering, possession of hand-to-hand combat techniques and first aid skills. Distinctive features - skillful management of all types of army transport and the ability to shoot accurately from various types of small arms, including captured ones.
There are no mountains in Belarus, but there are many high-rise buildings. Therefore, the basis of training is urban mountaineering. Classes are held not only on the territory of the brigade, they are also organized jointly with colleagues from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the KGB. Diving training is also offered.
Special forces are landing from the sky, and in a variety of ways. Landing with high precision day and night, in all weather conditions. To do this, new parachutes were put into service here, which allow scouts to jump from any height and at any speed of the aircraft. In addition to parachutes, there are in the arsenal of special forces and motorized hang gliders.
WEAPONS
Like many special forces of the former republics of the USSR, the army special forces of Belarus are equipped with weapons and equipment of Soviet and Russian production.
KGB Special Forces "Alpha"
The Alpha group under the USSR State Security Committee was established in 1974. In March 1990, the then chairman of the KGB V. Kryuchkov signed an order to create the 11th group of the KGB of the USSR with deployment in Minsk. The document listed the tasks of the operational-combat unit being created: localization and suppression of terrorist and extremist actions, especially dangerous criminal manifestations. Area of activity - Belarus and the Baltic republics.
From October 1991 to January 1992, the group was at the disposal of the main security department under the apparatus of the President of the USSR. Then she entered the structure of the central apparatus of the KGB of the Republic of Belarus. The fighters of the group carried out special operational tasks, and in 1992-1994. was involved to ensure the physical protection and security of the leadership of Belarus and members of foreign delegations. The range of tasks gradually expanded; now it also includes the fight against organized crime, as well as the illegal export of precious metals, material and historical values outside the country.
SELECTION
When creating Alpha, preference was given to officers with combat experience, former paratroopers, and professional athletes. Today, candidates must have higher education and military service. Particular attention is paid to the ability to endure great psychological and physical stress. The average age of the fighters is 30–35 years.
For some time, there were rumors that the Alpha fighters received military experience in Chechnya, but the group's leadership stubbornly denies this.
SPECIAL FORCE OF THE BORDER TROOPS
A separate service of active measures (OSAM) is a unit whose task is anti-terrorist activity in the border zone.
The history of the special forces of the border troops of the KGB under the Council of Ministers of the USSR began in 1981. The purpose of the group operating in Afghanistan was to fight the counter-revolutionary underground and agents of enemy special services.
OSAM appeared after the collapse of the Soviet Union, in 1993. Its first commander was Gennady Nevyglas. One of the primary tasks of the special forces was the fight against illegal migration. Later, new tasks appeared - the fight against economic crime and drug smuggling, countering terrorism and human trafficking.
On the uniform chevron of the OSAM fighter there are two crossed balls and a wind rose against the background of the contour of the country.
At one time OSAM was headed by the Chairman of the Border Committee Igor Rachkovsky. And the eldest sons of the President of the country, Viktor and Dmitry Lukashenko, served in the special forces.
TASKS
The following tasks are assigned to the special forces units of the border service:
Carrying out operations related to the implementation of operational information about hostile activities on the state border and at checkpoints through it of special services of foreign states, extremist and criminal groups;
Protection in extreme conditions of premises, vehicles and other objects of operational bodies;
Implementation of reconnaissance and search activities;
Ensuring the security of activities carried out by the leadership of the border service;
Release of hostages from among the military personnel of the troops, bodies and organizations of the border service;
Studying the operational situation in the areas (places) of the alleged actions of the group, conducting reconnaissance of these areas (places);
Participation in the holding of special events related to the implementation of specific operational information, information of interacting law enforcement agencies;
Participation in the search and detention of armed groups and persons who have crossed or are trying to cross the border;
Ensuring the security of the leadership of the border service during trips around the country and abroad;
Ensuring the security of the operational staff of the border service during activities at the state border;
Ensuring the personal safety of PS servicemen and members of their families in cases provided for by law;
Ensuring the group's own security.
WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT
Armament - mainly Soviet and Russian production. The unit is equipped with modern radio stations. For cross-country vehicles, bumpers are additionally reinforced with rails, a steel bottom is welded, and a rubber mixture is poured into tires.
SPECIAL FORCE OF THE INTERNAL TROOPS OF THE MVD
3rd Separate Red Banner Special Purpose Brigade
The third separate Red Banner Special Forces Brigade (military unit 3214, Uruchcha) was formed on the basis of the 334th regiment of the 120th division. It is prepared both to disperse street actions and to participate in special operations. This is the shock part of the internal troops. The number of personnel is 1500–2000 people. The brigade includes special-purpose battalions, a special rapid reaction detachment (SOBR) and support units.
The main tasks of the brigade are the fight against terrorism, actions in case of emergencies, preparation in case of a military threat.
In peacetime, the fighters of the brigade participate in the protection of public order in the capital of the republic, often go on missions outside of Minsk. During opposition street actions, the brigade is usually kept in reserve and used only in the most extreme cases.
Soldiers receive comprehensive and varied training. The program includes acrobatics, hand-to-hand combat, strength training, athletic gymnastics, crosses. A lot of attention is paid to shooting from different types of weapons, as well as tactical and special training for actions in various situations.
In fact, the special forces of the Ministry of the Interior began with Almaz. True, then this unit was called "Berkut", and its main purpose was the organization of prison anti-terror. Similar detachments were created in other Soviet republics.
Today it is a rapid response unit. In 1994, the then head of Berkut and the future Minister of Internal Affairs, Vladimir Naumov, took the initiative to rename the special unit to Almaz. On the basis of the department for correctional affairs of the former republics of the USSR, they urgently began to form a prison anti-terror unit. The order was signed on January 2, 1992. Vladimir Naumov, then the commander of a patrol company, was appointed the first commander of the unit.
The main tasks to be solved at that time were:
Release of hostages;
Detention of armed criminals;
Elimination of riots in places of deprivation of liberty.
The forces of the then still small special forces carried out a number of operations to search for and detain dangerous criminals who had escaped from the pre-trial detention centers in Minsk and Brest. The hostages captured by recidivists in the penal colonies of Orsha and Minsk were released, and a mass escape from the colony in Shklov was prevented.
As the nature of crime changed, so did the unit. At this time, many different criminal gangs appeared. They started talking about the mafia, thieves' authorities, about the division of territories and spheres of influence. Not limited to the walls of the colonies and Belarusian terrorism. More extensive use of special forces was required. The question of reorganization arose. A review of all special forces units was held, and the best one was chosen - "Almaz".
Since the autumn of 1994, the unit has been transformed into a special unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus with subordination personally to the minister. On the shoulders of the fighters lies the responsibility for the most difficult tasks: the elimination of terrorist attacks, the release of hostages, the detention of various criminal armed groups.
The history of the name of the special unit is unique - in many countries such formations are still called "Berkut" or "Falcon", and Belarusians have chosen a different path. The new name was not chosen by chance - the diamond symbolizes hardness, purity, nobility. In a memo for fighters, their commander once wrote: "Always remember that a special forces officer must be clean and hard as a diamond."
Over the years of its existence, Almaz SPBT has accumulated vast practical experience, thwarted terrorist attacks and released about 100 hostages, together with the operational units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, more than five and a half thousand special operations have been carried out to search for and suppress the activities of organized criminal groups and organizations. One of the most resonant events of Almaz was the detention in Minsk of suspects in the murder of Russian journalist Paul Khlebnikov.
TASKS
The main tasks are:
Prevention of terrorist acts;
Detection and neutralization of explosive devices;
Carrying out special measures to detect and detain dangerous armed criminals, to seize counterfeit banknotes, narcotic, chemical and radioactive substances and ammunition;
Ensuring the physical security of the operational staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
Carrying out search and reconnaissance activities;
Protection of judges and persons of the controlling composition of the republic, high officials of the state and foreign delegations.
The combat readiness of the unit is evidenced by the following fact: in the event of an alarm, the "Almaz" must arrive at the base within 5-7 minutes. And within 20 minutes, reconnaissance and a combat group are sent to the scene anywhere in the country. After another 20 minutes, the second group leaves.
Basically, officers from similar units of the Ministry of Defense, police special forces, the security service of the head of state, and border troops come to Almaz. As a rule, these are people who have served at least five years and have already participated in special operations. Women also serve in Almaz - negotiators and snipers.
The armament corresponds to the armament of other special forces of Belarus.
Minsk Special Purpose Police Regiment
The regiment was formed in the fall of 2005 on the basis of a special police detachment. Both then and now, the main task of the regiment is the protection of public order during various mass actions.
Other tasks were:
Ensuring the personal and property security of citizens on the streets and in other public places;
Prevention and suppression of offenses, group violations of public order and riots;
Participation, together with other services and divisions of the internal affairs bodies, in the detention of armed criminals, the suppression of the activities of organized groups and criminal organizations;
Participation in special events and operations carried out by internal affairs bodies.
In addition, the fighters of the unit must be prepared for cataclysms, disasters, natural and man-made accidents.
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In fact, the special forces of the Ministry of the Interior began with Almaz. True, then this unit was called "Berkut", and its main purpose was the organization of prison anti-terror. Similar detachments were created in other Soviet republics.
Today it is a rapid response unit. In 1994, the then head of Berkut and the future Minister of Internal Affairs, Vladimir Naumov, took the initiative to rename the special unit to Almaz. On the basis of the department for correctional affairs of the former republics of the USSR, they urgently began to form a prison anti-terror unit. The order was signed on January 2, 1992. Vladimir Naumov, then the commander of a patrol company, was appointed the first commander of the unit.
The main tasks to be solved at that time were:
- release of hostages;
- detention of armed criminals;
- elimination of disturbances in places of deprivation of liberty.
The forces of the then still small special forces carried out a number of operations to search for and detain dangerous criminals who had escaped from the pre-trial detention centers in Minsk and Brest. The hostages captured by recidivists in the penal colonies of Orsha and Minsk were released, and a mass escape from the colony in Shklov was prevented.
As the nature of crime changed, so did the unit. At this time, many different criminal gangs appeared. They started talking about the mafia, thieves' authorities, about the division of territories and spheres of influence. Not limited to the walls of the colonies and Belarusian terrorism. More extensive use of special forces was required. The question of reorganization arose. A review of all special forces units was held, and the best was chosen - Almaz.
Since the autumn of 1994, the unit has been transformed into a special unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus with subordination personally to the minister. On the shoulders of the fighters lies the responsibility for the most difficult tasks: the elimination of terrorist attacks, the release of hostages, the detention of various criminal armed groups.
The history of the name of the special unit is unique - in many countries such formations are still called "Berkut" or "Falcon", and the Belarusians chose a different path. The new name was not chosen by chance - the diamond symbolizes hardness, purity, nobility. In a memo for fighters, their commander once wrote: "Always remember that a special forces officer must be clean and hard as a diamond."
Over the years of its existence, Almaz SPBT has accumulated vast practical experience, thwarted terrorist attacks and released about 100 hostages, together with the operational units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, more than five and a half thousand special operations have been carried out to search for and suppress the activities of organized criminal groups and organizations. One of the most resonant events of Almaz was the detention in Minsk of suspects in the murder of Russian journalist Paul Khlebnikov.
Tasks
The main tasks are:
- prevention of terrorist acts;
- detection and neutralization of explosive devices;
- carrying out special measures to detect and detain dangerous armed criminals, to seize counterfeit banknotes, narcotic, chemical and radioactive substances and ammunition;
- ensuring the physical security of the operational staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
- conducting search and reconnaissance activities;
- protection of judges and persons of the controlling composition of the republic, high officials of the state and foreign delegations.
The combat readiness of the unit is evidenced by the following fact: in case of an alarm, the "Almaz" should arrive at the base within 5-7 minutes. And within 20 minutes, reconnaissance and a combat group are sent to the scene anywhere in the country. After another 20 minutes, the second group leaves.
Basically, officers from similar units of the Ministry of Defense, police special forces, the security service of the head of state, and border troops come to Almaz. As a rule, these are people who have served at least five years and have already participated in special operations. Serve in "Almaz" and women - negotiators and snipers.
The armament corresponds to the armament of other special forces of Belarus.