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Dembel uniform of special forces gr. Features of the form of special forces GRU, FSB, riot police and alpha groups - camouflage of the Russian army. Features of the uniform of the special forces of the Russian Army

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 combat equipment and weapons are selected .

In recent years, the main characters of television reports and photographs from the North Caucasus have become fighters from 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 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?

Military uniforms - field, everyday and ceremonial uniforms - are always regulated by the relevant decrees of the Ministry of Defense. However, there are formations of Special Forces in the law enforcement agencies of ministries and departments that are not related to the Russian Armed Forces, which perform specific tasks, for which they use a very wide range of military and universal uniforms.

Classification of special forces units

The existing special forces units in Russia belong to different departments. In the armed forces of the Russian Federation there are such formations of Special Forces:

  • SV (ground forces) - brigades of the DSHB and the regiment of the DSHP;
  • GU - 25 regiment and brigades;
  • MO - the center of Senezh;
  • GRU - detachments of the PDSS reconnaissance points Sailing (Baltic Fleet), Tuapse (Black Sea Fleet), Zverosovkhoz (Northern Fleet) and about. Russian / Dzhigit Bay (Pacific Fleet);
  • Airborne - 45th Guards Brigade (Kubinka);
  • Navy - detachments of the Caspian Flotilla, the Black Sea, Baltic, Pacific and Northern Fleets.

The special services of the Russian Federation also have special forces units:

  • FSB - departments for supporting operational activities, regional departments and services, departments A (Alpha), B (Vympel) and C;
  • Border Guard Service of the FSB - regional services and departments, DShM of border detachments, special intelligence groups of the OGSpR;
  • SVR - detachment Zaslon;
  • Ministry of Internal Affairs - Thunder detachment;
  • Troops of the National Guard - instead of internal troops, detachments of Wolverine (Krasnoyarsk-26), Rus (Simferopol), Skif (Grozny), Peresvet (Moscow), Svyatogor (Stavropol), Bulat (Ufa), Ratnik (Arkhangelsk), Kuzbass (Kemerovo) were created , Bars (Kazan), Mercury (Smolensk), Mechel (Chelyabinsk), Typhoon (Khabarovsk), Ermak (Novosibirsk), Edelweiss (Minvody), Vyatich (Armavir), Ural (Nizhny Tagil), Rosich (Novocherkassk), 604 CSN;
  • Russian Guard - SOBR and OMON combat units;
  • FSIN - republican departments Saturn (Moscow), Rossy (Sverdlovsk), Typhoon (Leningrad region), Iceberg (Murmansk), guard (Chuvashia), Shark (Krasnodar), Hawk (Mari El), Volcano (Kabardino-Balkaria);
  • Ministry of Emergency Situations - Center of Special Risk Leader;
  • Federal State Unitary Enterprise Svyaz-Safety - Mars department.

Some of the above special forces units belong to the military, that is, by default, they are equipped with military personnel. The other is departmental, that is, it employs employees who are assigned special ranks, and not military ones. The two largest ministries of the Russian Federation include both of them:

  • Ministry of Internal Affairs - the special forces of the National Guard are staffed by military personnel, OMON and SOBR are not military formations;
  • FSB - special forces of the border troops and departments A, B and C, respectively.

Formations of special forces perform combat missions in settlements and forests, under water and in the air, so field uniforms, ammunition and weapons are very different. A presidential decree in 2005 prohibited the use of insignia and military uniforms in security units of the FSB, the Federal Drug Control Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Federal Penitentiary Service, the PPS and other departments that were not formed from military personnel.

These highly mobile units go on combat missions, carry out guard duty and learn skills in various forms.

military special forces

When passing urgent, extra-long or contract service as part of special forces, a soldier is obliged to comply with the rules for wearing uniforms and insignia. The state provides formations of Special Forces with VKBO sets (all-weather set of basic uniforms) of 19 items of clothing. Self-assembly from VKBO elements is allowed, depending on combat and training tasks and weather conditions.

Any "camouflage", "body armor" and "unloading" of a third-party manufacturer that does not meet the requirements of the charter is considered a violation of the dress code. However, the Special Forces are considered the elite of the RF Armed Forces, commanders may allow the use of more comfortable clothing, for example, American or European special forces.

Special forces of combat swimmers actually arose during the Second World War, however, the units were so secret that field and everyday clothes were altered by their employees on their own from the most suitable form of various branches of the military.

In 1974, during the formation of the famous Alpha (Group A of the KGB of the USSR to fight terror), working in a less secret mode, the problem of equipment also arose, so the officers wore blue jackets and suits for pilots and technical workers, which turned out to be most convenient for their tasks.

When a limited contingent of troops was sent to Afghanistan in 1979, the special forces field uniform for a hot climate and mountainous terrain was urgently developed on the model of the uniform of the troops of the President of the Congo, Colonel Mabuta, the suit was sewn according to GOST 17 6290 from raincoat fabric with water-repellent impregnation.

Officially, "Mabuta", "jump suit" or "sand" was the uniform of "Alpha", GRU units and the newly formed Vympel department, in fact, paratroopers and infantrymen bought it for cash with the permission of their commanders for everyday wear.

The modern form of Russian special forces is convenient and functional, but there are Western counterparts that surpass it in some properties / qualities. For example, until recently, a protective helmet did not have devices for fixing a tactical flashlight, night vision device and other devices. The colors and patterns of some American and European camouflage fabrics and styles are better suited to specific terrain conditions.

Rules for wearing uniforms by military personnel of the Russian Federation

In 2015, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation signed a decree number 300 on the rules for wearing military uniforms. The last changes were made to it in 2017, but before that, significant adjustments were made three times:

  • 1997 - symbols were added, wearing rules were introduced;
  • 2008 - simplified dress uniform, improved field uniforms;
  • 2011 - partial return to the form of the USSR, development of the VKBO.

Until 2008, the equipment of the special forces of the armed forces and departments not related to the armed forces was almost identical. Moreover, the uniform of the guard almost completely copied the uniforms of the elite units participating in the hostilities, therefore, military symbols and army uniforms were prohibited in these formations and organizations.

VKBO kit

In 2011, a new uniform was developed for general purpose units and special forces units. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation acted as the customer of the project, the domestic holding of light industry BTK Group became the executor. An integrated scientific approach was used, so the design bureau included:

  • University of Technology and Design St. Petersburg;
  • Naval Engineering Institute GOU VPO;
  • Institute of Medicine RAMS.

A ready-made set of VKBO was tested in 8 military units for 3 months in 2012 in different regions of the country - the south of the Russian Federation, the Trans-Urals, the Central Region, the Arctic. The customer put forward the requirements:

  • anti-slip surface of shoe soles;
  • petrol and oil resistance of the upper part of the shoe;
  • ergonomics of each element;
  • durability, compactness, low weight;
  • camouflage properties (camouflage);
  • protection from adverse conditions;
  • provision and possibility of regulation of heat balance;
  • moisture removal at any level of physical activity.

The final set of VKBO consists of 3 pairs of shoes and 20 items that provide the effect of layering. In other words, each next layer is worn over the previous underwear to achieve a comfortable thermal balance in all weather conditions and climatic zones in different seasons of the year.

The delivery schedule was carried out in stages from 2013 to 2015. The transition from the existing uniform to the new uniform took place gradually. Part of the personnel dressed in the VKBO, at the same time the uniforms of the old type were worn out.

The form is considered everyday and field, so the summer kit is designed for indoors all year round and outdoors at an air temperature of +15 degrees. The winter set is effective for temperatures from -40 degrees to +15 degrees. Three pairs of shoes are designed to be worn in the temperature ranges of -40 - -10 degrees, -10 - + 15 degrees and above + 15 degrees. Clothes that are not currently in use are transported and stored in a special bag.

  1. moisture-wicking underwear short (T-shirt and shorts) made of 100% polyester or long (underpants with a codpiece, sweatshirt with a round neck, long sleeve, adjacent silhouette);
  2. fleece underwear from a sweatshirt with long sleeves (zip to the middle of the chest, chin protection, thumb hole) and underpants (selective bouffant, elastic band inside the waistband) made of 7% elastane and 93% polyester;
  3. fleece jacket (100% polyester) ;
  4. windbreaker (2% elastane and 98% polyester), "figure" camouflage, worn with trousers of the next level, drawstring at the bottom with clamps, ventilation valves in the pockets, water-repellent finish;
  5. demi-season suit (1% elastane, 99% polyamide) made of trousers with removable suspenders, the seat area and knees are reinforced with high-strength pads, side seams with zippers, and jackets with a two-way zipper, hood, front pockets, stand-up collar, pads on the elbows;
  6. windproof suit (PTFE membrane inside 100% polyamide) made of jacket and trousers, overlays, double valve, hood, waterproof zippers, side seams of trousers with zippers;
  7. insulated vest (100% polyamide and PTFE membrane), one inner pocket is tightened with a cord, the second is closed with a zipper, front outer patch pockets, windproof placket with hidden buttons;
  8. insulated suit (polyamide 100%), hood adjustable to the face, pockets in the sleeves, reinforced lining, fixers for mittens, the bottom of the trousers with elastic bands, the top to the middle of the thighs with zippers.

Fleece underwear weighs 516 g, regular 281 g (extended), insulated suit 2.3 kg. Summer suit (camouflage "figure") has an increased cotton content (65%). The thread is reinforced using rip-stop technology, the fabric is practically not torn. For him, a headdress is provided - a cap. The second cap is worn with a demi-season suit. The scarf is made in the shape of a bib, adjustable in volume.

Universal balaclava hat made of 30% polyamide and 70% wool transformable. The insulated hat with two elongated flaps allows wearing in several positions. Winter socks made of wool with the addition of polyamide. On the mittens there is a removable insulation, fasteners for the sleeves of the jacket. Five-fingered black woolen gloves.

However, the basic kit does not provide 100% equipment for solving combat missions of special forces, so special forces units use additional funds, ammunition, and weapons. For example, bulletproof vests, unloading vests, camouflage suits, wetsuits, jump suits for parachutists.

Casual dress code

Unlike the rapid reaction forces, special forces plan operations in advance, so the daily routines are traditionally:

  • classroom training (theory, tactics);
  • guard duty;
  • rest and personal time.

Thus, the army special forces use the sets of the new VKBO, which are quite sufficient for these tasks. For training in special disciplines, a field uniform is used - camouflage suits, bulletproof vests, wetsuits, jumpsuits.

Field uniform

Due to the special status of special forces, they solve very different tasks:

  • sabotage and anti-terrorist activities;
  • intelligence and counterintelligence;
  • ensuring the security of their own unit and the elimination of enemy structures of the same name;
  • organization of riots on the territory of the enemy and the fight against them in their own regions;
  • protection of objects/persons and their physical destruction.

The field black uniform of the riot police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the FSB provides visual control - friend / foe, demoralizes the enemy, and the wetsuit of the PDSS GRU naval combat swimmer provides covert penetration under water. The “Izlom” camouflage is good for moving through the forest as part of a group, and the “Leshy” camouflage suit is used by a sniper in a long-term firing position.

Ceremonial uniforms

It is much easier to understand the dress uniform of military personnel and employees of Special Forces units:

  • they belong to certain types of troops;
  • ceremonial uniforms are used on dismissal, at a solemn event or during vacation, that is, at events not related to combat missions.

Special forces soldiers are dressed in accordance with the rules for wearing military uniforms.

Airborne

Usually, the demobilization uniform of the special forces is decorated with an aiguillette and numerous edgings of the elements of full dress. In fact, the aiguillette is an element of the dress uniform for especially ceremonial occasions according to Decree No. 300 of 2015 of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation.

The ceremonial uniform of an officer of the special forces of the Airborne Forces includes:

  • tunic trousers and a cap made of blue (sea wave) wool;
  • a vest with blue stripes instead of a white military shirt;
  • ceremonial golden belt;
  • black boots with high berets;
  • blue beret or cap.

In winter, paratroopers dress in the same uniform, and over it is a casual warm blue jacket and black gloves. Instead of a beret / cap, a fur hat with earflaps or a cap can be used.

Soldiers, sergeants and cadets wear a blue beret, berets, a vest and a casual suit in the summer.

Navy

The uniform of the special forces belonging to the Navy is completely identical to the uniform of the special forces of the airborne forces. Since the rules for wearing dress uniforms clearly state that all special forces, regardless of belonging to a particular branch of the military, receive the right to wear a blue vest and berets. The beret has the color of the military branch.

PS FSB (border service)

The tunic of an FSB officer does not differ from the uniform of a serviceman - three buttons, aquamarine, fitted. The epaulets of departments A, B and C have a cornflower blue edging on a silver or gold field, the border service has a green edging. The parade military uniform is completed with boots or boots (for formation), a golden belt. The color of the overcoat is gray-steel, it fastens with 6 buttons.

Special Forces of the National Guard Troops (maroon berets)

A distinctive element of the parade uniform of the special forces of the former Internal Troops, preserved after they were renamed the National Guard, is the headdress. The maroon beret appeared in 1978, until 1989 it remained a non-statutory element of the uniform, to which senior officers turned a blind eye. The qualification test for the right to wear it was legalized only in 1993.

Simultaneously with the maroon beret of the special forces of the VV, vests with stripes of a similar color appeared by analogy with the Airborne Forces and the Marine Corps (blue and black vests in the color of the berets of these military branches, respectively).

PDSS and MRP GRU (combat swimmers)

PDSS units were created to identify and eliminate enemy underwater saboteurs. However, in order to effectively combat them, combat swimmers are included (the same saboteurs, but their own). In addition, there are separate formations in each fleet for highly specialized tasks, for example, protecting the water area and ships inside it under water or organizing sabotage.

These formations of the Russian special forces are considered the most secret so far. In the days of the USSR, they were provided with regular uniforms for privates and sergeants of the home fleet. They went on vacation in it and went on vacation, they never participated in parades.

The situation is currently being maintained. The parade uniform of the MRP and PDSS detachments is completely identical to the uniform of the Navy.

Clothing for especially hot regions

Dress uniform for hot regions in the Russian army is not provided. But for the Russian soldier there is a special everyday uniform from the manufacturer BTK Group of 8 items:

  • socks;
  • T-shirt;
  • baseball cap;
  • Panama;
  • shorts;
  • trousers;
  • jacket.

It is this uniform that units of the MTR of the RF Armed Forces wear in Syria. All clothes are sand-colored without camouflage patterns.

female form

In the formations of the Special Forces, women's casual and field clothing has special sizes. The shirt-tunic is completed with a large number of pockets. The dress uniform is distinguished by the presence of a blouse and skirt made of wool instead of a men's tunic and trousers. Berets, berets and vests are preserved in full for special forces, which the Russian army has.

Special forces of law enforcement agencies and ministries

After 2008, in the form of Special Forces, staffed by non-military personnel, differences from army uniforms are used. This was done on purpose to avoid confusion. However, even before the renaming, the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs received the right to wear a maroon beret and vest.

By default, employees use the full dress police uniform (MVD) or similar uniforms of their own department (FSB, FSIN). In most cases, a domestic VKBO kit is used as a daily uniform. The field uniform corresponds to the tasks of the units, differs significantly from the army uniform.

For example, the formations of the Special Forces of the FSB and the Ministry of Internal Affairs use a black uniform.

Regular uniform

By analogy with the army, in 2011 the last edition of the Rules for wearing uniforms of the Ministry of Internal Affairs took place, so the “parade” of the special forces practically does not differ from the uniform of the teaching staff. The main nuances are:

  • even at ceremonial events, OMON is allowed gray camouflage, and SOBR is allowed a black summer suit;
  • instead of an army field uniform, there is an analogue - uniforms for performing service and operational special tasks;
  • instead of a jacket, the suit set may include a “Gorka” (mountain suit) of anorak style (put on over the head) or a single-breasted jacket with a zipper;
  • by analogy with the airborne troops, a beret is provided, only green or black.

Unlike the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the uniform of the GRU special forces is subject to the rules of wearing the Ministry of Defense, that is, by default it is army.

Individual uniform and ammunition

If secretive operations are typical for army special forces, police special forces more often confront armed formations “face to face”, therefore the cut of the clothes of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB, its protective characteristics often turn out to be unsatisfactory when using a regular set. Uniforms of American and European production are being purchased, including by the special forces themselves:

  • bulletproof vests Redut, Defender and Bagariy of modular type;
  • vests unloading manufacturer Armak;
  • sets of pouches Molle;
  • helmets OpScore, Omnitech-T and SHBM;
  • Veresk SR-2M and PP-2000 submachine guns.

Regular AKs are equipped with length-adjustable butts and Picatinny rails, which allow you to hang additional devices on the machine.

Special Operations Forces MTR

The unit reports to the Minister of Defense, was created in 2009, and the data of the current commander of the MTR are classified. They are considered rapid reaction forces, they conduct operations abroad (Somalia, Aleppo) and within the country (North Caucasus).

From the moment of its inception until the middle of 2014, only the form of foreign special forces was used to equip these units:

  • Propper BDU (multicam coloring);
  • special purpose kits for hot climates;
  • Arcteryx Leaf;
  • Tactical Combat, Field or Performance;
  • tactical overalls Fortreks K14;
  • helmets Warrior Kiver and 6B7-1M;
  • ballistic helmet Spartan;
  • diving suit GKN-7 set Amphora diving;
  • anti-fragmentation suit Reid-L;
  • body armor 6B43;
  • unloading vest 6Sh112.

Currently, the BTK Group holding company provides decent quality materials, design and functionality of equipment, domestic uniforms are used, with rare exceptions.

In the media, that unit is usually called "Polite People" because of the appropriate attitude towards journalists during the maintenance of order in the Crimea in 2014. The camouflage during the operation was either the uniform of a security guard or civilian clothes.

Variants of camouflage suits

Domestic camouflage for military uniforms is of several types:

  • Deciduous forest - created during the Second World War in 1942, suitable for the forest;
  • Silver leaf - has the additional names "birch" and "sunny bunny";
  • Amoeba - originated in 1935, the spots are large, there are options for any season of different staining intensity;
  • HRV-93 - "Butane", more often called "vertical", the pattern completely merges the form with vegetation;
  • HRV-98 - "Flora" or "Watermelon" due to the corresponding stripes, is considered the base for the European part of the Russian Federation;
  • Flora digital - called the "Russian figure", is the youngest option.

Initially, special forces weapons and their uniforms were disguised with camouflage under the surrounding area. Such field clothes were worn by all units of the Special Forces. However, for special operations, there are better camouflage options:

  • Goblin - the cape is hung with bunches of green, brown and yellow, merges with any vegetation and tree trunks;
  • Kikimora is a high-strength, shapeless marsh-colored fiber.

Known options for third-party manufacturers of camouflage fabric and ready-made sets of tactical uniforms from it:

  • Twilight - color from black to light gray (twilight);
  • Cobra - similar to the scales of a large reptile, merges with the blueberry and tall grass;
  • Kink - waterproof fabric for deciduous and coniferous forests;
  • Frog - large digital squares;
  • Multicam - an American version for urban development, slums, communications, not suitable for forests;
  • Suprat - a domestic development of a forest camouflage pattern and suit style, costs three times cheaper than imported analogues;
  • Amoeba - created from illogical fabric, has the largest operating experience;
  • Black - for units of departmental security forces (Ministry of Internal Affairs, FSB and UPSIP) in order to quickly identify each other;
  • Winter - pure white or with black spots;
  • Desert - the advantage of sandy and brown;
  • Jungle - yellow with green;
  • Urban - considered basic, has a gray background, a dark "number".

In addition to Special Forces, camouflage clothing is used by combat units and units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Armed Forces, the GRU, the FSB, and even civilians and organizations. For example, an employee of the teaching staff and a fisherman can be dressed in camouflage. Until recently, the uniform of the guard practically did not differ from army uniforms.

Foreign analogues of camouflage fabric most often outperform domestic developments:

  • Apu Pat - the name of the style of clothing and coloring of camouflage fabric, does not change color when wet;
  • Woodland - a budget version of the previous material, darkening when wet, nicknamed "NATO", has four shades - rich green for swamps, moderate for forests, brown for mountains and basic universal;
  • Marpat - has three options for the desert, city and forest, digital spots with black, brown and green hues that break the symmetry of the human anatomy, which the eye of the observer usually clings to.

Digital drawing is considered the best option, as it is developed in a special camouflage department of the Central Research Institute named after Karbyshev. The shape of the pixel interferes with the concentration of the gaze on it, “falls out” of the field of view. For example, the "kink" option has the following masking properties:

  • the scheme is divided into color parts - mustard, dark green and brown;
  • the break imitates the three main coverings of a coniferous forest - moss, foliage and fallen needles;
  • deforming visual perception of the silhouette behind the camouflage fabric is achieved by increasing the size of the pattern;
  • digital areas of green should be close to the actual size of the needles, brown - to the dimensions of moss spots, and mustard - to dry foliage.

The kink camouflage colors are often used for tailoring everyday uniforms, as the fabric is very strong.

Special outfit

In addition to Kikimora and Leshy camouflage suits, several categories of military specialists have special uniforms:

  • scuba divers and divers;
  • paratroopers and snipers;
  • saboteurs and anti-terror groups;
  • sappers and miners.

For the same reasons, special forces weapons are diverse:

  • Pecheneg and AKM machine guns;
  • pistol Vityaz PP-10-01, Glock-17 and PYa;
  • assault rifles AK-105, 74M and APS (underwater);
  • sniper complexes VSK-94 and Vintorez;
  • complexes PRTK Kornet;
  • hand grenade launchers GM-94 and grenade launchers GP-34.

The special forces move overland on SUVs, KamAZ-Mustangs, BTR-82 armored personnel carriers, armored vehicles and ATVs.

Delivery by air is carried out by AN-26 transporters and Mt-8MTV-5 helicopters, by water by BRP SEA-DOO jet skis, under water by tugboats and mini-submarines of nuclear submarines.

Thus, the dress uniform of special forces units is a kind of disguise. Everyday uniforms are most often the same, and the field uniform is very diverse and unique.

If for a civilian, a beret is an ordinary headdress, which, in principle, is more popular among women, then for military personnel, a beret is not just an integral part of the uniform, but 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. US Special Forces soldiers noted the following conveniences of these headgear:

  • 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 the 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 defensive state has elite special units that have their own unique headgear:

  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. As for the marines, 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 the uniform of the Airborne Forces in Soviet times were mostly worn by special forces soldiers in training units or at a 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:

Increasingly, in news bulletins from "hot spots" you can hear the word "special forces", which means special forces units as part of various power or law enforcement agencies. This testifies to the increased role of the special operations forces of the FSB and GRU units in the settlement of power conflicts.

To effectively achieve the goals set, an appropriate form of clothing is necessary, which, in addition to convenience, should protect the fighter from the harmful effects of the environment and enemy weapons.

The structure of special forces around the world

The uniform of the fighters of special units usually differs little from those in the law enforcement agency to which this unit is attached. Consider the structure of special forces units in Russia, the United States and Ukraine.

Russia

The forces of the Russian special forces are represented by the following units:

  1. Special forces of special services, including the structures of the FSB, the SVR and the FPS of the FSB.
  2. Special Forces of the Armed Forces (Special Operations Forces, special forces of the Airborne Forces, the Navy and the GRU).
  3. Special forces of law enforcement agencies in the structures of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Federal Penitentiary Service, the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Police of Russia.

Ukraine

Special forces of Ukraine are components of the following law enforcement agencies:

  1. Ministry of Internal Affairs, including internal troops.
  2. General Directorate of Intelligence under the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
  3. Border Service.
  4. Armed Forces of Ukraine, including:
    • Highly mobile landing troops;
    • Mountain infantry and reconnaissance special forces of the Ground Forces;
    • Training units related to the Ministry of Defense.
  5. Department of state protection.

USA

Special Forces units in the United States have their own specifics and structure:

  1. Special forces of law enforcement agencies.
  2. US Special Operations Forces. They, in turn, are divided into special forces:
    • Air Force;
    • Marine Corps;
    • military police;
    • Naval Forces.

Types of special forces uniform

The classification of uniforms of law enforcement agencies is universal, regardless of whether it is the GRU special forces or the FSB. According to her, the military uniform is:

  • summer;
  • winter.

In addition, there is a division of the form by purpose:

  • The field dress is worn during a military or state of emergency, during hostilities, natural disasters and the elimination of their consequences, during combat duty and exercises. The field clothing of a commando accompanies him in the most difficult moments of his service, so special requirements are placed on it.
  • The parade is used during the presentation of the battle banner and the receipt of state awards, when carrying the guard of honor, as well as on parade and weekends. During the hoisting of the Naval flag on the ship and the launching of the ship into the water, the full dress uniform is also put on.
  • Casual dress code is used in all remaining cases.

Types of special forces camouflage

The special forces uniform is made from special fabrics that meet the requirements of safety, ergonomics and protection. FSB special forces soldiers often need to disguise themselves, become invisible to the enemy. For such cases, clothing with the appropriate pattern is provided. Each country has its own types of camouflage.

The most common camouflage fabrics for clothing of military structures created in the United States include:

  • MARPAT. The name of the fabric comes from the abbreviation of the phrase Marine Pattern. It is used, among other things, for sewing uniforms of the US Marine Corps Special Forces. It combines shades of green, brown and black. Refers to the improved "digital" coloring. It has been experimentally established that this type of drawing more effectively than usual "breaks" the symmetry of the human silhouette, since there are no obvious joints of contrasting colors in it, and the drawing is divided into rectangular parts. Produced in 3 variations:
    • basic;
    • urban;
    • desert (no green).
  • Woodland. The most popular camouflage comes from the USA. The name “NATO” was still attached to it, although the states included in this military bloc have their own individual colors of the uniform. It was created in the 80s of the last century specifically for the army and special forces. Black, brown, dark and light green colors serve as camouflage in the forest. The disadvantages of this material include the black tint acquired by the fabric after wetting. A fighter in such clothes can easily be detected by the enemy. Produced in 4 colors:
    • base;
    • mountain, in which there is more brown;
    • moderate;
    • lowland with a predominance of green shades.
  • ACU PAT. Short for "army combat uniform pattern". This form is intended for the US Army and special forces that are part of them. The term covers not only the colors, but also the cut of clothing. The advantage of ACU PAT over Woodland is that the former does not blacken when wet as a result of a lighter color range including medium, light and dark grays.

The colors of the camouflage clothing used by the special forces of Russia and Ukraine for the special forces of the GRU, the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the FSB are largely inherited from the USSR. We list the main types of drawings:

  • "Amoeba". One of the oldest camouflage designs developed by Soviet specialists in 1935. Has various versions.
  • "deciduous forest", camouflage military fabric, which was created for the fighters of the Great Patriotic War in 1942.
  • "Silver Leaf", he is also "sunny bunnies", he is also "birch". The deforming pattern of such a sample was developed in the 50s of the last century in the USSR.
  • VSR-93, popularly referred to as "vertical" due to vertical stripes. A field uniform that effectively breaks the silhouette against a vegetal background.
  • VSR-98 "Flora". Nicknamed "watermelon" camouflage because of the characteristic stripes. Basic camouflage for special forces of the Russian Armed Forces. Along with a specific color, it has excellent masking characteristics in relation to the middle part of Russia.
  • "Digital Flora", aka "Russian number". A new summer and winter uniform for soldiers of special units of the GRU, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB, the design and colors of which were developed by Russian fashion designer V. Yudashkin.

New form of special forces from Yudashkin

In 2007, the Fashion House of V. Yudashkin, together with the Central Research Institute of the Clothing Industry, developed a new uniform for the Russian special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs from camouflage mixed fabric, consisting of 50% polyester and 50% cotton.

The set includes a jacket and trousers. Jacket with 2 shoulder and 2 breast pockets. There is an inside pocket. Shoulder straps (one each on the left shoulder and chest) are easy to put on and take off if necessary. Cuffs, shoulder straps and pockets are fastened with Velcro.

Pants have 2 patch pockets on the sides and back, 2 side welt pockets. A special pocket is provided for storing a personal token. There are loops for a belt on a trousers belt. A special knee insert with Velcro acts as additional protection if a seal is inserted into it. Ribbons are sewn on the bottom of the trousers for the convenience of putting on the berets on the legs.

Thus, with all the variety of materials, colors and designs, the field uniform of the special forces of Russia, the United States and Ukraine has a number of common features. This is the use of camouflage to camouflage from the enemy and the presence of a large number of pockets, drawstrings and latches for maximum functionality.

Video: FSB special forces

If you have any questions - leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them.

Now they are talking a lot in newspapers, on TV, on the Internet about the GRU special forces and the special forces of the Airborne Forces. Since these two communities of military professionals are very similar, we will try to figure out how they still differ for an inexperienced person who is far from all this.

Let's start with a historical excursion. Who came first? Spetsnaz GRU is definitely accurate in 1950. Since a lot of tactical blanks and other chips were borrowed from the partisan actions of the Great Patriotic War, it is still fair to designate its unofficial appearance in the second half of the thirties of the last century. The first sabotage groups of the Red Army successfully operated in the war in Spain. And if you look at an even earlier historical period, when the need to conduct sabotage operations forced many countries of the world (including the Russian Empire) to keep completely autonomous "scout" units in their armies, then the origins of the appearance of the GRU special forces go back to "the depths of centuries".

The special forces of the Airborne Forces appeared in 1930, along with the Airborne Troops. With the very first landing near Voronezh, when there was an obvious need to start our own intelligence. The paratroopers can't just land in "paws to the enemy", someone has to shorten these "paws", break off the "horns", and file the "hooves".

Main tasks. GRU special forces - conducting reconnaissance and sabotage (and some other, sometimes delicate) operations behind enemy lines at a distance of 1000 km. and further (how long the radio communication range is enough) to solve the tasks of the General Staff. Previously, communication was on short waves. Now on short and ultra-short via satellite channel. The communication range is not limited by anything, but still in some corners of the planet there are "dead zones", there are no mobile, radio or satellite communications at all. Those. It is not for nothing that a stylized image of the globe is often found on the symbols of the GRU.

The special forces of the Airborne Forces - in fact the "eyes and ears" of the Airborne Forces, are part of the Airborne Forces themselves. Reconnaissance and sabotage units operating behind enemy lines to prepare for the arrival and preparation of the landing (if necessary) of the main forces ("cavalry"). Capturing airfields, sites, small bridgeheads, solving related tasks with the capture or destruction of communications, related infrastructure, and other things. They act strictly on the orders of the headquarters of the Airborne Forces. The range is not as significant as that of the GRU, but still impressive. The main aircraft of the Airborne Forces IL-76 is capable of overcoming 4000 km. Those. there and back - about 2000 km. (refueling is not considered, although the range in this case increases significantly). Therefore, the special forces of the Airborne Forces operate behind enemy lines at a distance of up to 2000 km.

Let's continue the research. An interesting question with the form of clothing. At first glance, everything is the same. Bertsy, camouflage, vests, blue berets. But this is only at first glance. Take, for example, takes. This piece of clothing is of medieval origin. Pay attention to the old paintings of artists. All beret wearers wear them asymmetrically. Either right or left. The special forces of the GRU and the special forces of the Airborne Forces are behind the scenes to wear a beret, bent to the right. If you suddenly see a commando in the form of the Airborne Forces and in a beret bent to the left, then this is just an ordinary paratrooper. The tradition has been carried on since the time of the first parades with the participation of the Airborne Forces, when it was necessary to open the face as much as possible to the podium, and this can be done only by breaking the beret on the left side of the head. And there is no reason to shine intelligence.

Let's move on to signs. During the Great Patriotic War, the Airborne Troops made many landings and landing operations. Many awarded heroes. Including the units of the Airborne Forces themselves were awarded the title of Guards (almost all). The GRU special forces for the period of that war were already in the process of formation as an independent branch of the armed forces, but were outside the legal framework (and in general everything was secret). Therefore, if you see a paratrooper, but without the "Guards" badge, then with almost 100% certainty - GRU special forces. Only a few GRU units bear the rank of Guards. For example, the 3rd Separate Guards Warsaw-Berlin Red Banner Order of Suvorov III Art. SPN GRU brigade.

About food. Those. about satisfaction. GRU spetsnaz, if it is in the format (i.e. under the guise) of an airborne unit, receives uniforms, clothing allowance, monetary allowance, and all the hardships and deprivations that are due, both in sickness and in health, and food, strictly in in accordance with the standards of the Airborne Forces.
Special forces of the Airborne Forces - everything is clear here. This is the airborne troops themselves.

But with the GRU, the issue is more tricky, and this detail always brings confusion. A friend wrote to me after the Pechora training of the GRU special forces in the eighties. "Everyone, ** ***, arrived at the place, in the company. We sit for the first day, ****, rip off blue shoulder straps, gave out fuel oil, everything is black, **** today is mourning (((((((. Berets , vests were also taken away. Am I now in the signal troops or something, *****?". So, they arrived in Germany, in the Western Group of Forces, and changed clothes. They immediately became signalmen. And changed their shoes (boots with lacing were replaced with ordinary boots). But Germany is small, there our sworn "friends" are also not fools. They are watching. There is a strange signal company. All signalmen are like signalmen, and these stir up something all day. in full swing, then digging trenches (similar to a comfortable bed in a forest belt behind the autobahn), then hand-to-hand combat, then shooting for the whole day, then something happens at night. to a distant airfield." And for you, dear, there is a field post. Forward! The trumpet is calling! Soldiers! On a campaign!". - signalmen).

In this way, the GRU special forces can disguise themselves (at times successfully) under absolutely any branch of the armed forces (as the Motherland orders, and to what quiet / rotten distance they send).
The unmasking signs will be numerous badges with sports ranks, badges of paratroopers, all the same vests (stubborn boychins will still be put on them under any pretext, but you can’t see everyone, and it’s good that paratrooper vests are terribly popular in all branches of the military), tattoos in the form of clothing No. 2 (naked torso) again airborne theme with an abundance of skulls, parachutes, bats and all sorts of different living creatures, slightly weathered muzzles of faces (from frequent running around in the fresh air), always increased appetite and the ability to eat exotic, or completely artless .

An interesting question about another invisibility. This stroke will give out a special forces soldier who is used to getting to the place of "work" not in comfortable transport to invigorating music, but on his own two with all parts of the body worn in calluses. The gulley style of running with a huge load on the shoulders forces the arms to straighten at the elbows. Longer arm lever - more economical effort in transporting trunks. Therefore, when one day they first arrived at a unit with a huge concentration of personnel, then on the very first morning run they were shocked by the huge number of fighters (soldiers and officers) who ran with their hands down, like robots. Thought it was some kind of joke. But it turned out not. Over time, my personal feelings about this appeared. Although everything is strictly individual. Though pick your finger in your nose and wave your wings, but do what you have to do.

And the most important thing is not this. Clothes are clothes, but what is inherent in absolutely the same as the GRU special forces and the special forces of the Airborne Forces is the eyes. The look is so completely relaxed, friendly, with a share of healthy indifference. But he looks right at you. Or through you. You never know what to expect from such a subject (only a megaton of trouble, if anything happens). Complete mobilization and readiness, complete unpredictability of actions, logic that instantly turns into "inadequate". And so in ordinary life, quite positive and inconspicuous people. No self-admiration. Only a tough and calm focus on the result, no matter how desperately hopeless it turns out to be. In short, for military intelligence, this is a kind of philosophical salt of being from ever-memorable times (a lifestyle, that is).

Let's talk about swimming. The special forces of the Airborne Forces must be able to overcome water obstacles. Are there many obstacles along the way? All sorts of rivers, lakes, streams, swamps. The same goes for the GRU special forces. But if we are talking about the seas and oceans, then for the Airborne Forces the topic ends here, the diocese of the Marine Corps begins there. And if they have already begun to distinguish someone, then more precisely, a very specific area of ​​\u200b\u200bactivity of the reconnaissance units of the Marine Corps. But the GRU special forces have their own units of brave combat swimmers. Let's reveal a little military secret. The presence of such units in the GRU does not at all mean that just the same, every special forces officer in the GRU has undergone diving training. The combat swimmers of the GRU special forces are a really closed topic. They are few, but they are the best of the best. Fact.

What can you say about physical training? There are no differences at all here. And in the special forces of the GRU, and in the special forces of the Airborne Forces, there is still some kind of selection. And the requirements are not that high, but the highest. Nevertheless, in our country there are a couple of every creature (and there are many who want to). Therefore, it is not surprising that all sorts of random people get there. Then they read books, from the Internet there are videos with window dressing, or they watch enough films. Often they have an abundance of sports diplomas, awards, categories and other things. Then, with such a hard-boiled porridge in their heads, they arrive at the duty station. From the very first forced march (named after the Great Special Forces), enlightenment sets in. Complete and inevitable. Oh fuck, where did I go? Yes, you got it ... For such excesses there is always a stock of personnel recruited in advance, just for the subsequent and inevitable screening.

Why go far for examples? Finally, for the first time in the Russian army, six-week survival courses for contract soldiers were introduced, which end with an examination 50-kilometer field trip, with shooting, overnight stays, saboteurs, crawling, digging and other unexpected joys. For the first time (!). Twenty-five thousand contract soldiers in three military districts were finally able to experience for themselves what the average soldier-special forces intelligence officer has always lived for. Moreover, they have it for "a week before the second", and in special forces for every day and for the entire period of service. Even before the start (!) of the field exit, every tenth soldier of the personnel of our armed forces turned out to be a kalich, a slipper. Or even refused to participate in a safari show for personal motivation. Some parts of the body suddenly bench-press.

Therefore, why talk for a long time? Survival courses in the conventional army, ie. something so unusual and stressful, they are equated with the average way of unremarkable ordinary service in the GRU special forces, and in the special forces of the Airborne Forces. Nothing new seems to be here. But the special forces also have an extreme pastime. For example, "races" have been traditionally arranged for many years. In ordinary language - competitions of reconnaissance and sabotage groups of different brigades, different military districts, and even different countries. The strongest fight the strongest. There is someone to take an example from. There are no longer any standards or limits of endurance. At the full limit of the capabilities of the human body (and far beyond these limits). Just in the GRU special forces, these events are very common.

Let's sum up our story. In this article, we did not pursue the goal of dumping stacks of documents from staff briefcases on the reader, we did not hunt for some "fried" events and rumors. At least some secrets must remain in the army. Nevertheless, it is already clear that the GRU special forces and the special forces of the Airborne Forces are very, very similar in form and content. It was about the real Big Special Forces, which is ready to complete the assigned tasks. And they do it. (And any group of military special forces can be in "autonomous navigation" from several days to several months, occasionally getting in touch at a certain time.)

Recently, exercises took place in the USA (Fort Carson, Colorado). For the first time. Representatives of the special forces of the Russian Airborne Forces took part in them. And they showed themselves, and looked at "friends". Whether there were representatives of the GRU, history, the military and the press are silent. Let's leave everything as it is. Yes, and it doesn't matter. One point is interesting.
With all the differences in equipment, weapons and approaches to training, joint exercises with the "Green Berets" demonstrated an absolutely amazing similarity between representatives of the special forces (the so-called special operations forces based on parachute units) in different countries. And here you don’t go to a fortuneteller, you even had to go overseas to get this long unclassified information.

As it is now fashionable, let's give the floor to bloggers. Just a few quotes from the blog of a man who visited the 45th Special Forces Regiment of the Airborne Forces during an open press tour. And this is a completely unbiased view. Here's what everyone found out:
“Before the press tour, I was afraid that I would have to communicate mainly with oak martinet special forces who beat off the remnants of their brains by breaking bricks on their heads. This is where the stereotype collapsed ...”.
“Immediately, another parallel cliché dissipated - the special forces turned out to be not at all two-meter ambals with bull necks and pood fists. I don’t think I’m lying much if I say that our group of bloggers, on average, looked more powerful than the special forces group of the Airborne Forces ... ".
"... for the entire time of my stay in the unit, out of hundreds of military men, I did not see a single ambal there. That is, absolutely not a single one ...".
"... I did not suspect that the obstacle course could be more than a kilometer long and that it could take an hour and a half to complete it...".
"... Although at times it really seems that they are cyborgs. How they carry such heaps of equipment on themselves for a long time, I do not understand. Far from everything has been laid out here, there is no water, food and cartridges. The main cargo itself is not there! .. .".

In general, such drooling does not need comments. They go, as they say, from the heart.

(From the editors of 1071g.ru, we will add about the obstacle course. In 1975-1999, at the height of the Cold War between the USSR and the USA and later, there was an obstacle course in the Pechora training of the GRU special forces. The officially common name for the entire GRU Special Forces is "trail reconnaissance officer". The length is about 15 kilometers, the terrain was successfully used, descents and ascents, there were impassable areas, forests, water barriers, some in Estonia (before the collapse of the Union), some in the Pskov region, a lot of engineering structures for classes. battalions (9 companies, in others up to 4 platoons, this is about 700 people + a school of ensigns of 50-70 people) could disappear there in small units (platoons and squads) for days at any time of the year and in any weather, day and night. the units not only did not intersect, but could not even enter into visual contact at all. The cadets ran "admittedly", now they are dreaming about it. A fact based on real events.)

Today in Russia there are only two, as we found out, exactly the same (with the exception of some cosmetic details) special forces. This is the GRU special forces and the special forces of the Airborne Forces. To perform tasks without fear, without reproach, and anywhere in the world (by order of the Motherland). There are no more subdivisions legally authorized by various international conventions. Forced marches - from 30 kilometers with a calculation or more, push-ups - from 1000 times or more, jumps, shooting, tactical and special training, development of stress resistance, abnormal endurance (on the verge of pathology), narrow-profile training in many technical disciplines, running , run, and run again.
Complete unpredictability by opponents of the actions of reconnaissance groups (and each fighter individually, in accordance with the current situation). Skills to instantly assess the situation, and also instantly make decisions. So move on (guess how fast)...

Yes, by the way, does the dear reader know that the burden of hardships of military intelligence during the entire war in Afghanistan was assumed by the special forces of the Airborne Forces and the special forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Ministry of Defense? There, the now known abbreviation "SpN" was born.

Finally, let's add. "Graduates" of the harsh school of the Special Forces of the Airborne Forces and the Special Forces of the GRU are ready to accept with open arms any law enforcement agencies and departments, from the FSB to small private security companies. This does not mean at all that the Bolshoy Spetsnaz are ready to accept employees of any power structures, even with an impeccable track record and the highest level of training. Welcome to the club of real men! (If you are accepted...).

This material was prepared based on the forum of the Landing Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, various open sources, the opinions of professional experts, the blog gosh100.livejournal.com (credit to the blogger from military intelligence), reflections (based on personal experience) of the author of the article. If you have read this far, thank you for your interest.

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