Russian Spetsnaz: Ultimate Superhumans on Guard of Peace

After WWII, the Soviet government ordered in 1950 the establishment of a highly specialized unit that could rapidly deploy and take on demanding missions.

The personnel of the first special purpose companies were selected from army reconnaissance units. A total of 46 such companies comprising 120 people each were formed by May 1, 1951.

Their purpose was to organize and conduct reconnaissance, as well as uncover strategic objects in the enemy's rear and destroy atomic attack weaponry and other important facilities.

The new units were also tasked with carrying out acts of sabotage, creating rebel (partisan) units, as well as searching for and neutralizing saboteurs.

Spetsnaz units carried out missions both in wartime and peacetime, particularly during exacerbated international situations and during emergencies in Russia and beyond.

The Alfa Group participated in the Afghan campaign, storming the Tajbeg Presidential Palace on December 27, 1979.

This picture has become a legend. It shows one of the soldiers saving a baby from terrorists who in 2004 captured a school in the Russian town of Beslan and held over 1,100 people hostage.

A Russian special police soldier carries an injured colleague as two soldiers and two women take cover behind an APC during the rescue operation at Beslan's school, northern Ossetia, September 3, 2004.

The Spetsnaz forces are justly regarded as the elite of Russia’s military. They accomplish tasks beyond the capabilities of other units.

The main feature of the Russian Special Forces is their relatively small size, excellent training, weapons skills, ability to use military hardware, and their all terrain mastery.

They are able to fight at any time of the day in any weather conditions. Additionally they are daring and rely on surprise, initiative, speed, and coordination.

Unit members are trained to conduct bold, covert missions in enemy territory, handle various weapons, drive vehicles, engage in martial arts and handle explosives.

Spetznaz units are equipped with the most advanced weapons and military hardware, including unmanned aerial vehicles, remote-controlled reconnaissance strike systems, night-vision devices and many others.

To enter the ranks of the Spetsnaz, a soldier or officer must pass tests that push the limits of human ability. Completing 25 pull-ups are just one of the basic requirements. But the core trait of Spetsnaz is extreme stamina and the ability to cover great distances with a full load out of equipment.

When new servicemen join the Spetsnaz, their instructor has two phrases for them: “I feel proud of you” and “I feel pity for you” – as being in the special units is both honor and an ultimate challenge.

Pain is not an excuse. As a Russian saying goes, “Die but do it.” An adamant will and intellect are the main tools of a Spetznaz soldier.

But to become a true Spetsnaz warrior, a soldier must earn a maroon beret through a rigorous test where mistakes can easily derail his pursuit.

First, a soldier makes a 12 kilometer-long forced march with weapons and his instructors putting spurs to him.

Then comes the assault course without any rest after the march. It is followed by precision shooting.

After that the challenger storms a five-storey building.

Later he must demonstrate his acrobatic and martial art skills.

Finally, the physically and mentally emaciated applicant enters real hand-to-hand combat scenario with four experienced Spetsnaz members who substitute each other during a 12-minute-long battle.

If he manages to remain on feet, he wins. The desired maroon beret is his prize – the soldier kneels, kisses the cover and joins the ranks of the elite.