Georgian Special Operations Forces

Georgian Special Operations Forces
სპეციალური ოპერაციების ძალები
GSOF army banner
Active 23 November 1999 – present
Country  Georgia
Branch Georgian Armed Forces
Type Special operations forces
Role

Special operations

Part of Ministry of Defence
Garrison/HQ Tbilisi
Nickname(s) "the vicious" – (special forces group)[2]
Beret Grey Asparagus
Engagements

1991: Georgian Civil War*
1992: War in Abkhazia

Since 2001: War on Terror
2003 Rose Revolution
2003–2008: Iraq War
2004: Adjara Crisis
2004: South Ossetia clashes
2006: Kodori Crisis
2007: Bokhundjara incident
2008: South Ossetia War

2012: Lopota Gorge hostage crisis

2014: ISAF Afghanistan (Rangers)
Since 2014: War in Donbass (disputed)
2015–2018: RSM Afghanistan (Rangers)
Commanders
Current
commander		 LTC Temur Klateishvili
Notable
commanders		 Gocha Karkarashvili
Zaza Gogava

The Georgian Special Operations Forces (GSOF) (Georgian: სპეციალური ოპერაციების ძალები) are the special operations forces component of the Georgian Armed Forces. They have been established to conduct special operations, special-and long range reconnaissance, military counter intelligence, counter terrorism, counter insurgency, amphibious and asymmetric warfare in and outside Georgia.[3]

Georgian Special Operation Forces are subordinated under the MOD Special Operations Main Division to a brigade-level command structure. Each formation is split into several sub-divisions which are allocated on different Georgian regions, cities and strategically important areas. Most instructor units are composed of veterans of past conflicts including the Soviet–Afghan War and the internal conflicts in Georgia. Officers and instructors served as in former Soviet Army or NATO special services.[4]

History

The very first of such formations was founded during the War in Abkhazia in 1992 but many already disbanded after several years of service, falling victim to political intrigues and serious accusations of supposed terrorist acts against the Georgian government.[5] Especially internal forces were involved. Since then various special formations occurred under mixed supervision, Russian designed units always enjoying more popularity among the Georgian leadership. A lot of effort was put into the establishment of a sustainable system of development of special military units, which was achieved in 1999. In order to replace the Soviet model with something that would resemble highest international standards the so-called SOF Train and Equip Program was established with financial and material assistance from Turkey.[6] Some officers had already completed Army Rangers and SF courses in the United States. Because Georgia lacked the infrastructure and means at that time, the first applicants and candidates for Georgian special forces were sent to Turkey to train there. Since 2001, Georgia has intensified the training of its elite forces in cooperation with American, French, British, Israeli and other countries' special services.[7][8] In 2002 as part of the Georgia Train and Equip program over 2000 soldiers including 1000 internal troops were trained by US instructors for special-and counter terrorism operations. About $65 million were invested by the United States for the training of 400 army commandos and security forces.[9] In the framework of said program over $6 million were committed by the Georgian government itself to properly arm and supply the country's special forces battalion so that training in accordance to US and NATO standards was ensured.[10] The US 10th Special Forces Group of SOCOM was tasked with assisting in setting up the proper infrastructure and training ground for Georgia's special operations forces, identified by NATO as GSOF.[11] Georgian commandos participated in the Iraq War from 2003 until the complete withdrawal of the Georgian contingent in 2008 due to an escalation of hostilities in South Ossetia.[12][13] Another $11.5 million were raised by the US in 2008 for special forces training. However, as a result of the Russo-Georgian conflict the US ceased providing any type of assistance in training Georgian forces, including special forces as unofficial and undeclared embargoes were in full effect against the country until a new government took over in 2012.[14][15] Despite that a foundation had been laid and Georgia's elite units were already much less dependent on foreign assistance in training, rather focused on cooperation and inter-operability with their NATO and European especially Eastern European counterparts. Georgian special forces have taken part in numerous international missions and joint exercises.[16][17][18] Following the 2014 Wales summit joint training exercises between US-and Georgian special forces officially renewed and since then are held on a regular basis. Several NATO certifications were achieved in 2017 following multinational manoeuvers. Another close partner besides SOCOM is the Polish Special Forces Command, in particular JW GROM and AGAT which took part in the general assessment, mentoring and qualification leading to a NATO operational certification for GSOF.[19] The years long assessment and enhancement of operational capabilities culminated in a final certification during a 2017 exercise in which several Polish special forces components played the opposing force against their Georgian counterparts. GSOF is thereby NATO certified to operate a Special Operations Task Group or SOTG within Alliance structures, which is unique for non-Nato countries.[20] Joint exercises and qualification with Polish SOF are commenced on a regular basis since 2013.[21][22][23]

Early 1990s

Several elite units were formed during the early 1990s. Those included state security group ALFA and another Russian trained special battalion called "Orbi" which was considered more or less a military counterpart. Their members were trained primarily by Russian officers from Spetsnaz and equipped with heavy military hardware. Both units were part of the garrison in the coastal town Gagra which was struck by a massed separatist assault during the War in Abkhazia. Despite initial success for the defenders Gagra was quickly overrun. Russian involvement became very apparent in that period when an unidentified force consisting of hundreds of soldiers with unmarked uniforms were landed at the coast south of the town and started to push against the Georgian defences in the area. Part of the same force also headed towards Gagra. In the ensuing encounter which was very costly for both sides, the Georgians lost another 30 men including a few of the surviving special forces members. Gocha Karkarashvili and 11 of his men were killed when defending Gagra to their last moment.[24] However both sides kept commencing raids and skirmishes against each other after the war and specifically throughout the late 1990s.[25]

Pankisi Gorge

In 2003 Georgia carried out a special operation in the infamous Pankisi Gorge known for its supposed hosting of militant groups and criminals elements. The aim was to surround and force the surrender of armed Chechen saboteurs formations that crossed the border. Clashes and arrests occurred all over the region when Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that the Georgian government handle the situation as it presented a direct threat.[26] It has also been suggested that the US urged Georgia to take action in order to prevent further deterioration of an already tense political environment. The Georgian special forces would continuously transfer captured insurgents to Russian special services.[27][28]

Georgian special forces have been accused multiple times to have carried out numerous assassinations and acts of sabotage in North Caucasus(Russia) and within the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.[29][30][31] Russia also accused Georgia of using its special forces to train and equip Chechen militants in the Pankisi Gorge who then would pass the Georgian-Russian border to commit terrorist acts in the Russian Federation.[32] The situation in the Gorge is yet still disputed as Georgia itself states to have the Gorge cleared of militant activities contradicting the claims of Russian authorities.

South Ossetia 2008

Georgian special operations forces took part in several engagements of the 2008 war. They supported a mobile task force consisting of Interior Ministry special forces that formed the spearhead for the assault on Tskhinvali center.[33] Their most notable involvement was in the attack on general Khrulyov's command battalion on 9 August.[34][35] Early Russian reports gave full credit to Georgian commandos for the near complete destruction of the trapped unit.[36] However, later Russian claims suggest it was more likely part of a combined assault from different military elements including armor.[37] In either case, the Georgian special forces engaged in fighting were fewer in numbers but able to stop a much larger enemy force.[38] There are also claims that Russian special forces prevented Georgian saboteurs from damaging or destroying the Roki tunnel, Russia's main supply line for the conflict region.[39][40][41] One special forces member is confirmed to have died in the war.[41][42] Sergeant Kakhaber Tavgorashvili, who was assistant counter-terrorist instructor of the Special Forces Preparation School, was killed by an Ossetian sniper at Shanghai street in Tskhinvali on 8 August.[43][44] Some 55 sustained mostly light injuries as a result of fighting and shelling.[45]

Lopota Valley

In 2012 one combat medic of the special forces, corporal Vladimer Khvedelidze, was killed during a controversial engagement with 20 armed militants crossing the Georgian-Dagestani border.[46][47] According to the official version, security forces were reinforced by military after a group of armed men took locals as hostages and demanded ransom. The local residents were released when a trapped border guard officer offered himself as hostage instead insisting he had a much higher value for them. The armed group was offered negotiations but refused the unprofitable conditions and threatened to take the negotiator. In that moment Georgia's anti terror unit opened fire and killed one of the militants. During the firefight 10 more were killed but also one MIA security officer. In midst of the shootout the army special forces corpsman tried to evacuate a wounded officer but got attacked and both men died on the spot.[48][49]

Involvement in the Ukraine conflict

In May 2015 Georgian special forces were claimed by Ukrainian officials and also have been accused by Russia and the Donetsk People's Republic to have apprehended Russian nationals fighting with the separatists because they were suspected to be members of Russian special services and military intelligence.[50][51][52] Georgian nationals, mostly retired servicemen, including former special forces members and police have been confirmed to be fighting with the Ukrainian army intelligence and security services.[53] Georgian instructors are also involved in training Ukraine's special forces.[54] In October 2015 both countries discussed further cooperation that would allow Ukrainian special forces personnel to be trained in Georgia, particularly the Mountain Warfare School.[55]

Participation in International Peacekeeping Missions

Kosovo Force

The first ever involvement of Georgian special forces in peacekeeping operations was during the KFOR mission starting in 1999. A platoon consisting of 34 members of the newly formed unit was stationed in Mamuša as part of the Turkish contingent and was equipped with Turkish gear and armament. They were distinguishable by their shoulder patches and berets. Their primary task was to provide security to the town and protect ethnic minorities from reprisal and violence. Later the contingent was reinforced by an infantry company under German command.[56][57] During the 2001 insurgency in Macedonia the special forces platoon was deployed at the border to combat and disarm insurgent forces that intended to cross over into Kosovo.

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Georgia's first official involvement in Iraq was the deployment of a 70 men strong detachment of special forces, a sapper unit and medical personnel in August 2003.[58] The special forces were stationed in Baiji, Iraq and served as QRF. Their task was to respond to distress calls such as unexpected insurgent attacks on Coalition forces and other peacekeeping elements. Equipment and ammunition was provided by the U.S. They would also assist in intercepting weapon smuggling over the Iranian border and provide security to officials.[59][60] The contingent would abandon its mission in 2008 due to the outbreak of hostilities in Georgia.

Operation Active Endeavour

Georgian forces including naval special operations have been participating in Operation Active Endeavour as part of the maritime counter terror force. However further details are unknown.[61]

ISAF

Towards the end of the ISAF mission from March to October 2014 the Mountain-Reconnaissance Battalion was deployed in Afghanistan, mainly stationed at the Kandahar Air Base amidst the withdrawal process.[62] The unit's mission was to provide security and carry out patrols and combat operations. Prior to deployment the battalion's soldiers participated and prepared in extensive mission rehearsal exercises with U.S. troops in Hohenfels Germany.[63][64]

Resolute Support

One reinforced Ranger company was deployed in Afghanistan as part of the Resolute Support Mission. It was tasked with providing security and protection to RSM headquarters.[65] The Rangers were also part of the force that repelled the Taliban attack on the German consulate in 2016.[66][67]

Cooperation and interoperability with NATO forces

Georgian special forces and special operations forces work closely with and are advised and monitored by US SOCOM, POL SOCC and United States Special Operations Command Europe respectively.[68] The US 10th Special Forces Group took a pivotal role in creating a training and education basis for GSOF to be able to conduct training and qualification befitting US and NATO standards. Currently as of 2017 the GSOF are being prepared by SOCOM for instructor and advisory roles for conventional multinational forces and be able to assist, conduct and lead joint training exercises and international missions like their US counterparts.[69] At the same time GSOF operators receive advanced training by JW GROM in NATO operational procedures while working together with AGAT and qualify in Polish lead multinational special forces manoeuvers for NATO certifications and access to broader education. The years-long cultivation of cooperation and mutual assistance helps the GSOF align with NATO operational doctrines and prepare for eventual membership in addition to successful mission deployments alongside NATO counterparts and forces in general.[70]

Organization

Georgian and Romanian SOF soldiers during simulated campsite assault, part of exercise Junction Strike 2015
Georgian SOF teaching their entry methods to Ukrainian Marines during multinational maneuver, 2017[71]

As of 2012 the special operations forces are divided into two main sections: the acting formations and their sub units merged into one combined force and the Special Operations Training Center which contains all training and educational arms of the branch.[72]

Special Operations Forces

The branch is split into six main arms consisting of:[73][74][75]

  • Staff / Administrative Division
    • -G1 -G2 -G3 -G4 -G5 -G6 -G7
      • Operational Headquarters
  • Special Operations Group (Special Forces Group)
    • HQ administrative staff / Comm & Control, logistics, supply, medical units.
      • Alpha Company
      • Bravo Company
      • Charlie Company
    • Naval Special Warfare Detachment
      • Underwater Offence Section - two teams
      • Underwater Defence Section - two teams
  • Mountain Reconnaissance Battalion (Ranger Battalion)
  • Special Operations Support Battalion
  • Special Operations Training Center

The Special Operations Group or Special Forces Battalion is the primary air-land-sea deployable special forces unit of the Georgian Armed Forces. It consists of primary HQ, control-communications & counterintelligence, medical, logistics and supply unit as well other elements for each company. The group has a total of three companies which are equally split in 6 teams capable of carrying out operations hundreds of kilometers behind enemy lines. Each company is specialised to fulfill a specific role during deployment. The Alpha Company is the main special operations unit while Bravo Company conducts long-range reconnaissance and provides intelligence and Charlie Company is responsible for additional combat support. Teams of Alpha Company are also expected to operate fully autonomously behind enemy lines, even when cut off completely. The communication units are responsible for rapid deployment of communication assets, electronic warfare as well as counter EW and the processing and providing of intel. They are independently capable of self-maintenance and repair and have access to a variety of latest electronic military equipment. All combat teams have equal permission conditions for personnel, such as being able to march over enervating long distances, skydiving, diving, skiing as well as experience and a high skillset in special & unconventional warfare. There is always at least one team from each company in full combat readiness, while the rest conduct training, exercises and education classes.[76] In a constant cycle numerous types of firing drills are being exercised through day and night by one group while another group is training on explosives, a third one in hand-to-hand combat, a fourth in weapons specialisation and so forth.[77]

The Naval Special Warfare Detachment or Naval Special Purpose Detachment is an important sub formation of the special forces group. It deploys combat swimmers and divers with corresponding equipment such as inflatable boats and jetboats and is responsible for preparing special forces personnel for underwater warfare. Combat teams and equipment can be deployed from land, sea and air by helicopter. The unit was designed to conduct operations similar to foreign counterparts. It is composed of a command staff, one designated underwater offence section, one designated underwater defence section - each consisting of two identically sized operational groups, intelligence units, communication units, a supplement and technical section, protection forces, as well as a medical unit, a transportation unit and several other logistics and supply elements.[78]

The largest unit of the brigade is the Mountain-Reonnaissance Battalion also identified as Ranger Battalion and Special Mountain Battalion. It has officially become part of the special operations forces in 2009 turning them formaly into a brigade. One of the main tasks is to oversee the application, qualification and preparation of civilian and military candidates for special operations forces. The operational units are specialised on combat and reconnaissance in alpine and mountainous terrain while also qualified to perform surgical operations in all other known areas mainly in support of the primary special oeprations components.[79]

Former special forces units

  • Special Operations Unit "White Eagles". Was trained and formed by members of Soviet spetsnaz. Took part in the War in Abkhazia, most notably Battle of Gagra. Got disbanded few years later.
  • Alpha Group(Georgian). An analogue to the Soviet/Russian counterpart. Active from 1991 to 1995
  • Commando battalion, now 11th Telavi Light Infantry Battalion. Was tasked with protecting the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in its possible radius of action. Trained and funded by the U.S.[80] The protection of strategic objects such as pipelines is no more task of the Defense Ministry but MIA Strategic Objects Special Defense Forces.
  • Iverioni Recon/Assault Battalion. Efforts of joint MOD and MIA cooperation. As a result, a battalion named "Iverioni" was established which was to be responsible for surveillance, counter intelligence and first strike operations. The task force got eventually disbanded between 2009 and 2012.

Special Operations Training Center

The training center consists of following:

  • Staff

-S1 -S2 -S3 -S4 -S5 -S6 -S7

  • Command
  • Special Operations School
  • Rangers Preparation School
  • Snipers Preparation School
  • Paratroopers Preparation School
  • Evaluation Development Section
  • Logistical Support & Transport Company

Functions and missions of the training center include the development of an institutional base and organizational sphere of military training, coordination and control of the process of education and training within the center, the training and retraining of military personnel according to higher international standards, development update and introduction of educational programs in the process of education, participation in the combined training of the Georgian Armed Forces, contribution to the armed forces buildup and conducting special operations in interaction with other structural units of the Special Operations Forces.[81]

Current commander of the training center is Major Zurab Khuroshvili[82]

Women in the special operations forces

Female member of the Special Mountain Battalion attending to wounded during exercises, 2014

Apart from very few exceptions it is generally prohibited for women to be part of the special forces. However that regulation does not deny them entrance to the special operations forces in general. There have been cases of female individuals passing the application and qualification courses, in one recorded case even surpassing the scores of some of their fellow male candidates. However such individuals were mostly excluded from combat assignment. Yet it is known that the special operations forces have had a female sniper. Passing the special forces sniper course is one of the most challenging in the Georgian military. Currently the few women who are part of the special operations forces all serve in the Mountain Reconnaissance Battalion and are deployed as support specialists, part of the medical, communication and intelligence cadres.[83]

Selection and courses

The four main education and training schools are the Special Forces School, Rangers School, Snipers School and Airborne School, which vary in admission criteria, requirements and difficulty. To become special forces members, servicemen have to successfully complete every single school. The qualification and training itself is monitored by NATO instructors of leading special forces units.[84] In addition US and Georgian special forces regularly conduct joint training exercises.[85][86][87][88][89] The overall admission criteria include physical, psychological health and durability. The applicants passing rate for special forces never exceeds 10% and lies usualy somewhere around 5%. At least 90% of the applicants have served in peacekeeping operations. To be allowed for selection it is required to have served at least two years in the armed forces. The candidates general abilities and physical conditions will be tested with their current commanders recommendation taken into account.[90]

Rangers School

The Ranger Course can be but not necessarily has to be of interest for servicemen who want to join the special forces. In order to receive just the Ranger badge without being members of the special forces it is sufficient to successfully pass the Ranger Course and simply continue regular service.[91] In general passing the Rangers School is considered a prerequisite for a successful military career. For those who want to become active member of the SF every single course must be successfully completed. Most potential candidates are required to not only be active servicemen in the armed forces, but preferably prove leadership skills. The attendants ranks can vary from corporal to lieutenant. Initial physical admission requirements are lower compared to specialization courses as latter are not divided into two separate ones with an entrance and afterwards preparation course although the difficulty level is still high. One of the purposes of the Ranger School is to teach soldiers and officers to make relevant decisions, manage their troops and boost their morale under extreme physical and psychological pressure. The physical requirements for a successful entrance application include: being able to perform at least 49 push-ups, 59 sit-ups, running 8,000 meters in 40 minutes or less, 6 pull-ups, a forced march with equipment at a distance of 25 km in 4 hr 30 min or less and parallel dips and jumps into water from 10 meters. Subsequently, theoretical sessions test the candidates' general intelligence, common army / combat awareness and skillset in land navigation. To pass at least 60% of the questions must be answered correctly. In addition, a medical commission report and a recommendation letter of the applicants acting unit commander are required.

The Rangers School is located near the village Manavi and is an analogue to the United States Ranger School.[92] The six-month course for civilians is similar to commando-type training, which is also conducted in armies of NATO member countries Turkey and Great Britain. Throughout the course, future Rangers will be trained in leading combat operations in different weather and on different terrain such as forests / jungles, mountains and populated areas. In tense exercises the servicemen will also adopt advanced leadership capabilities and will be instructed on how to respond best as possible accordingly to a crisis or arbitrary scenarios.[93]

Applicants who pass these initial tests will be granted access to the admission and preparation course, which lasts about 67 days dealing with following subjects:

  • Marksmanship
  • Mountain Training
  • Airmobile Training
  • Military Topography
  • Tactical Training
  • Medical Training
  • Communication
  • Engineering Training
  • Combat on Urban Terrain

During the preparation for the actual training program, the candidates will acquire the minimum of required skills and experience to pass the specialization course. Initial admission criteria are restricted to ages 19–30 inclusive, Georgian citizenship, a height above 170 cm, a secondary or higher education and a positive report from the medical commission provided by the School itself. Physical requirements are: being able to perform a minimum of 50 push-ups, 50 sit-ups, running a distance of 3,200 meters in 16:00 minutes or less and 8 pull-ups. The theoretical test on general skills must be passed with a rating of at least 60%. Afterwards the applicants will be interviewed in order to provide general information about their persona. During the subsequent preparation course which' duration is 9 weeks, following subjects will be engaged:[94]

  • Marksmanship
  • Common Army Tactics
  • Military Topography
  • Medical Preparation
  • Communication
  • General Subjects
  • Physical Training

The final and actual training course starts after passing every single preparation stage. The applicants will receive all necessary theoretical and practical training in order to be able to conduct operations under similar conditions as the Special Forces School. Final admission criteria are the successful completion of the BIT/BCT (Basic Combat Training) and Rangers preparation courses. The admission tests are the same as those of the initial preparation course except the passing score for theoretical tests must be at least 70%. The theoretical tests include: Tactical Training, Marksmanship, Engineering Training, Topography, Communication and General Skills. After passing these successfully, the applicants will be admitted to the training course, which' duration is 28 weeks.[95]

The general subjects of the course are:

  • Training on Water
  • Marksmanship
  • Mountain Training
  • Airmobile Training
  • Survival
  • Military Topography
  • Tactical Training
  • Medical Training
  • Communication
  • Engineering Training
  • Physical Training

Airborne School

GSOF navigate to LZ after deploying from a US C-130

The airborne training is divided into Paratroopers Basic Training Course and Parachute Rigger Training Course. During the basic course, the students will be trained to carry out parachute jumps under the supervision of instructors with ram-air parachutes in light meteorological conditions, from average altitude, medium speed and with equipment and weapons. Criteria as of age is unrestricted. Any serviceman who has the satisfactory medical report will be admitted to the course which will take three weeks. Subjects will be the history of parachute development, material parts, theoretical parts of parachute jumping, rules of movement and airdrome, aircraft tour, parachute jumping elements on land, special cases during jumping, packing the parachute and practical jumps.

During the so-called Rigger course, the paratroopers will learn how to use, pack, maintain and repair the TTS, T-10B and T-10R parachutes. The course can be attended by personnel who have already passed the basic training course and carried out at least five jumps. The course program also includes two forced jumps.

Servicemen who passed both courses and can prove an overall record of 35 jumps, can apply for Land Instructor-Parachutist Training Course in which they will learn the methods of conducting theoretical parachute and land preparations, organizing parachute jumps and making records, as well as paratroopers instructor duties.

The course duration is seven days and includes 3 days of practical jumps. The program includes six jumps, the first, the second, the third and the fourth with equipment and weapons.[96][97]

Special Forces School

Georgian Special Forces move towards an objective during exercise Noble Partner 2018

The main purpose of the Special Forces School is for applicants to acquire and master necessary skillsets and insight to conduct special missions and operations under extremely tense physical and psychological pressure in provided close to real scenarios so that realistic and prompt evaluations of situations and relevant and important decision making is schooled and refined.

Admission criteria are strictly restricted to ages 21 to 31 inclusive, attested experience in leadership is preferred. The applicants must have passed every single Ranger course. Admission requirements for the initial application are split into physical tests which include being able to perform a minimum of 60 push-ups, 66 sit-ups, running a distance of 3,200 meters in 14:24 minutes or less and 10 pull-ups, an Intelligence test and combined tests in army awareness in which 80% of the answers must be correct and finally a recommendation and citation letter of the candidates acting unit commander.

Active servicemen who can prove a satisfactory medical report and successfully passed the entrance examinations as well as all other requirements will be admitted to the course.

The course's duration is 31 weeks in which following subjects will be engaged:[98]

  • Marksmanship
  • Mountain Training
  • Airmobile Training
  • Military Topography
  • Tactical Training
  • Medical Training
  • Communication
  • Engineering Training
  • Command Training
  • Physical Training
  • Hand-to-Hand Fighting
  • Preparation of Specialists
    • Preparation of medics
    • Preparation of weapon specialists
    • Preparation of engineering and demolitions specialists

Additional courses are:

  • Pistol Marksmanship Special Course
  • Naval Special Course
  • Bodyguard Course
  • Antiterrorist Course.

The course is the toughest of all, with the highest requirements and the greatest applicants failing rate. Only up to 10% or less of the remaining few candidates will pass and are annually accepted to become members of Georgia's special forces unit.

Snipers School

The SF sniper school trains special forces personnel as well regular army members from age 18 to 40 in modern sniper warfare in accordance to higher international standards.

The special forces sniper course requires special forces personnel to have a marksmanship level expert or I class to be accepted to the course. Other criteria are a Common Army Awareness Test, a Memory Test, the Shooting from Sniper Rifles, psychological tests and a physical test which equals that of Special Forces School with the exactly same requirements. Special forces personnel passing these tests will undergo a 12-week-long course engaging following subjects:[99]

  • Marksmanship
  • Sniper Tactics
  • Sniper Tracking
  • Survival
  • Special Reconnaissance

During the course, theoretical evaluations must amount 70% of correct answers.

After completion of all necessary courses until Sniper Course in a time period of 24 to 27 months or longer depending on if started as civilian or servicemen, the candidate may be granted title of Special Operations Employee or Member. Service in the special unit grants access to the special operations groups and further education for special naval warfare or intelligence and logistics. Unit members will be taught in foreign languages and sent abroad to train together with partner nations.[100]

Equipment

Small Arms

Weapon Photo Origin Notes
Glock 17
Glock 18		  Austria Primary side arm
SIG Sauer P226   Switzerland
Heckler & Koch USP  Germany
Heckler & Koch MP5
Heckler & Koch MP5SD		  Germany
AKS-74U  Soviet Union Used in various configurations, mostly customized.
M4 carbine
M4A1
M4A3
  United States Primary weapon
AK-74
AKS-74
AK-74M		  Soviet Union
 Bulgaria		 Used in various configurations, mostly customized.
AKM
AKMS
PM md. 63		  Soviet Union
 Romania		 Used in various configurations, mostly customized.
VSS Vintorez
AS Val		  Soviet Union Used in limited number by special mission units
RPK-74  Soviet Union
IWI Negev  Israel
PK machinegun
PKS
PKM		  Soviet Union
IMI Galatz  Israel
Dragunov SVD  Soviet Union
M24 SWS
M40		  United States
Sako TRG  Finland
McMillan Tac-50
Tac-338		  United States
Barrett M82
Barrett M95		  United States
M93 Black Arrow  Serbia
RPG-7
RPG-7D		  Soviet Union
 Georgia
RPG-18
RPG-22
RPG-26
PDM-1		  Soviet Union
 Georgia

Comparable units

References

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  14. ↑ https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CPRT-111SPRT53985/pdf/CPRT-111SPRT53985.pdf
  15. ↑ http://www.tabula.ge/en/story/70011-the-embargo-that-never-was
  16. ↑ https://sputniknews.com/military/201605201039980489-drills-lithuania-forces/
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  18. ↑ http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-20264351-fotogalerie-imagini-cel-mai-amplu-exercitiu-desfasurat-fortele-speciale-din-armata-romana-impreuna-militari-americani-moldoveni-din-alte-tari-europene.htm
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