Storm Assault Unit of Russia

The Storm Assault Unit, also known as the Special Purpose Brigade "Vityaz", is a special forces unit of the Russian National Guard. The unit was created in 1988, during the final years of the Soviet Union, and has since been involved in numerous high-risk operations.

The Storm Assault Unit is known for its expertise in close-quarters combat and its ability to operate in urban environments. It is considered one of the most elite and well-trained units in Russia's military and law enforcement agencies.

History of the Storm Assault Unit

The origins of the Storm Assault Unit can be traced back to the Soviet Union's Spetsnaz forces, which were established in the 1950s. These elite forces were trained to carry out special operations behind enemy lines, sabotage enemy infrastructure, and gather intelligence.

In the late 1980s, as the Soviet Union was on the verge of collapse, the leadership recognized the need for a new type of special forces unit to deal with the challenges of the post-Soviet era. The Storm Assault Unit was created in 1988 as a rapid reaction force to respond to terrorist attacks and other high-risk situations.

In the years since its creation, the Storm Assault Unit has been involved in numerous operations both inside Russia and abroad. It has been deployed to the North Caucasus to fight against separatist rebels, to Chechnya during the First and Second Chechen Wars, and to Crimea during the annexation of the peninsula by Russia.

In addition to its military operations, the Storm Assault Unit has also been used in law enforcement roles, such as responding to hostage situations and providing security at major events.

Training and Selection Process

To become a member of the Storm Assault Unit, candidates must undergo a rigorous selection and training process. The selection process is highly competitive and only a small percentage of applicants are accepted.

The first stage of the selection process involves physical fitness tests, which are designed to test the candidate's endurance, strength, and agility. Those who pass this stage move on to the next phase, which includes psychological evaluations and interviews.

Candidates who make it to the third stage of the selection process must complete a grueling 9-month training program, which includes instruction in marksmanship, close-quarters combat, explosives, and other specialized skills.

Equipment and Weapons

The Storm Assault Unit is equipped with a wide range of advanced weapons and equipment, including assault rifles, sniper rifles, machine guns, and grenade launchers. The unit also has access to specialized vehicles, such as armored personnel carriers and helicopters.

The unit's members are trained in the use of a variety of weapons and equipment, and are capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, from reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering to direct action and hostage rescue.

Operations

The Storm Assault Unit has been involved in numerous high-profile operations over the years. One of its most notable missions took place in 2002, when the unit was deployed to the Dubrovka Theater in Moscow to rescue hostages who had been taken by Chechen terrorists.

During the operation, the unit used a powerful gas to subdue the terrorists and free the hostages. While the mission was successful in freeing the hostages, it was also criticized for the use of the gas, which led to the deaths of over 100 hostages.

The Storm Assault Unit has also been involved in operations outside of Russia. In 2014, the unit was deployed to Crimea to secure key facilities during the annexation of the peninsula by Russia. In 2015, the unit was involved in the rescue of a Russian pilot who had been shot down by Turkish forces near the Syrian border.

Conclusion

The Storm Assault Unit, also known as the Special Purpose Brigade "Vityaz", is a highly-trained and elite special forces unit of the Russian National Guard. The unit has a long