Spetsnaz: The story behind the Soviet SAS

This was the first Victor Suvorov book I read, and not the last! Mr. Suvorov (his pen-name) was a military-intelligence officer who defected from the Soviet Union. He has written a number of engrossing titles about the G.R.U. (military intelligence agency), and related subjects pertaining to the Soviet military. In this book, we learn about the selection and training of Soviet-era special-operations troops. Each of the U.S.S.R.'s military branches had spetsnaz units. The term "spetsnaz" does not pertain to an individual organization, it is a generalized classification for a number of secret and highly-selective units of the Soviet Union. With its origins in World War II, Soviet special-operations began as elite organizations tasked with the usual missions of raids, reconnaissance, sabotage, etc. There are many similarities with equivalent units in NATO the military forces, but with some major and minor differences. The spetsnaz emphasis is on deep penetration, striking an enemy in its own territory. Individually, there is a strong focus on martial-arts, survival skills, and athletic prowess. To describe spetsnaz methods of training as "Spartan", is an under-statement. In summary, the Soviets were keen on developing a military-professional who was extremely dangerous, even by himself. During the Soviet era, many of the U.S.S.R.'s professional athletes were actually spetsnaz personnel. While competing in events such as the Olympic Games, these spetsnaz troops were not merely performing the typical politicized role of representing their nation in sports-competition. During their free hours, before, between, or after competition, the spetsnaz athlete had a prime opportunity to circulate amongst Western people in their cities. He had a chance to learn about the layout of a city where he might be deployed one day, to strike selected targets, if the Cold War went hot. Realism in combat-training was a major factor. The Soviet Union allowed a number of extreme methods that would never be approved in the West. Spetsnaz personnel often had the opportunity of practicing hand-to-hand combat techniques on prison inmates, for example. Russia, and its former Soviet satellites, still maintain such units. They may or may not have the same resources available, as were present prior to 1991, but be assured that they are still a force to be given grave consideration.

Background 1. Title and Subject. Spetsnaz is an insight about the secret special forces of Soviet army. The book elaborately encompasses the details about their history, selection and training, traditions, strategies and command and control system. 2. Author. Victor Suvrov, author of the book, is an ex Soviet army officer who defected to the West. First edition of the book was published in 1988. The author during his service was directly involved in planning and controlling of Spetsnaz secret force. He has written two other books including "The Liberator" and "Inside the Soviet Army"; however, Spetsnaz is given more importance by the West as it covers the military capability of Soviets more thoroughly. 3. Thesis. In this revealing book, the author has unfolded details about military code of Spetsnaz, selection, training, strategies, war preparedness and future prospects. Contents 4. To make this review logical, the book has been divided in three sections. The first section that includes three chapters describes the concept of Spetsnaz, purpose, history and psychology. The second part comprising nine chapters deals with organizational hierarchy, selection/training, network formation and strategies. The last part involving three chapters deals with command and control system for co-coordinated operations and prospects for future wars. Section I (Chapter No 1, 2 & 3) 5. Concept and Mechanics. The author describes the psychological relationship between Spetsnaz soldier and spade by revealing facts about soldier's faith in accuracy of his spade. He explicates the purpose of placing Spetsnaz in between the functions of intelligence and reconnaissance that enables them to successfully engage in espionage and terrorism. He explains how the integrated network involving Spetsnaz forces, professional athletes and foreign agents forms a lethal combination. The author has narrated the primary role and task of Spetsnaz as an instrument to seek, find, attack and destroy tactical nuclear weapons, strategic installations, weapon stockpiles, aircraft/submarine Bases, nerve center, communication network and command and controlling set up by inflicting simultaneous blows. 6. Historical Perspective. The author relates the history of Spetsnaz with sixteenth century concept of Utopia that involved stratagem of surprise, deception and stealth. He states that current Spetsnaz operations have a striking similarity with the same. The author narrates introduction of Spetsnaz in Soviet forces, effectiveness of Spetsnaz during the World War II in operations like "War of Rails", "Concerts" and Mauchurrian offensive and their cessation and reemergence in 1950s. Section II (Chapter No 4 to 9 & 13) 7. Selection and Training Philosophy. The author writes about the selection/training of soldiers in the Spetsnaz units. He argues that tough psychological and physical training of Spetsnaz soldiers is based on the aspect of deprivation. The author declaring

Though this book contains no pictures, it is an excellent account of Spetsnaz weapons, training, organization and tactics. It is split up into 15 chapters. 1. Spades and Men. 2. Spetsnaz and the GRU. 3. A history of Spetsnaz. 4. The Fighting Units of Spetsnaz. 5. The "Other People" 6. Athletes. 7. Selection and Training. 8. The Agent Network. 9. Weapons and Equipment. 10. Battle Training. 11. Behind Enemy Lines: Spetsnaz Tactics 12. Control and Combined Operations. 13. Spetsnaz and Deception. 14. Future prospects. 15. Spetsnaz's First World War. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn about Spetsnaz. NOTE! This book, and Survorov's other book, Spetsnaz: The Story of the Soviet SAS are one in the same. So only purchase one.

Though this book contains no pictures, it is an excellent account of Spetsnaz weapons, training, organization and tactics. It is split up into 15 chapters. 1. Spades and Men. 2. Spetsnaz and the GRU. 3. A history of Spetsnaz. 4. The Fighting Units of Spetsnaz. 5. The "Other People" 6. Athletes. 7. Selection and Training. 8. The Agent Network. 9. Weapons and Equipment. 10. Battle Training. 11. Behind Enemy Lines: Spetsnaz Tactics 12. Control and Combined Operations. 13. Spetsnaz and Deception. 14. Future prospects. 15. Spetsnaz's First World War. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn about Spetsnaz. NOTE! This book, and Survorov's other book, SPETSNAZ, are one in the same. So only purchase one.

This is often too technical and not as captivating as his other books. Suvorov knows the devilish business of Soviet special agencies inside out, but really you only need to read The Aquarium to know all you need to know.Not a waste of money, though, and could be a valuable aquisition for anyone seriously interested in Cold War history and Soviet special services.