Spetsnaz

Spetsnaz is a shorthand for spetsialnogo naznacheniya, a term used to describe elite special forces units within the Soviet and Russian security services and military. It is not a single organization but an umbrella for various formations that conduct reconnaissance, direct action, counter-terrorism, and clandestine operations. The most widely recognized groups associated with the designation include the military GRU Spetsnaz, and the security-service units Alpha Group and Vympel. Over the post-Soviet period, the “Spetsnaz” label has continued to be used informally to refer to similar elite units across agencies.

Origins of Spetsnaz trace to Cold War-era need for covert operation capabilities. The GRU's Spetsnaz emerged within the military intelligence structure, while the KGB formed specialized groups such as Alpha Group and Vympel to carry out counter-terrorism and hostage-rescue tasks. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, these formations were restructured under the Russian military and the Federal Security Service (FSB).

Training and selection are reputed to be rigorous, emphasizing physical endurance, stealth, navigation, marksmanship, demolition, communications, medical skills, languages, and survival. Units are organized for rapid deployment and operate with specialized equipment and airborne or dive capabilities as required.

Typical missions include reconnaissance behind enemy lines, direct-action raids, counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and protection of high-value targets. Information about many operations remains classified, contributing to a high degree of secrecy and consistent public perception of elite status.

Today, Spetsnaz remains an umbrella term for several elite formations across Russia's security services, including GRU Spetsnaz and the FSB's Alpha Group and Vympel. The exact composition and command arrangements vary over time due to organizational reforms within the Russian armed forces and security services.