Over the years, every time I came across a recruiting or capabilities video on the internet in regards to Russian Spetsnaz forces it was obvious that for many decades they were stuck in that “Eastern SOF” mentality shared by many special units throughout Asia. A mentality where hatchet throwing, ring-of-fire jumping, combat rolling, and karate chopping a stack of bricks is more important than perfecting TTPs, marksmanship training, and rigorous CQB practice.

If you don’t believe me look at this nonsense:

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But my faith in Russia’s military capability increased (slightly) when I came across this great promotional video by a Russian firearms company which utilized current Russian SOF operators, specifically shooters from their “Alfa Group” to promote the new AK 100 and its variants.

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For many years, and for obvious reasons, both the Russian and U.S. military tried to be as dissimilar as possible. A big reason why the M4 Carbine is nowhere to be seen anywhere in the Russian ranks. Part of this is due to retaining it’s own identity as well as those lingering Cold War Anti-American traditions (the feeling is mutual on our end). But watching this video it is evident that Alfa is equipping its men with technology and equipment we have grown used to. Specifically multi-cam uniforms, our EOTech optics, the Ops-Core Ballistic Helmet, PEQ-15s, and other items traditionally utilized by American SOF units that would normally never be seen on a Russian soldier.