I would like to start off this new series of articles on Europe’s Finest SOF Units that usually escape the limelight – but whose responsibilities, actions and sacrifice are not inferior to those of the big names like SAS, GROM or KSK. In each episode, I will concentrate on one SOF unit, provide some background information, history and a glimpse of the equipment used. Episode … [Read more...] about Europe’s Finest, Ep 1: Polish SOF JW FORMOZA
In the late 80’s the Soviet KGB issued a request for a new helmet to be issued to it’s elite troops in Afghanistan. The helmet was to provide extremely good protection over most of the user’s head. As this was to be mainly used in close quarters by units rapidly deployed from helicopter or armoured transport the weight was at that time a secondary issue. The Soviets found the … [Read more...] about Russian SOF Gear – Altyn helmet
It would seem that the Polish MoD has a well thought through strategy in regards to the development of the Armed Forces. Unfortunately I start to doubt that is the case. Not that long ago, I reported about the changes to Polish Special Operations Forces Command (POLSOFCOMM), which involved a division of responsibilities between the reformed POLSOFCOMM and the SOF … [Read more...] about POLSOFCOMM, Gone After… Three Days
I recently came across an interesting video about current gear in the Russian FSB Spetsnaz. Hands down these guys always had the newest most advanced gear at their disposal. Times of the "I just need my AK and my sneakers" are gone. Instead we see that at least these guys don't talk BS that tracked drones are only for EOD operations. Note some of the highlights like the PP-19 … [Read more...] about Sneak peek into Russian SF, new gear
Amidst the largest reorganisation of the Command structure in the Polish Armed forces in recent years, the Special Operation Forces Command also went through some changes. With the new year, the Branch Commands have been disbanded and substituted by the General Command of the Armed Forces. A new Special Operation Forces Command went operational on January 1, but this time it is … [Read more...] about Changes in POLSOFCOMM
Moving on to the next part of Kalashnikov correct nomenclature. We already discussed the AK and the AKM assault rifles and now it's time to change calibers. In late 1960s early 1970s the Soviet Defence Ministry received a number of captured M16 assault rifles. What came with them was the 5.56x45 ammunition. The Russian designers though sceptic about the performance of the NATO … [Read more...] about Kalashnikov the correct nomenclature – Part 3
A time comes in every person's life that he may no longer do his job to a degree that would satisfy him or his superiors. Special Operations Force (SOF) units are no different and eventually all posts need new men to fill in and keep up the fight. It's no secret that finding the right type of people for the job is not easy, hence the rigorous selection process. But what if … [Read more...] about SOF Adventure Sports for Civilians
The last quarter of this year was busy for all EUR SOF units. A major joint training operation was conducted in Europe. This is why this Episode of Europe's Finest will be dedicated to the Cobra-13 Multinational SOF Exercise. The exercise was started on November 20 and lasted through November 30 at various proving grounds in Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania and … [Read more...] about Europe’s Finest Episode 2: COBRA-13
There are two additional specialized units within the Croatian Armed Forces, and although they are not SOF, a short description follows. Military Intelligence Battalion: Deep Surveillance Company (Vojno obavještajna bojna: Satnija za dubinski nadzor - SDN) The Deep Surveillance Company is one of the elements of the Military Intelligence Battalion, whose primary task is ISTAR … [Read more...] about Croatian Intel & Police Units
Teams and individuals from the unit have taken part in countless national and international courses and exercises, to include frequent exchange training with US SF and NAVSPECWAR teams, POLSOCOM teams, annual Jackal Stone exercises, etc. Unit members regularly attend training events in allied countries (for example in the US: Ranger School, HALO/HAHO, SF Combat Diver, … [Read more...] about Croatian SOF Exercise and Training Courses
Initial selection Selection for the unit is conducted once annualy. Promotional teams from the unit go through the conventional forces and hold presentations. All potential candidates must have at least 2 years of service in the military, have no criminal record or disciplinary offenses, pass an inital physical fitness test and psychological evaluation. Candidates who pass the … [Read more...] about Croatian SOF Selection and Training
Special Operations Battalion (Bojna za specijalna djelovanja - BSD) INTRODUCTION The Special Operations Battalion is Croatia's premier SOF unit. It is tasked with standard NATO SOF tasks: special reconnaissance and surveillance (SR), military assistance (MA), and direct action (DA), along with additional tasks such as counterterrorism and providing specialized aid to the … [Read more...] about Croatian SOF Military Units
