Viktor Suvorov - online books (English)

[2RHPZ]

The Inside Story of the Soviet Special Forces
http://lib.ru/WSUWOROW/specnaz_engl.txt

Inside the Soviet Army
http://lib.ru/WSUWOROW/army_engl.txt

Inside soviet military intelligence
http://lib.ru/WSUWOROW/intelligence_engl.txt

[hist2004]

A word of caution about Viktor Suvorov...I posted the below information
in another thread about Spetsnaz but it is relevant here:

Forum member ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð asked 16 OBr SpN about a Spetsnaz article in the Military History and Tactics section.
It takes quite a bit of information from an author named Viktor Suvorov. 16 OBr Spn replied that 80% of Suvorov’s
material is B.S. I agree, and would probably put that percentage even higher. On page 5 of this thread I go into some
detail about the capabilities of the bulk of the spetsnaz soldiers who served in Afghanistan.

I mentioned that there were a number of author’s who came up with some pretty outlandish tales of Spetsnaz’s
capabilities. Viktor Suvorov is at the top of the list. Sovorov’s real name is Vadimir B. Rezun, a former Soviet GRU
Major who defected to the West in the late 1970’s. Until Suvorov began writing his books on the subject, little
attention was paid (publicly at least) to Soviet special forces aside from obvious elite units such as the Soviet
Airborne Divsions (VDV). Certainly, there has always been some appreciation for Soviet partisan warfare and
unconventional tactics, but not for the extensive type of special operations portrayed by Suvorov.

He luridly depicts Spetsnaz as a bunch of highly trained multilingual sportsmen-killers, with a bent for assassination
and other mayhem. He suggested that they would be used in missions to eliminate NATO VIP’s in the event of war,
as well as carrying out more conventional commando-style operations against key NATO facilities. He elevated
Spetsnaz to mythical proportions, aided and abetted by a large number of credulous western writers who just echoed
his exaggerated portrayal.

This type of mythmaking ignores the primary role of such forces, which is deep reconnaissance. Commando-style
sabotage missions are a secondary mission of Spetsnaz. Ii was in Afghanistan that their role was changed to direct
action missions to fit a particular need, in this case interdiction of mujahidden supply caravans.

Selection to become a recruit in the Spetsnaz was a great honor for a conscript soldier, but it amounted to only a
two-year tour of duty. For an officer selection for spetsnaz meant a tough duty assignment with little hope of future
advancement. Spetsnaz was not a stepping-stone within the GRU, since most GRU assignments favored candidates
with strong analytical and administrative skills (like our CIA), or with extensive experience in espionage functions during
foreign assignments.

Spetsnaz officers could hope to become majors or colonels and command one of the Spetsnaz Brigades, but they’re few
prospects beyond that point. (This may have changed in recent years) The Spetsnaz did attract many fine officers
who preferred an adventurous lifestyle over the bureaucratic life of the average Soviet officer. But other services were
a stronger magnet, particularly after Col. General Margelov (who I mentioned earlier in this thread) revived the VDV
In the 1960’s.

The VDV (Airborne) offered significant career opportunities since the force was more than ten times the size of the
Spetsnaz. Under Margelov, the VDV began to be regarded as a prestigious assignment, whereas the Spetsnaz brigades
remained obscure and highly classified until the very end of the Soviet Union, as we knew it.

So if you have read Sovorov’s tales, remember that Spetsnaz, like most of the Soviet armed forces, was a conscript
force. In a Spetsnaz detachment, eighteen of the twenty men were conscripts, and only two were professional (career)
soldiers, 90 percent of Spetsnaz tactical units were made up of eighteen to twenty-year-old conscript soldiers with
only a limited amount (several months) of specialized training.

Regards & Thanks,
Hist2004

[hist2004]

Also from that thread I wrote:

In the early 90’s the tendency in the West was to put out a lot of information about Soviet special operations forces that wasn’t necessarily correct. With the discovery of the term
“SpetsNaz” some author’s started to come out with erroneous information. There were
certain author’s that claimed the Soviet Union had 30,000 men trained up to the level of
Delta Force or the SAS. A given society can only produce a finite number of elite soldiers.
Some author’s would have you believe that SpetNaz were ten feet tall, human killing machines, with no personal feelings. This of course is nonsense. The majority of SpetNaz
Soldiers who served in Afghanistan were 2-yr. conscripts. These two years included training and service in Afghanistan. Now, those interested in military SOF know that this
doesn’t leave a lot of time for specialized training. Keep in mind, that there were career SpetNAz soldiers that did have extensive experience and training. Especially those assigned to headquarter companies that contained smaller detachments made up of men ranging from age 28 to 32. These soldiers were battle harden and totally acclimated to mountain warfare.

The SpetNaz soldiers in Afghanistan were politically reliable, physically tough, well trained, and worthy of respect in combat. The members of GRU Spetsnaz who were
Involved in the take down of the Palace were highly trained, but they were not Superman.
Mistakes were made, and they adapted.

Regards,
Hist2004

[anonymous individual]

I didn't read Suvorov's writing but I did read the two above posts. I will post some questions tomorrow. Right now, I must get back to my study for my physics exam. Hopefully, I can get a low 70's in my final mark.

[16 OBr SpN]

Here's one of the examples of his bull****.

In his book "Aquarium" he talks about the Kiev Military Academy (KVOKU), and one person he did not mentioned was the very famous "Baba Olya" (Grandma Olga). During WWII she was a deputy commander of the partisan unit in Ukraine. EVERYONE, who went through that school knows her, or at least heard of her. She was like a celebrity there, making fun, and cursing at everyone, regardless of their rank and position. She got away with everything.

Do you know why he didn't mention her?
The answer is, because that scumbag had NEVER attended or studied there! ;)

Regards,
16 OBr SpN

[ArtofPain]

Most of Rezun's (real Name of the author :roll: ) writings are rather interesting :roll: but there're a lot of mistakes, in tech data especially.

[anonymous individual]

Here comes the questions!!!

How come the specnaz units that came from conscription still only serve just two years with training and servicing? I mean, isn't it that is a waste of resources? After all, the military has invested more into them than the regulars. Should they be kept for a longer period? Or that is to spread trained soldiers among the population in case of total war?

[ArtofPain]

Here comes the questions!!!

How come the specnaz units that came from conscription still only serve just two years with training and servicing? I mean, isn't it that is a waste of resources? After all, the military has invested more into them than the regulars. Should they be kept for a longer period? Or that is to spread trained soldiers among the population in case of total war?
Most of Specnaz (Idon't like this word) units have professionals (NCO and Officers) for Special tasks. Conscripts are used for rotine.

[hist2004]

Here comes the questions!!!

How come the specnaz units that came from conscription still only serve just two years with training and servicing? I mean, isn't it that is a waste of resources? After all, the military has invested more into them than the regulars. Should they be kept for a longer period? Or that is to spread trained soldiers among the population in case of total war?

Many of the Soviet-era Spetsnaz troops had prior military training through organizations like DOSAAF.
It gave youths military indoctrination prior to military service. The Soviet Union had a huge resource of
eligible personnel to draft also. The Russians made this two-year conscription work by being very selective
of the soldiers they chose for Spetsnaz units. By putting the recruits through a very intense and rigorous
training program (although it would be considered short by comparison to today’s training criteria) it produced
results.The new recruits were very motivated and it was an honor to be selected to this organization. One of
their main assets was they had to think independently and display initative.This was hardly incouraged in the
Soviet military doctrine of the time. The combat record of Spetsnaz in Afghanistan shows that this system was
effective.The mujahideen were scared sh**tless of the Spetsnaz and for the most part, Spetsnaz was very effective
in the area’s they operated in.
As I mention in another post- The Spetsnaz units that operated in Afghanistan cannot all be put into
one category. Several of the
detachments or detachments within a group consisted of career soldiers who had extensive training
and experience. The selection criteria emphasized political reliability, athletic ability, intelligence,
motivation, and paramilitary skills acquired prior to call-up. The majority of Spetsnaz who served in
Afghanistan were similar in capabilities to the U.S. Army Rangers. A minority of long-term professionals
made up the core of most Spetsnaz units. These professional cadre were similar in many ways to the
U.S. Army Special Forces or the British Special Air Service. From an overall few point, the Spetsnaz
soldiers are carefully selected, adequately trained, and tough and reliable in the field.

Regards,
Hist2004

[anonymous individual]

I see. But I still fail to see why they would let non-porfessionals go after two years. I mean from hist2004 has said, they are a very capable bunch of soldiers. Their experiences gained in servicing should be a valuable asset to the military. Aren't they desirable to have? Do Russian military promote or encourage some outstanding conscripts to remain in their services? And move on to establish a professional career?

I guess one thing is right, the Russia does have vast amount of eligible personnel to draft from.

[hist2004]

I see. But I still fail to see why they would let non-porfessionals go after two years. I mean from hist2004 has said, they are a very capable bunch of soldiers. Their experiences gained in servicing should be a valuable asset to the military. Aren't they desirable to have? Do Russian military promote or encourage some outstanding conscripts to remain in their services? And move on to establish a professional career?

I guess one thing is right, the Russia does have vast amount of eligible personnel to draft from.

Soldiers completely their tours were given the option to continue as a
career soldier and possibly further their military education and become officers. After combat in Afghanistan, many understandably returned to civilian life.

Regards,
Hist2004

[ArtofPain]

I see. But I still fail to see why they would let non-porfessionals go after two years. I mean from hist2004 has said, they are a very capable bunch of soldiers. Their experiences gained in servicing should be a valuable asset to the military. Aren't they desirable to have? Do Russian military promote or encourage some outstanding conscripts to remain in their services? And move on to establish a professional career?

I guess one thing is right, the Russia does have vast amount of eligible personnel to draft from.
As ex-2year soldier I say.
After 6 month training i became Junior Sergant (Corporal) than till the end of service I got the next rank (Sergant). If I wanted I was able to go to NCO's school or HighMilitarySchool. Even in civil Universities we have Military Traning Corses - after 3-year training students gets first ofiicers rank (Leuitenant) and MUST to go to Army for 2 years.

[anonymous individual]

Are the military courses in university mandatory to take?

[Abbyy]

Are the military courses in university mandatory to take?

No. You can skip them. So after finishing education you can be drafted as simple soldier for one year. Or you can finish them, become Lt. and than you'll be drafted as officer for 2 years.

But chances you'll be drafted after insitute are very low anyway (if you do not plan to join army).

[ArtofPain]

Are the military courses in university mandatory to take?

No. You can skip them. So after finishing education you can be drafted as simple soldier for one year. Or you can finish them, become Lt. and than you'll be drafted as officer for 2 years.

But chances you'll be drafted after insitute are very low anyway (if you do not plan to join army).
Not exactly correct.
If your "ВУС" (Army Specialisation) is in demand for a moment You go to Army anyway.
Example: Most of students (male) who had been studied in Middle and Central Asia's languages and have Army Traning Courses in their Universities are in Army or FSB or MVD now

[RomanS]

What ever you do guys, dont let the fukin poles get in here, and fuk this up.

[Abbyy]

If your "ÂÓÑ" (Army Specialisation) is in demand for a moment You go to Army anyway.
Example: Most of students (male) who had been studied in Middle and Central Asia's languages and have Army Traning Courses in their Universities are in Army or FSB or MVD now

I learned how to launch ICBMs :) It seems they don't need me anymore :)

[anonymous individual]

I wish my country would have such courses offended at post-secondary level.

By the way, could someone please educate me on ICBMs. I don't have the slightest idea of what it is.

[RomanS]

Inter Continental Ballistic Missles

only few countries have them. Russia and US has the most

[anonymous individual]

WOW!

I thought it was more sort of shoulder launch missile. I guess not now... :)

What kind(s) of warhead are the Russian ICBMs capable of carrying?

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

Nuclear :P

[ArtofPain]

Nuclear :P
and multiple. up to 20 in one missile :P

[Abbyy]

Nuclear :P
and multiple. up to 20 in one missile :P

I would like to restore production of Satan ICBM. Best protection for country I can even imagine :)