What is the Chinese special forces. Chinese special forces Scientific work on the preparation of Chinese special forces

Story

Professional and organizational formation dates back to the mid-80s of the 20th century. Starting point for strength development special purpose was the conclusion made in June 1985 by the Military Council of the CPC Central Committee headed by Deng Xiaoping that there is no possibility of large-scale armed conflicts using conventional armed forces in the foreseeable future.

Next powerful push the war in the Persian Gulf gave rise to a reassessment and reform of military concepts.
The most probable was an intense, short-lived and high-tech conflict on the periphery of China.
The first most functionally completed unit was formed in 1988 in the Guangzhou Military Region.

Organizational structure

Each military region of China (there are seven in total) has its own special-purpose regiment subordinate to the command of the region (3 battalions, total strength about 1000 people), while each level has its own special forces unit: a corps - a battalion (a total of 18 battalions, 300-400 people each), a brigade - a company (about 120 people), at the regiment level - a platoon (30- 40 people) The level of training, as well as equipment from regiment to brigade, from brigade to corps, and from corps to district, is significantly increased.
Special forces regiments by military districts (VO) are scheduled as follows:
1) Shenyang VO - "Dongbei Tiger" ("Dongbei" in Chinese, Northeast, Manchuria, which has become a common name for the three northeastern provinces of China);
2) Beijing VO - "The Magic Sword of the East";
3) Nanjing Military District - "Flying Dragon", formed in 1992;
4) Guangzhou Military District - "Sharp Sword of Southern China", formed in 1988;
5) Lanzhou VO - "Night Tiger";
6) Jinan VO - "Hawk";
7) Chengdu Military District - "Falcon", formed in 1992.
In addition, special forces forces include units of the amphibious assault "Attack Marines" and airborne assault"Sharp Sword blue sky».
They do not belong to special forces, but are trained under a lightweight special forces program, which, nevertheless, is much more complicated than the training program for ordinary soldiers of the PLA 162nd (as part of the 54th army), 63rd (as part of the 21st army) and 149- I (as part of the 13th Army) divisions of high readiness. The next in terms of training level are 1st (Hangzhou, Nanjing VO), 38th (86 thousand people, Baoding, Beijing VO), 39th (75 thousand people, Yingkou, Shenyang VO) and 54th army (89 thousand people, Xinxiang, Jinan Military District) rapid reaction army (readiness time from 2-7 days). Moreover, the last groupings are the three most equipped and combat-ready armies of China.
In addition to the army special forces, there are also special forces of the Armed Police (hereinafter referred to as VM, one of constituent parts armed forces of China) and subordinate to the Ministry of public safety(hereinafter - MOB) units of the Special Forces of the Public Security Forces.
There are also special units, about which there is only fragmentary information in the public domain, and even that appeared only recently - the Panther anti-terror units (according to some sources, it may have been assigned to the Chengdu Military District, it may have been a predecessor or in some way was part of the Falcon) ), "Snow Wolf" (subordinate to the VM, at the moment, together with the Beijing Special Forces, the MOB is involved in preparing to ensure the security of the Beijing Olympics in 2008, by the way, total number security forces at the Olympics will be more than 10 thousand people) and others ...
The "elite" of China's special forces, a unit in which only the best of the best have been gathering from all over the country since 1982, is the East anti-terrorist unit stationed near Beijing Airport, the full name is the anti-terrorist police unit special purpose No. 722 MOB of the Institute for the Training of Special Forces Soldiers of the VM. The Institute itself was founded in 1983. Over the 23 years of its existence, it has released more than a thousand people, most of whom became special forces instructors. The strictness of training can be indirectly evidenced by the fact that for all this time, almost half a century, 3 (three) graduates received “full honors”.

Topic special units of the world, the specifics of their preparation and the possibilities of using it excites readers constantly. After the sudden appearance of such units in the Crimea, the appearance of reports about the work of the MTR in Syria and Iraq became a brand for the layman. For some reason, it is believed that the appearance of " polite people", "green men", "seals", "leopards", " sea lions"and other" living creatures "guaranteed victory with a 100% result.

The reader's interest is understandable. Everything that is covered with a halo of mystery naturally attracts attention. And the operations, reports of which periodically appear in the press, look really impressive. Moreover, due to the incompetence of correspondents, or for other reasons (to be honest, advertising is necessary even in such a case. Remember the Soviet "In the zone of special attention" and "Return move") such messages "overgrow" with details that inspire horror and respect for the townsfolk, and cause frank laughter from specialists.

"Alexander, why do journalists, including you, speak and write about units of the US, UK, and other countries' SOF, but completely ignore our closest neighbors? Why are there no articles about Turkish special forces, Chinese, former Soviet republics? After all, everyone understands that such divisions exist there. What is the reason for this neglect? Weakness? Lack of information? Reluctance to tell?"

This is an excerpt from a letter I received recently. By the way, thanks to everyone who writes. Thank you not only for your questions and wishes, but also for the interesting memories and materials that you generously share with me.

The answer to the question about the reason for the lack of materials for some countries in the absence of reliable information. Alas. By the way, this also applies to Chinese MTRs. Information is "hidden" not only behind the regime of secrecy, but also behind the vagueness of the concepts themselves. Let me explain. Many remember the words of Goebbels about what a lie must be in order to be believed in it. But few understand that the truth can be done in exactly the same way. A fact around which a "cordon" of fiction is created always begins to give rise to doubts. Therefore, please do not take my article as the ultimate truth. This is just an attempt to systematize what is known from open and "ajar" sources.

For some reason, it is believed that special forces units in the PLA appeared thanks to Deng Xiaoping. It was he, then the head of the CPC, who in June 1985 declared that "the Communist Party does not see the future global war Therefore, the PRC should prepare for fleeting border conflicts. "And this statement became fundamental for the creation in 1988 of the first MTR unit in the Guangzhou Military District.

However, if you look into the history of the PRC, then, it seems to me, there are doubts about this thesis. The fact is that even during the war between the Kuomintang and Communist Party(1927-1950) The Chinese made extensive use of airborne units trained at US military bases. True, they acted against the CCP. And they were quite successful. So much so that Mao decided to create similar units in the PLA.

Therefore, again, in my opinion, the 50s of the last century should be considered the beginning of the creation of China's MTR. And the first combat operations of the new units were carried out already during the war of the Northern and South Korea. Yes, and when repelling the attacks of Taiwanese nationalists, it was not without the participation of these particular units.

Immediately after the end of the Korean War, in the late 50s and early 60s, three airborne divisions were formed in the PLA. There is nothing interesting and new for the Russian reader in these compounds. Simply because they were formed with the help of the USSR. But the fact that in parallel with the creation of the Airborne Forces in the PLA, special intelligence units were created, is more interesting.

The fact is that during the formation of such units, completely opposite tasks were initially laid down. They carried out reconnaissance and counteraction to enemy reconnaissance. They acted as DRGs and, at the same time, were used to counter enemy DRGs. And such "versatility" somewhat reduced efficiency. However, it was these units, the best of them, that became the basis of the future MTRs of the PLA. And it is from these units that the groups currently available for conducting special operations are formed.

The Chinese are masters at flowery expressions. And the attitude of the Chinese towards their aircraft is amazing. Many readers saw Chinese units at the recent military games in Russia. This attitude was also expressed in the names (known today) of the SOF detachments. "Falcon", "Hawk", "Flying Dragon", "Dongbei Tiger", "Night Tiger", "Magic Sword of the East", "Sharp Sword of Southern China".

The "discovery" of the MTR of the PLA took place during the competition of special forces units in Estonia (ERNA). Unknown Chinese special forces then, in 1998, out of 20 types of competitions won 8. In addition, one second place and 4 third. Agree, the result is more than good.

What are the features of the training of Chinese fighters? Why are the Chinese today considered the most difficult to counter? Let's try to deal with this issue.

I remember in the comments after the article about the "Green Berets" among the readers there were many people who were quite prepared to serve there. Well, try to "serve" in the Chinese special forces unit. Not in the elite, but (for the purity of the experiment) the usual unit of the MTR. Here are the standard standards that any PLA MTR soldier must comply with:

1. Climbing the wall of a brick building to the fifth floor without using improvised means (I carry everything with me, arms and legs) - 30 seconds.

2. Forcing water barrier 5 km long with full equipment and weapons (automatic and 4 grenades) - 80 minutes.

3. Ride 10 km in a sack, with tied legs and a duffel bag weighing 4.5 kg.

4. In full combat gear, in the rain, on a broken mountain road in 12 minutes to overcome the distance: excellent - 3.5 km and more, good - 3.4 km, satisfactory - 3.3 km.

5. Rise on the crossbar and push-ups on the uneven bars at least 200 times.

6. Passage of an obstacle course (400 meters) by a group of 4 people hitting 14 targets - 105 seconds.

7. Push-ups lying in 1 minute - 100 times.

8. Lifting a dumbbell weighing 35 kg per minute - 60 times.

9. Shooting: hit from a moving car at a speed of 50 km / h at a growth target at a distance of 200 meters.

10. Throw a grenade through a car window from a distance of 30 meters.

I understand that most readers now thought that the standards are clearly impossible to meet. However, it is precisely such standards that are established in the Chinese manuals for the MTR. And, most importantly, the standards are feasible. But for this you need to be Chinese and serve somewhere near the Beijing airport.

The thing is that the very training of the special forces takes place at the limit of human capabilities. The differences that exist between the fighters are due to the location of the unit and the tasks for which the fighter is being trained. analogues Chinese training not yet in the world. At least that's what the Chinese commanders say.

To get in elite units SSO is quite difficult. Unlike most detachments of similar activities from other countries, in the PLA there is no opportunity to join a detachment on own will. The selection is carried out from military personnel of ordinary units. Moreover, often the candidates do not even know that they "hit the pencil" of a special forces officer. There are practically no refusals to serve in the MTR. This is the dream of soldiers and officers of the PLA.

The training of fighters is based on the method of raising the physical and psychological capabilities of the human body to the maximum. Ancient Chinese variants of martial arts, Tibetan monk training methods, Chinese wushu gymnastics, various qigong variations are used. Some sources speak of yoga and similar techniques that are not at all Chinese.

Particular attention is paid to the development of not only strength, but also dexterity. Moreover, it is clearly focused on the performance of specific tasks. Self defense without weapons. Different variants Chinese and Japanese martial arts. Learn to swim at the level of a serious swimmer. There is evidence that, for example, "night tigers" or "falcons" are trained in underwater combat without the use of scuba gear due to special breathing techniques. Other units train professional climbers and skiers.

There are Chinese special forces and distinguishing feature, which makes them sufficiently "noticeable" for counterintelligence. The fact is that according to the same training methodology, each fighter must master a special exercise called "Iron Palm".

Those readers who have martial arts, are well aware of the opportunity to "fill your hand." When, for a long time, a fighter literally stuffs the edge of the palm or knuckles to the state of the appearance of coarsened tissue or "corns". This allows not only to reduce the pain from hitting a hard surface, but also to increase the impact force itself due to the appearance of a "brass knuckles".

At one time, when karate was banned in the USSR, the police perfectly calculated karatekas precisely by stuffed knuckles and "ribs" of the palms. It was difficult to hide it.

"Iron palm" is the daily strikes with the palms of the bean bag. 300 strokes daily. In addition, they also stuff their fists, elbows, feet, knees, head ... Simply put, every day any commando "hollows" a bag of beans thousands of times, various parts body.

Naturally, the skin becomes coarser and the "stuffed" parts of the body increase in size. This becomes a signal to move on to the next stage of training. Beans are exchanged for metal shavings. And now this "projectile" becomes a constant companion of a fighter. And enlarged palms calling card an employee of the special forces of the MTR of the PLA.

In addition, MTR fighters are required to undergo the most severe training for survival in any terrain. Moreover, none of the commanders and chiefs particularly thinks about the safety and life of the test person.

For example, a survival exercise for fighters naval special forces looks like that. The group is dropped from a helicopter at a distance of 5 or more kilometers into the sea near an almost "bare" island. Every soldier has a supply drinking water, knife, ration for a day.

Then live as you wish. You can drown before you reach the island. You can starve (a supply of water allows you not to die of thirst, and death from hunger occurs much later). And you can live in "your pleasure", eating what lives in the sea or on the island. The only inconvenience is the lack of fire. But not at the resort. The Chinese also remember the "hardships of military service."

Survival "on earth" is not at all easier. Here's an example from The Falcon. A group of 6 special forces is sent to a mountainous wooded area. Equipment is standard. Knife, light machine gun and helmet. It is allowed to take 1 kg of rice, 5 pieces of pressed biscuits, salt and matches. Everything else is taken away. March conditions: in 7 days, the group must cover 200 (sometimes 300) km along mountain wooded area. Part of the route passes at an altitude of over 2700 meters above sea level. Most of the water sources are not suitable for consumption. The area is "teeming" poisonous insects and other "bastards". Therefore, clothes should always be fastened with all buttons and zippers.

The task of the fighters is not only to pass the route. But also to determine the reservoirs suitable for use (most often this is done in the footsteps of birds and animals), to eat all sorts of "delicacies" like mice and insects in the mountains (other "goodies" do not live there). And "for a snack" to complete more than 20 combat missions, such as taking a prisoner, removing sentries, destroying an object, bypassing an outpost, etc.

Such training in the life of PLA MTR fighters takes 3-6 months a year ...

An important issue for understanding the combat potential of the MTR of the PLA is the equipment of such units. Armament and equipment. Alas, but in modern war even the best fighter without special equipment and good weapon weak. I think we should start with the most known species weapons.

Pistols. The main pistol of the MTR of the PLA is the 5.8-mm QSZ 92 pistol created by Chinese designers with a device for silent-flameless firing and an optical sight. The pistol was chambered for the new DAP 5.8x2.1mm low-impulse cartridge. The cartridge has more penetrating and destructive power than other ammunition. It also has a more flat flight path.

The gun has a weight of 0.76 kg. Made using composite materials. It has inserts on the pistol grip that allow you to adjust the size of the handle. Which makes the recoil momentum much less than from a standard NATO pistol. The store is designed for 20 rounds. The double-sided lever of the safety lever serves to safely release the trigger from the cocking. The frame has grooves for attaching a tactical flashlight or laser designator. It is possible to shoot from both hands, either from the right or from the left hand. The trigger guard is rounded (a feature of a slightly different shooting technique from the "short-barrel" characteristic of China). Pistol length 190 mm, barrel length 115 mm.

But, as in other units of this profile, fighters can use other pistols of the armies of the world. Depending on the tasks and skills of ownership. By the way, the Soviet TT is still popular.

In addition to pistols, the MTR is armed with Type 05 submachine guns. The Chinese use PP for the same cartridge as for the pistol - 5.8 mm. Magazine capacity 50 rounds. Bullet speed 480-500 m/s. Automatic shutter. Composite materials are used. Shooting is carried out in three modes - single, bursts of 3 shots and bursts of arbitrary length. It is possible to install a collimator or optical sight, tactical flashlight.

Automata. Here the question is rather complicated. The fact is that today the MTRs of the PLA are already in service with three domestic developments. And they are all quite interesting. It's hard to talk about preference.

Let's start with the most common - the army QBZ-95, which was put into service in 1995. Caliber 5.8 mm. A domestic cartridge 5.8x42 weighing 4.1 g with a steel core is used. starting speed bullets 930 m/s. Magazine capacity 30 rounds. Machine weight 3.35 kg. Machine length 760 mm. Barrel length 490 mm. Bullpup layout. There is a Chinese-made grenade launcher (40 mm) and a bayonet-knife. Sighting range 500 meters.

The next modification of this machine for some reason turned into a carbine. To be honest, I don't understand it. So, QBZ 95-1. Carbine with telescopic sight and 35mm grenade launcher. The machine gun is much more popular in special forces than the first army version. The differences are quite noticeable. From ejection of the sleeve (45 degrees forward) to a quick-release optical sight. In addition, this machine has a shortened version.

But the third machine is rather a tribute to traditions and the "old" school. The fact is that the layout of the bullpup does not suit enough many. What looks beautiful in the movies is often not very adapted to specific tasks. Therefore, the MTR is also armed with an automatic machine with a classic layout - QBZ-03. Weight a little more - 3.5 kg. The length is also 950 mm. However, with the butt folded - 750 mm. Magazine capacity 30 rounds. By the way, the stores of all machines are unified.

Among Chinese machine guns, QJY 88 deserves our attention. Development of Chinese gunsmiths. In my opinion, the weapon is a failure. Caliber 5.8 mm. Under the domestic cartridge 5.8x42 mm. Weight with tripod 16 kg (body - 11.8 kg). Length 1151 mm. Barrel length 600 mm. Tape 200 rounds. A machine gun that does not meet the needs of the MTR at all.

More common light machine gun QBB-95 is nothing more than the Chinese counterpart of our RPK, only for 5.8 mm caliber. Less reliable than our machine gun. Yes, and significantly inferior to the Soviet counterpart in terms of firepower.

Probably, we should write about one more type of weapon that is mandatory in special forces. About sniper rifles.

The standard rifle of the MTR PLA is the QBU-88, which began to enter service with the army in 1997. Caliber 5.8 mm. A special version of the 5.8x42 mm rifle cartridge with a steel core bullet is used. Weight - 4.1 kg. Length 920 mm. Barrel length 640 mm. Sighting range - 800 meters. Optics domestic 4X. Magazine 10 rounds. It is possible to install almost all types of sights.

Large-caliber sniper rifle M99. Produced in two versions. Chambered for 12.7x108mm (M99-1) and chambered for 12.7x99mm (M99-2). Designed for counter-sniper combat, as well as for destroying lightly armored targets, machine-gun nests, positions of grenade launchers, etc. The number of units of such weapons today is quite small. Therefore, it is still difficult to assess the combat quality of new weapons.

The QBU-10 large-caliber rifle is more common. Chambered for 12.7x108 mm. Sighting range up to 1000 meters. However, the rifle is clearly "Chinese". Doesn't live up to sniper standards. Length 1380 mm. Barrel length 780 mm. Weight 13.3 kg.

It is clear that it is difficult to list all types of weapons that are used in the MTR of the PLA. Yes, and it doesn't really matter. It is clear that completely different "barrels" or other weapons can be used for certain tasks. Moreover, it is also clear that any unit has its own "chips".

China's Special Operations Specialists are not just military units. As in other countries where special attention is paid to this issue, there are quite serious police units in China. Such as " snow leopard"By the way, in 2014, it was this unit that was recognized as the best in the world at competitions in Jordan. And those whom I spoke about above then took second place. This is from 36 participating teams.

And in conclusion, I want to cool the ardor of the especially furious "fighters". The MTR of the PLA, the only ones in the world, have all-female units in their composition! Not support services or individual military personnel. Namely, completely female. 4 years ago, the PLA command decided to create such detachments.

Today, these units include women under 30 years of age. Training is almost no different from the "male". The level of education is worthy of the most elite units. Approximately 80% with higher education! In terms of combat potential, women's units are valued, no matter how offensive it is to men, higher. The fact is that women compensate for the lack of physical strength by scrupulous fulfillment of all training and combat tasks. And, therefore, they are generally better prepared than similar male units. And, again a paradox, women in combat are more fanatical fighters! This is an assessment by Chinese psychologists after analyzing the actions of women's units from various countries during wars and conflicts.

From various sources, other names of the Chinese SOF detachments periodically appear. But information about these units is so fragmentary and, often not without reason, fantastic that it would be foolish to draw any conclusions about their training or purpose. These are "Panther", "Snow Wolf" and "Vostok".

Judging by the tasks attributed to them by sources, these are counter-terrorist units designed to combat terrorism and separatism inside and outside the country. So, they are still not army units, but security officers. This is either the Ministry of State Security or the Ministry of Public Security of the PRC.

Be that as it may, today the PLA MTRs have a stable authority among the employees of the relevant structures of most countries. Professionals always quickly understand who is in front of them. And respect those who are truly worthy of respect.

The need to create special units in the Chinese armed forces was due to the specifics of the conduct of hostilities, which was typical of the 80s of the last century. In 1985 military leadership countries concluded that in the near future large-scale combat using traditional units will lose their .

Taking into account the analysis of the situation in the world, China adopted the concept of developing military formations with a special purpose.

China's military strategists calculated that, given the state of affairs in politics at the time, the most likely scenario would be a short-lived but very intense conflict on the country's periphery. The army began to prepare not for full-scale military operations, but for limited clashes on the border, which were supposed to be carried out with the help of high-tech special-purpose weapons.

The first military unit with special functions appeared in China in 1988. To date, practically in all military districts of the country there are special ones, the number of each of which, according to some sources, exceeds a thousand people. Parts of the special forces report directly to the military leadership of the district.

In addition, special units of airborne and amphibious assault forces have been created in the PRC. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security also has its own special forces.

Chinese special forces: at the limit of human capabilities

At its core, Chinese special forces are one of the main components of the rapid reaction force. These elite units will have to lead fighting in local conflicts. For these purposes, special forces units are equipped with high-tech weapons and appropriate military equipment. Such equipment makes it possible to inflict pinpoint strikes on the enemy, being out of his reach.

The functions of special forces are not limited to the conduct of regional operations. Special forces can conduct tactical reconnaissance, and also take part in suppressing the actions of separatists in the course of carrying out anti-terrorist measures.

Chinese special forces soldiers are the elite of the armed forces. They have perfect skills hand-to-hand combat, trained in handling firearms and edged weapons. Mandatory requirements for candidates for special forces are developed moral and volitional qualities and excellent physical fitness. The service in special-purpose units is characterized by a high workload. The complexity of training sometimes exceeds the usual ideas about the limits of mental and physical abilities person.

China has a huge historical experience training of saboteurs-infiltrators. Forces at present special operations ground forces are the pride of the People's Liberation Army of China.

The Special Operations Forces (SOF) as a special combat formation of the Ground Forces of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLLA) originate in 1988, when a reinforced special forces detachment (Dadui) was created in the Guangzhou military region on the basis of a separate reconnaissance battalion, in the function which included the performance of special tasks behind enemy lines.

Subsequently, such reinforced special forces detachments were created in the remaining military districts of the PLA. They had an organizational and staffing structure different from other formations of the PLA Ground Forces, were equipped with weapons specially designed to perform special tasks behind enemy lines, military equipment and equipment, underwent a specially designed training and training course for effective solution such tasks. Particular attention in the selection of personnel for the Special Operations Forces was paid to the physical fitness and moral and psychological state of the candidate.

Rich story

China has vast historical experience in training saboteurs-infiltrators such as Japanese "ninjas". Therefore, Chinese methods were used as the basis for the training of special forces soldiers of the PLA Ground Forces. At the same time, everything positive that was accumulated in this area abroad was also applied taking into account Chinese specifics. In particular, the personnel selection system was largely borrowed from the British SAS.

Currently, the Special Operations Forces of the Ground Forces are the pride of the PLA. They are a contingent of the PRC Armed Forces specially created, trained and equipped to conduct reconnaissance, sabotage and subversive operations behind enemy lines. According to Chinese sources, the functions of the PLA Special Forces also include conducting a counter-guerrilla war. To intimidate and undermine the morale of the enemy, the use of such methods as organizing terrorist acts, conducting psychological operations, forming an anti-government underground and insurgent movements on enemy territory, including on a nationalist basis, is not excluded.

Due to the special secrecy of any data relating to the Chinese special forces, there is extremely little reliable information on this problem in Russian (Soviet) and foreign sources, and erroneous information is very common. So, in particular, when describing the organizational and staffing structure of the special forces of the PLA, its largest formations, which in Chinese are called "dadui", which translates as "reinforced detachment", are called groups, while the group is the main combat unit, in which consists of 2-3 fighters.

Reinforced detachments of the SOF, each of which can number up to 1,000 people, are available in all military districts of the PLA. They are subordinate to the commanders of these districts and are mainly a means of conducting reconnaissance and other actions in his interests.

The planning and conduct of operations with the participation of the MTR of the PLA NE is carried out by the headquarters of the military districts, which include the appropriate command and control bodies.

Professionals high class

It is believed that special forces should be staffed by high-class professionals, therefore, as a rule, it is based on contract servicemen.

The formations of the MTR SV of the PLA are armed with special silent (low noise), flameless systems small arms, sets of explosive devices, including those camouflaged as household items, night vision devices, electronic warfare equipment (EW), electronic intelligence, communications, signaling, target designation and navigation, including space ones, as well as technical equipment for conducting psychological warfare, parachute- landing and light diving equipment. Armament, equipment (equipment), as well as camouflage means are selected depending on the tasks to be solved and the conditions for their implementation.

Depending on belonging to one or another military district, which has its own area of responsibility and corresponding operational mission, the special forces of the PLA Army are equipped and prepared in advance to conduct operations against a specific enemy. Its language, features are being studied national character, local customs, rules of service, security systems for command posts, position areas, ballistic missiles, airfields, radar stations, warehouses and other important facilities. As a disguise, the wearing of military uniforms of the enemy or the national clothes of the local population is not excluded.

Particular attention is paid to the moral and psychological and physical training fighters, the study of techniques and techniques of hand-to-hand combat. In particular, for military personnel who will have to operate in the northern direction in conditions of low winter temperatures, a special hardening system has been developed that allows them to maintain combat capability even after long forced marches, including with the use of skis, in severe frosts and long stay In the snow.

For action on southbound in mountainous terrain, the PLA Special Forces are equipped with climbing equipment and undergo appropriate training.

In the southeast direction, he masters the specifics of actions in the jungle in wet conditions. tropical climate and the special flora and fauna of this geographical area.

Servicemen of all reinforced detachments are being trained for operations in cities, studying the features of urban infrastructure, energy and water supply systems.

All programs for combat training and training of personnel, regardless of the conditions of the upcoming actions, provide for the training of explosives specialists, snipers, signalmen, operators of unmanned aerial vehicles. aircraft(UAV).

When making marches and movements, combined arms vehicles and armored vehicles are used, in particular, combat vehicles infantry (IFV) and armored personnel carriers (APC), off-road vehicles. If special forces have to operate at a great distance from combined arms formations and units for movement and fire support, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers and helicopters are used. Armored vehicles in this case are one of the main means of fire support for special forces. In conditions where the support of an armored group is not required, the special forces of the PLA Ground Forces, as a rule, use automotive equipment, including small-sized high-speed buggy-type vehicles.

Unmanned reconnaissance and repeaters

Helicopters are the main means of delivering special forces soldiers behind enemy lines. As vehicle, as well as for reconnaissance, the possibility of using motorized hang gliders, which are supposed to be equipped with low-noise electric motors, is being considered.

Despite the fact that each reinforced detachment, as a rule, is assigned a helicopter unit, which includes transport helicopters and helicopters of fire support, such special aviation units as, for example, in the US Special Operations Forces, the special forces of the PLA Ground Forces do not have. It should be noted that in order to solve the reconnaissance tasks of the Special Operations Forces of the PLA, it is already quite long time widely used unmanned aerial vehicles.

Chinese experts believe that small-sized and low-noise UAVs with a range of 2-5 km can work most effectively in the interests of special forces. Such UAVs can be easily controlled and go unnoticed while on enemy territory. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles, in their opinion, can significantly reduce both the number of reconnaissance groups and the search time, providing a wider coverage of monitoring the area in the interests of identifying enemy targets and issuing target designation data for weapons and adjusting their fire. In addition, the use of UAVs can significantly reduce both the probability of detecting a reconnaissance group and the possibility of meeting enemy opposition. In mountainous terrain, to ensure reliable operation of VHF radio communications, UAVs can be used as repeaters.

In general, it can be stated that the PLA Special Operations Forces are a well-established combat structure capable of effectively fulfilling the tasks assigned to it in military conflicts of any intensity.

The topic of special units of the world, the specifics of their training and the possibilities of using them, constantly excites readers. After the sudden appearance of such units in the Crimea, the appearance of reports about the work of the MTR in Syria and Iraq became a brand for the layman. For some reason, it is believed that the appearance of "polite people", "green men", "seals", "leopards", "sea lions" and other "animals" guarantees victory with a 100% result.

The reader's interest is understandable. Everything that is covered with a halo of mystery naturally attracts attention. And the operations, reports of which periodically appear in the press, look really impressive. Moreover, due to the incompetence of correspondents, or for other reasons (to be honest, advertising is necessary even in such a case. Remember the Soviet “In the Zone of Special Attention” and “Return Move”), such messages “overgrow” with details that inspire horror and respect for the townsfolk, and cause frank laughter from specialists.

« Alexander, why do journalists, including you, speak and write about units of the US, UK, and other countries' SOF, but completely ignore our closest neighbors? Why are there no articles about Turkish special forces, about Chinese, about former Soviet republics? After all, everyone understands that such divisions exist there. What is the reason for this neglect? Weakness? Lack of information? Reluctance to tell?»

The answer to the question about the reason for the lack of materials for some countries in the absence of reliable information. Alas. By the way, this also applies to Chinese MTRs. Information is “hidden” not only behind the regime of secrecy, but also behind the blurring of the concepts themselves. Let me explain. Many remember the words of Goebbels about what a lie must be in order to be believed in it. But few understand that the truth can be done in exactly the same way. A fact around which a "cordon" of fiction is created always begins to be questioned. Therefore, please do not take my article as the ultimate truth. This is just an attempt to systematize what is known from open and "ajar" sources.

For some reason, it is believed that special forces units in the PLA appeared thanks to Deng Xiaoping. It was he, then the head of the CPC, who in June 1985 declared that "the Communist Party does not see a global war in the future, so the PRC should prepare for fleeting border conflicts." And this statement became fundamental for the creation in 1988 of the first unit of the MTR in the Guangzhou Military District.

However, if you look into the history of the PRC, then, it seems to me, there are doubts about this thesis. The fact is that even during the war between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party (1927-1950), the Chinese widely used airborne units trained at US military bases. True, they acted against the CCP. And they were quite successful. So much so that Mao decided to create similar units in the PLA.

Therefore, again, in my opinion, the 50s of the last century should be considered the beginning of the creation of China's MTR. And the first combat operations of the new units were already carried out during the war of North and South Korea. Yes, and when repelling the attacks of Taiwanese nationalists, it was not without the participation of these particular units.

The “discovery” of the MTR of the PLA took place during the competition of special forces units in Estonia (ERNA). Unknown Chinese special forces then, in 1998, out of 20 types of competitions won 8. In addition, one second place and 4 third. Agree, the result is more than good.

What are the features of the training of Chinese fighters? Why are the Chinese today considered the most difficult to counter? Let's try to deal with this issue.

I remember in the comments after the article about the Green Berets among the readers there were many people who were quite prepared to serve there. Well, try to "serve" in the Chinese special forces unit. Not in the elite, but (for the purity of the experiment) the usual unit of the MTR. There you are standard standards that any serviceman of the PLA MTR must comply with:

1. Climbing the wall of a brick building to the fifth floor without using improvised means (I carry everything with me, arms and legs) - 30 seconds.

2. Forcing a water barrier 5 km long with full equipment and weapons (automatic and 4 grenades) - 80 minutes.

3. Ride 10 km in a sack, with tied legs and a duffel bag weighing 4.5 kg.

4. In full combat gear, in the rain, on a broken mountain road in 12 minutes to overcome the distance: excellent - 3.5 km and more, good - 3.4 km, satisfactory - 3.3 km.

5. Rise on the crossbar and push-ups on the uneven bars at least 200 times.

6. Passage of an obstacle course (400 meters) by a group of 4 people hitting 14 targets - 105 seconds.

7. Push-ups lying in 1 minute - 100 times.

8. Lifting a dumbbell weighing 35 kg per minute - 60 times.

9. Shooting: hit from a moving car at a speed of 50 km / h at a growth target at a distance of 200 meters.

10. Throw a grenade through a car window from a distance of 30 meters.

The thing is that the very training of the special forces takes place at the limit of human capabilities. The differences that exist between the fighters are due to the location of the unit and the tasks for which the fighter is being trained. There are no analogues of Chinese training in the world yet. At least that's what the Chinese commanders say.

Getting into the elite units of the MTR is quite difficult. Unlike most similar units from other countries, in the PLA there is no opportunity to join the unit of one's own free will. The selection is carried out from military personnel of ordinary units. Moreover, often the candidates do not even know that they “hit the pencil” of a special forces officer. There are practically no refusals to serve in the MTR. This is the dream of soldiers and officers of the PLA.

Particular attention is paid to the development of not only strength, but also dexterity. Moreover, it is clearly focused on the performance of specific tasks. Self defense without weapons. Different variants of Chinese and Japanese martial arts. Learn to swim at the level of a serious swimmer. There is evidence that, for example, "night tigers" or "falcons" are trained in underwater combat without the use of scuba gear due to special breathing techniques. Other units train professional climbers and skiers.

The Chinese special forces also have a distinctive feature that makes them quite “noticeable” for counterintelligence. The fact is that according to the same training methodology, each fighter must master a special exercise called the “Iron Palm”.

Those of the readers who were engaged in martial arts are well aware of the opportunity to "fill their hand." When, for a long time, a fighter literally fills the edge of the palm or knuckles to the state of the appearance of coarsened tissue or “corns”. This allows not only to reduce the pain from hitting a hard surface, but also to increase the impact force itself due to the appearance of a “brass knuckles”.

At one time, when karate was banned in the USSR, the police perfectly calculated karatekas precisely by stuffed knuckles and "ribs" of the palms. It was difficult to hide it.

"Iron palm" is the daily strikes with the palms of the bean bag. 300 strokes daily. In addition, they also stuff their fists, elbows, feet, knees, head ... Simply put, every day any commando “hollows” a bag of beans thousands of times, with various parts of the body.

Naturally, the skin becomes coarser and ... "stuffed" parts of the body increase in size. This becomes a signal to move on to the next stage of training. Beans are exchanged for metal shavings. And now this "projectile" becomes a constant companion of the fighter. And the enlarged palms are the hallmark of an employee of the special forces of the MTR of the PLA.

For example, a survival exercise for naval special forces soldiers looks like this. The group is dropped from a helicopter at a distance of 5 or more kilometers into the sea near an almost “bare” island. Each soldier has a supply of drinking water, a knife, rations for a day.

Survival "on the ground" is not at all easier. Here's an example from The Falcon. A group of 6 special forces is sent to a mountainous wooded area. Equipment is standard. Knife, light machine gun and helmet. It is allowed to take 1 kg of rice, 5 pieces of pressed biscuits, salt and matches. Everything else is taken away. March conditions: in 7 days, the group must cover 200 (sometimes 300) km through mountainous wooded areas. Part of the route passes at an altitude of over 2700 meters above sea level. Most of the water sources are not suitable for consumption. The area is "teeming" with poisonous insects and other "reptiles". Therefore, clothes should always be fastened with all buttons and zippers.

The task of the fighters is not only to pass the route. But also to determine the reservoirs suitable for use (most often this is done in the footsteps of birds and animals), to eat all sorts of "delicacies" like mice and insects in the mountains (other "goodies" do not live there). And “for a snack” perform more than 20 combat missions, such as taking a prisoner, removing sentries, destroying an object, bypassing an outpost, etc.

Such training in the life of PLA MTR fighters takes 3-6 months a year ...

An important issue for understanding the combat potential of the MTR of the PLA is the equipment of such units. Armament and equipment. Alas, in modern warfare, even the best fighter without special equipment and good weapons is weak. I think we should start with the most famous types of weapons.

The gun has a weight of 0.76 kg. Made using composite materials. It has inserts on the pistol grip that allow you to adjust the size of the handle. Which makes the recoil momentum much less than from a standard NATO pistol. The store is designed for 20 rounds. The double-sided lever of the safety lever serves to safely release the trigger from the cocking. There are grooves on the frame for attaching a tactical flashlight or a laser designator. It is possible to shoot from both hands, either from the right or from the left hand. The trigger guard is rounded (a feature of a slightly different shooting technique from the "short-barrel" characteristic of China). Pistol length 190 mm, barrel length 115 mm.

But, as in other units of this profile, fighters can use other pistols of the armies of the world. Depending on the tasks and skills of ownership. By the way, the Soviet TT is still popular.

In addition to pistols, the MTR is armed with Type 05 submachine guns. The Chinese use PP under the same cartridge as for a pistol - 5.8 mm. Magazine capacity 50 rounds. Bullet speed 480-500 m/s. Automatic shutter. Composite materials are used. Shooting is carried out in three modes - single, bursts of 3 shots and bursts of arbitrary length. It is possible to install a collimator or optical sight, a tactical flashlight.

Let's start with the most common - army QBZ-95 adopted in 1995. Caliber 5.8 mm. A domestic cartridge 5.8x42 weighing 4.1 g with a steel core is used. The initial speed of the bullet is 930 m / s. Magazine capacity 30 rounds. Machine weight 3.35 kg. Machine length 760 mm. Barrel length 490 mm. Bullpup layout. There is a Chinese-made grenade launcher (40 mm) and a bayonet-knife. Sighting range 500 meters.

The next modification of this machine for some reason turned into a carbine. To be honest, I don't understand it. So, QBZ 95-1. Carbine with optical sight and 35 mm grenade launcher. The machine gun is much more popular in special forces than the first army version. The differences are quite noticeable. From ejection of the sleeve (45 degrees forward) to a quick-release optical sight. In addition, this machine has a shortened version.

But the third machine is rather a tribute to traditions and the "old" school. The fact is that the layout of the bullpup does not suit enough many. What looks beautiful in the movies is often not very adapted to specific tasks. Therefore, the MTR is also armed with an automatic machine with a classic layout - QBZ-03. Weight a little more - 3.5 kg. The length is also 950 mm. However, with the butt folded - 750 mm. Magazine capacity 30 rounds. By the way, the stores of all machines are unified.

Among the Chinese machine guns, the QJY 88 deserves our attention.. Development of Chinese gunsmiths. In my opinion, the weapon is a failure. Caliber 5.8 mm. Under the domestic cartridge 5.8x42 mm. Weight with tripod 16 kg (body - 11.8 kg). Length 1151 mm. Barrel length 600 mm. Tape 200 rounds. A machine gun that does not meet the needs of the MTR at all.

More common light machine gun QBB-95 nothing more than the Chinese analogue of our RPK, only for 5,8 mm caliber. Less reliable than our machine gun. Yes, and significantly inferior to the Soviet counterpart in terms of firepower.

Probably, we should write about one more type of weapon that is mandatory in special forces. About sniper rifles.

The standard rifle of the MTR PLA is the QBU-88, which began to enter service with the army in 1997. Caliber 5.8 mm. A special version of the 5.8x42 mm rifle cartridge with a steel core bullet is used. Weight - 4.1 kg. Length 920 mm. Barrel length 640 mm. Sighting range - 800 meters. Optics domestic 4X. Magazine 10 rounds. It is possible to install almost all types of sights.

M99 large caliber sniper rifle. Produced in two versions. Chambered for 12.7x108mm (M99-1) and chambered for 12.7x99mm (M99-2). Designed for counter-sniper combat, as well as for destroying lightly armored targets, machine-gun nests, positions of grenade launchers, etc. The number of units of such weapons today is quite small. Therefore, it is still difficult to assess the combat quality of new weapons.

More common large-caliber rifle QBU-10. Chambered for 12.7x108 mm. Sighting range up to 1000 meters. However, the rifle is clearly "Chinese". Doesn't live up to sniper standards. Length 1380 mm. Barrel length 780 mm. Weight 13.3 kg.

It is clear that it is difficult to list all types of weapons that are used in the MTR of the PLA. Yes, and it doesn't really matter. It is clear that completely different "trunks" or other weapons can be used for certain tasks. Moreover, it is also clear that any unit has its own “chips”.

China's Special Operations Specialists are not limited to military units. As in other countries where special attention is paid to this issue, there are quite serious police units in China. Like Snow Leopard. By the way, in 2014, it was this unit that was recognized as the best in the world at competitions in Jordan. And those whom I talked about above then took second place. This is from 36 participating teams.

And in conclusion, I want to cool the ardor of the especially furious "fighters". The MTR of the PLA, the only ones in the world, have all-female units in their composition! Not support services or individual military personnel. Namely, completely female. 4 years ago, the PLA command decided to create such detachments.

Judging by the tasks attributed to them by the sources, these are counter-terrorist units designed to fight terrorism and separatism inside and outside the country. So, they are still not army units, but security officers. This is either the Ministry of State Security or the Ministry of Public Security of the PRC.