Special Operations Forces (Belarus)

In the early 1990s, the military and political leadership of Belarus faced the question of the further fate of the legacy of the Soviet Army. The Belorussian Military District had three airborne units: the 103rd Guards Airborne Division in Vitebsk, the 38th Separate Guards Airborne Brigade in Brest and the 5th Spetsnaz Brigade in Maryina Gorka. A dilemma came when a defense doctrine was proclaimed, of which airborne units did not fit very well.[10]

Some leaders, proceeding from supposedly pacifist considerations, proposed a radical solution dismantling the airborne forces. In September 1995, mobile forces were formed on the basis of the 103rd Guards Airborne Division and the 38th Separate Guards Airborne Brigade as part of the 38th, 317th and 350th separate mobile brigades.[10]

They took part in the following operational tactical exercises: "Neman" (2001), "Berezina" (2002), "Clear Sky" (2003), "Shield of the Fatherland" (2004), and "Shield of the Union" (2006). On 2 August 2007, the formation of the Special Operations Forces was announced. They included two mobile forces brigades (38th and 103rd), the 5th separate special-purpose brigade.[10]

The units of the Special Operations Forces are the only Belarusian ground units maintained at full readiness.[11] The IISS estimated its strength at 6,150 in 2022.[12] The 38th and 103rd Brigades received the relatively new Russian-made 2B23 Nona-M1 towed 120 mm mortar in 2017,[13] of which they fielded a total of eighteen by 2022.[12]

In August 2020, Special Forces participated in the suppression of the protests in Belarus. On August 11, Hienadz Shutau was shot in Brest by captain Roman Gavrilov of 5th Spetsnaz Brigade. In 2021, local court considered Gavrilov as a victim, accusing the late Shutau and another protester. At the court session, it was revealed that the use of army officers in civil operation was authorized by SSO commander Major General Vadim Denisenko.[3]

A map showing where Belarusian special forces are based

Army special operations forces include:[10][11]

• Special Operations Forces Command
• 38th Guards Air Assault Brigade (Brest)
• 103rd Guards Airborne Brigade (Vitebsk)
• 5th Spetsnaz Brigade (Marina Gorka)
• 91st Security and Service Battalion
• 742nd Communications Center

There are units to perform the tasks of particular importance:

• 33rd Guards Spetsnaz Detachment (complete with officers and warrant officers)
• A special purpose detachment of 5th Spetsnaz Brigade (known as "company officer")
• 527th Spetsnaz Company
• 22nd Spetsnaz Company (Western Operational Command)

Officers for special operations forces are trained by the military intelligence department of the Military Academy of Belarus. Students are trained in the following specialties: management of units and telecommunication systems. Field and practical exercises with the use of weapons and military equipment are held at a field training and material base.

Future special forces officers are trained by following military universities in the Russian Armed Forces: the Novosibirsk Higher Military Command School and the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School. After five years of training, cadets receive the military rank of Lieutenant.

The current Special Operations Forces have most of the same traditions as units of the former Soviet Airborne Forces.

Motto

Belarusian Special Forces during a military parade on Victors Avenue.

The official motto is Nobody but us (Belarusian: Ніхто, акрамя нас!).[14] An alternative motto is also, Anywhere, anytime, any task.