Spetsnaz: Russia’s Special Forces

Osprey Elite #206

by Mark Galeotti, Johnny Shumate (Illustrator)

When the shadowy, notorious Spetsnaz were first formed, they drew on a long Soviet tradition of elite, behind-the-lines commando forces from World War II and even earlier. Throughout the 1960s-70s they were instrumental both in projecting Soviet power in the Third World and in suppressing resistance within the Warsaw pact. As a powerful, but mysterious tool of a world superpower, the Spetsnaz have inevitably become the focus of many 'tall tales' in the West. In this book, a peerless authority on Russia's military Special Forces debunks several of these myths, uncovering truths that are often even more remarkable. Now, since the chaotic dissolution of the USSR and the two Chechen Wars, Russian forces have seen increasing modernization, involving them ever more in power-projection, counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism and the Spetsnaz have been deployed as a spearhead in virtually all of these operations. This book offers a unique, absorbing guide to the secrets of the Spetsnaz, their most noteworthy missions and personalities, but is also packed with details such as orders-of-battle, equipment and operational doctrine.

Genres: Russia, History, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Russian History, War, Reference

64 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2015

Reviews

[Igor Ljubuncic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Predictably good. Short and sweet, as you'd expect from Osprey. Mark is definitely a SME on all things Russian military. There's some repetition with a few other works on similar topics, but as always, Mark does a great job, you get new and interesting material, lovely photos and great illustrations. Quite recommended.

Igor

[Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books on Russian military by the western author I have ever read. Galeotti manages to remain impartial in his analysis of the Russian military and social system, nevertheless correctly identifying the common ailments of Russian mentality and society, as reflected in the ailments that plague Spetsnaz forces - that can not be analyzed outside of their social and historical context.

The author does not give his personal opinion concerning either historical or contemporary political decision, but presents facts to the reader allowing him (or her) to draw his (or hers) own conclusions.

I've really enjoyed this book, especially since it covers such an obscure theme and manages to demystify quite a lot of tall tales and Cold War legends. I really don't understand why this title has such a low rating.

I'll make a point of finding other works by this author, since he has gained my greatest respect thanks to his professionalism and analytical approach to the theme in question.

[Mike O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book covering the mythical Spetsnaz and setting the record straight. It does a lot in a few pages and is worth the short amount of time it takes to read through this book. As usual, Osprey does a bang up job with the artwork of uniforms.

[Robert Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting overview

Interesting and informative description of modern day Russian special forces, with quality illustrations and photographs. Also goes over the important historical context of the formation of these special forces

[Zare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book on Soviet special operations forces. Author is especially well informed regarding Russian security forces and gives a very concise history of the Spetsnaz, from the days of the Bolshevik's revolution to the modern times.

Especially interesting was information on how Spetsnaz always acts as motorized/mechanized infantry unit [unlike light infantry Western counterparts]. I guess that lessons from WW2 and engagements of light infantry against German armored and mechanized forces were never forgotten.

Author gives a lot of information but just cannot do without some remarks here and there for which I just don't see reason (i.e. "weird" obsession of Soviets/Russians with Pyrrhic victories like Afghanistan Krer operation (Arnhem anybody, Point du Hoc or Operation Anaconda - every army that saw combat has one not-a-victory-not-a-defeat that shows how their forces are tough and resourceful; its the way things go, present dumbest move that cost lives as something that "just happened" but "we persevere") and constant [demeaning] comparison with 75th Ranger regiment or 2 REP which I do not understand since both formations are crack units on the world level - if majority of Spetsnaz is on level with these units and not cloak-and-dagger Tier One operators I think this is more reason to be very careful around general Spetsnaz).

But even with these occasional remarks it is very informative book. I just hope somebody publishes larger (>64 pages) paperback about these Eastern Europe units.

Highly recommended.