SPETSNAZ

SPETSNAZ  (voiska spetsialnoye naznacheniya) special designation troops.   Since the revolution the Soviet Union has used small elite units of special soldiers for covert and commando-type operations.    Although SPETSNAZ units were under the over-all control of the G.R.U. (Soviet Military Intelligence), it was not a single organisation.   Many Soviet military formations from the size of regiment and upwards had SPETSNAZ units attached to them.   There were three distinct types of SPETSNAZ unit - 
	RADZVEDCHIKI ("Scouts").   A long-range scouting or reconnaissance battalion which was attached to each division.

	RAYDOVIKI ("Raiders").    Battallion sized units used for rapid response operations and trained to be engaged as shock troops during company- or battallion-sized actions.

	VYSOTNIKI ("Rangers").   Highly trained special services personnel deployed on deep penetration and surveillance operations behind enemy lines which would include target spotting and sabotage activities.

SPETSNAZ units spearheaded every major military operation undertaken by the Soviet Union including the occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1968 and the Soviet involvement in Afghanistan.