Georgian Special Operations Forces

The GSOF (სპეციალური ოპერაციების ძალები) are the elite Georgian Armed Forces components. They have been established to conduct special operations, special-and long range reconnaissance, military counter intelligence, counter terrorism, counter insurgency, amphibious and asymmetric warfare in and outside Georgia. One of the operational centers is located in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Georgian special forces are subordinated under the MOD Special Operations Main Division to a brigade-level command structure. Each formation is split into several sub-divisions which are allocated on different Georgian regions, cities and strategically important areas. Most instructor units are composed of veterans of past conflicts including the Soviet war in Afghanistan and the internal conflicts in Georgia. Officers and instructors served as in former Soviet Army or NATO special services.

History
The very first of such formations was founded during the War in Abkhazia in 1992 but many already disbanded after several years of service, falling victim to political intrigues and serious accusations of supposed terrorist acts against the Georgian government. Especially internal forces were involved. Since then various special formations occurred under mixed supervision, Russian designed units always enjoying more popularity among the Georgian leadership. A lot of efforts was put into the establishment of a sustainable system of development of special military units, which was achieved in 1999. In order to replace the Soviet model with something that would resemble highest international standards the so-called SOF Train and Equip Program was established with financial and material assistance from Turkey. Some officers had already completed Army Rangers and SF courses in the United States. Because Georgia lacked the infrastructure and means at that time, the first applicants and candidates for Georgian special forces were sent to Turkey to train there. Since 2001, Georgia has intensified the training of its elite forces in cooperation with American, French, British, Israeli and other countries' special services. In 2002 as part of the Georgia Train and Equip program over 2000 soldiers including 1000 internal troops were trained by US instructors for special-and counter terrorism operations. About $65 million were invested by the United States for the training of 400 army commandos and security forces. In the framework of said program over $6 million were committed by the Georgian government itself to properly arm and supply the country's special forces battalion so that training in accordance to US and NATO standards was ensured. The US 10th Special Forces Group of SOCOM was tasked with assisting in setting up the proper infrastructure and training ground for Georgia's special operations forces, identified by NATO as GSOF. Georgian commandos participated in the Iraq War from 2003 until the complete withdrawal of the Georgian contingent in 2008 due to an escalation of hostilities in South Ossetia. Another $11.5 million were raised by the US in 2008 for special forces training. However, as a result of the Russo-Georgian conflict the US ceased providing any type of assistance in training Georgian forces, including special forces as unofficial and undeclared embargoes were in full effect against the country until a new government took over in 2012. Despite that a foundation had already been established and Georgia's elite units were already much less dependent on foreign assistance in training, rather focused on cooperation and inter-operability with their NATO and European especially Eastern European counterparts. Georgian special forces have taken part in numerous international missions and joint exercises. Following the 2014 Wales summit joint training exercises between US-and Georgian special forces officially renewed and since then are held on a regular basis. Several NATO certifications were achieved in 2017 following multinational manoeuvers. Another close partner besides SOCOM is the Polish Special Operatios Command, in particular JW GROM and AGAT which took part in the general assessment, mentoring and qualification leading to a NATO operational certification for GSOF. The years long assessment and enhancement of operational capabilities culminated in a final certification during a 2017 exercise in which several Polish special forces components played the opposing force against their Georgian counterparts. GSOF is thereby NATO certified to operate a Special Operations Task Group or SOTG within Alliance structures. Joint exercises and qualification with Polish SOF are commenced on a regular basis since 2013.

Early 1990s
Numerous tactical units appeared during the early 1990s. Apart of state security group ALFA, those included a Russian trained special battalion called "Orbi" which was considered more or less a military counterpart and an elite unit named "White Eagles". Their members were trained primarily by Russian officers from Spetsnaz and equipped with heavy military hardware. Both units saw dramatic action in the coastal town of Gagra when it got struck by a surprise attack from Abkhaz forces aided by their North Caucasian allies. Since Georgia had withdrawn most of its troops and heavy equipment following Russian demanded peace talks, there were only a single infantry battalion with a few gun batteries and these two units supported by a number of local militia left to defend Gagra. The first assault wave was defeated with the support of artillery but after the second assault the infantry battalion Shavnabada was forced to withdraw and the two special units were cornered in the center of the town. The attackers gathered several hundred men. Key positions were a police station and the nearby train station. When the Abkhaz and their allies moved in for the final phase of their attack, the Georgians had only a small portion of the White Eagles to delay a breakthrough while most troops fell back to regroup in the surrounding forests. The remaining Georgians put up a stubborn fight and repelled several attacks for some time but got eventually surrounded and subsequently eliminated. Most of the supporting militia were captured. Among the dead were 12 members of the White Eagle unit including its commander Gocha Karkarashvili who chose to stay. The Georgian task force regrouped and hesitated for a counterattack when they were suddenly confronted by a large number of Abkhaz and North Caucasian combatants. It turned out that another group was advancing simultaneously to the main assault body through the surrounding forests while an unidentified force was approaching from the sea with two Russian landing craft. Both sides were surprised by the encounter and exchanged fire. The Georgians were heavily outnumbered and had to retreat, losing another 30 men including a few of the surviving members of the White Eagles. This marked the final engagement in the Gagra campaign. The remaining special forces were called off to fight Georgian paramilitary groups which were attacking government forces and weren't deployed anymore into Abkhazia. However both sides kept commencing raids and skirmishes against each other after the war and specifically throughout the late 1990s.

Pankisi Gorge
In 2003 Georgia carried out a special operation in the infamous Pankisi Gorge known for its supposed hosting of militant groups and criminals elements. The aim was to surround and force the surrender of armed Chechen saboteurs formations that crossed the border. Clashes and arrests occurred all over the region when Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that the Georgian government handle the situation as it presented a direct threat. It has also been suggested that the US urged Georgia to take action in order to prevent further deterioration of an already tense political environment. The Georgian special forces would continuously transfer captured insurgents to Russian special services.

Georgian special forces have been accused multiple times to have carried out numerous assassinations and acts of sabotage in North Caucasus(Russia) and within the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Russia also accused Georgia of using its special forces to train and equip Chechen militants in the Pankisi Gorge who then would pass the Georgian-Russian border to commit terrorist acts in the Russian Federation. The situation in the Gorge is yet still disputed as Georgia itself states to have the Gorge cleared of militant activities contradicting the claims of Russian authorities.

South Ossetia 2008
Georgian special operations forces took part in several engagements of the 2008 war. They supported a mobile task force consisting of Interior Ministry special forces that formed the spearhead for the assault on Tskhinvali center. Their most notable involvement was in the attack on general Khrulyovs command battlaion on 9 August. Early Russian reports gave full credit to Georgian commandos for the near complete destruction of the trapped unit. However, later Russian claims suggest it was more likely part of a combined assault from different military elements including armor. In either case, the Georgian special forces engaged in fighting were fewer in numbers but able to stop a much larger enemy force. There are also claims that Russian special forces prevented Georgian saboteurs from damaging or destroying the Roki tunnel, Russia's main supply line for the conflict region. One special forces member is confirmed to have died in the war. Sergeant Kakhaber Tavgorashvili, who was assistant counter-terrorist instructor of the Special Forces Preparation School, was killed by an Ossetian sniper at Shanghai street in Tskhinvali on 8 August. Some 55 received mostly light degree injuries during fighting and shelling.

Lopota Valley
In 2012 one combat medic of the special forces, corporal Vladimer Khvedelidze, was killed during a controversial engagement with 20 armed militants crossing the Georgian-Dagestani border. According to the official version, security forces were reinforced by military after a group of armed men took locals as hostages and demanded ransom. The local residents were released when a trapped border guard officer offered himself as hostage instead insisting he had a much higher value for them. The armed group was offered negotiations but refused the unprofitable conditions and threatened to take the negotiator. In that moment Georgia's anti terror unit opened fire and killed one of the militants. During the firefight 10 more were killed but also one MIA security officer. In midst of the shootout the army special forces corpsman tried to evacuate a wounded officer but got attacked and both men died on the spot.

Involvement in the Ukraine conflict
In May 2015 Georgian special forces were claimed by Ukrainian officials and also have been accused by Russia and the Donetsk People's Republic to have apprehended Russian nationals fighting with the separatists because they were suspected to be members of Russian special services and military intelligence. Georgian nationals mostly retired servicemen including former special forces members and police have been confirmed to be fighting with the Ukrainian army intelligence and security services. Georgian instructors are also involved in training Ukraine's special forces. In October 2015 both countries discussed further cooperation that would allow Ukrainian special forces personnel to be trained in Georgia, particularly the Mountain Warfare School.

Kosovo Force
The first ever involvement of Georgian special forces in peacekeeping operations was during the KFOR mission starting in 1999. A platoon consisting of 34 members of the newly formed unit was stationed in Mamuša as part of the Turkish contingent and was equipped with Turkish gear and armament. They were distinguishable by their shoulder patches and berets. Their primary task was to provide security to the town and protect ethnic minorities from reprisal and violence. Later the contingent was reinforced by an infantry company under German command.

Operation Iraqi Freedom
Georgia's first official involvement in Iraq was the deployment of a 70 men strong detachment of special forces, a sapper unit and medical personnel in August 2003. The special forces were stationed in Baiji, Iraq and served as QRF. Their task was to respond to distress calls such as unexpected insurgent attacks on Coalition forces and other peacekeeping elements. Equipment and ammunition was provided by the U.S. They would also assist in intercepting weapon smuggling over the Iranian border and provide security to officials. The contingent would abandon its mission in 2008 due to the outbreak of hostilities in Georgia.

Operation Active Endeavour
Georgian forces including naval special operations have been participating in Operation Active Endeavour as part of the maritime counter terror force. However further details are unknown.

ISAF
Towards the end of the ISAF mission from March to October 2014 the brigade's Mountain-Reconnaissance Battalion was deployed in Afghanistan, mainly stationed at the Kandahar Air Base amidst the withdrawal process. The unit's mission was to provide security and carry out patrols and combat operations. Prior to deployment the battalion's soldiers participated and prepared in extensive mission rehearsal exercises with U.S. troops in Hohenfels Germany.

Resolute Support
One reinforced Ranger company is currently deployed in Afghanistan as part of the Resolute Support Mission. It has been tasked to provide security and protection to RSM headquarters. The Rangers were also part of the force that repelled the Taliban attack on the German consulate in 2016.

Cooperation and interoperability with NATO forces
Georgian special forces and special operations forces work closely with and are advised and monitored by US SOCOM, POL SOCC and United States Special Operations Command Europe respectively. The US 10th Special Forces Group took a pivotal role in creating a training and education basis for GSOF to be able to conduct training and qualification befitting US and NATO standards. Currently as of 2017 the GSOF are being prepared by SOCOM for instructor and advisory roles for conventional multinational forces and be able to assist, conduct and lead joint training exercises and international missions like their US counterparts. At the same time GSOF operators receive advanced training by JW GROM in NATO operational procedures while working together with AGAT and qualify in Polish lead multinational special forces manoeuvers for NATO certifications and access to broader education. The years-long cultivation of cooperation and mutual assistance helps the GSOF align with NATO operational doctrines and prepare for eventual membership in addition to successful mission deployments alongside NATO counterparts and forces in general.

Organization
As of 2012 the special operations forces are divided into two main sections: the acting formations and their sub units merged into one combined force and the Special Operations Training Center which contains all training and educational arms of the branch.

Special Operations Forces
The branch is split into six main arms consisting of:


 * Staff / Administrative Division
 * -G1 -G2 -G3 -G4 -G5 -G6 -G7
 * Operational Headquarters
 * Special Forces Group.png Special Operations Group
 * HQ administrative staff / Comm & Control, logistics, supply, medical units.
 * Alpha Company (82 men): HQ & Comm. (10) Teams A, B, C, D, E, F (12 men each) - Special Operations
 * Bravo Company (82 men): HQ & Comm. (10) Teams A, B, C, D, E, F (12 men each) - Special Reconnaissance & Intelligence
 * Charlie Company (82 men): HQ & Comm. (10) Teams A, B, C, D, E, F (12 men each) - Support Operations & Electronic Warfare
 * Naval Special Operations Group PNG.png Naval Special Warfare Detachment
 * Underwater Offence Section - two teams
 * Underwater Defence Section - two teams
 * Mountain Recon Battalion PNG.png Mountain Reconnaissance Battalion (Ranger Battalion)
 * Support Battalion PNG.png Special Operations Support Battalion
 * Special Forces School PNG.png Special Operations Training Center

According to WikiLeaks the formation consists of about 1,500 personnel of which some 720 can be regarded as combat operatives, during conflict deployable in no more than a total of 60 teams with 12 members each. Depending on circumstances the composition can be stretched to a maximum of 100 teams in accordance to available manpower. The Special Operations Group or Special Forces Battalion is the primary air-land-sea deployable special forces unit of the Georgian Armed Forces and is made of up to 280 members. It consists of primary HQ, control-communications & counterintelligence, medical, logistics and supply unit as well additional staff and intelligence units for each company. The group has a total of three companies which are equally split in 6 teams capable of carrying out operations hundreds of kilometers behind enemy lines. Each company is specialised to fulfill a specific role during deployment. The Alpha Company is the main special operations component while the other two are responsible for providing intelligence and support. Teams of Alpha Company are expected to operate fully autonomously behind enemy lines, even when cut off completely. The communication units are responsible for rapid deployment of communication assets, electronic warfare as well as counter EW and the processing and providing of intel. They are independently capable of self-maintenance and repair and have access to a variety of latest electronic military equipment. All combat teams have equal permission conditions for personnel, such as being able to march over enervating long distances, skydiving, diving, skiing as well as experience and a high skillset in special & unconventional warfare. There is always at least one team from each company in full combat readiness, while the rest conduct training, exercises and education classes. In a constant cycle numerous types of firing drills are being exercised through day and night by one group while another group is training on explosives, a third one in hand-to-hand combat, a fourth in weapons specialisation and so forth.

The Naval Special Warfare Detachment or Naval Special Purpose Detachment is an important sub formation of the special forces group. It deploys combat swimmers and divers with corresponding equipment such as inflatable boats and jetboats and is responsible for preparing special forces personnel for underwater warfare. Combat teams and equipment can be deployed from land, sea and air by helicopter. Modeled after several counterparts, the unit is specialized on coastal reconnaissance, sabotage, deep strike missions as well as counter terrorism and anti-piracy operations. It is composed of a command staff, one designated underwater offence section, one designated underwater defence section - each consisting of two identically sized operational groups, intelligence units, communication units, a supplyment and technical section, protection forces, as well as a medical unit, a transportation unit and several other logistics and supply elements.

The largest unit of the brigade is the Mountain-Reonnaissance Battalion also identified as Ranger Battalion and Special Mountain Battalion. It has officially become part of the special operations forces in 2009 turning them into a brigade. The battalion deploys a 310 men strong force but one of its main tasks is to oversee the application, qualification and preparation of civilan and military candidates for special operations forces. The operational units are specialised on combat and reconnaissance in alpine and mountainous terrain while also qualified to perform surgical operations in all other known areas mainly in support of the primary special forces components.

Former special forces units

 * Special Operations Unit "White Eagles". Was trained and formed by members of Soviet spetsnaz. Took part in the War in Abkhazia, most notably Battle of Gagra. Got disbanded few years later.
 * Alpha Group(Georgian). An analogue to the Soviet/Russian counterpart. Active from 1991 to 1995
 * Commando battalion, now 11th Telavi Light Infantry Battalion. Was tasked with protecting the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in its possible radius of action. Trained and funded by the U.S. The protection of strategic objects such as pipelines is no more task of the Defense Ministry but MIA Strategic Objects Special Defense Forces.
 * Iverioni Recon/Assault Battalion. Efforts of joint MOD and MIA cooperation. As a result, a battalion named "Iverioni" was established which was to be responsible for surveillance, counter intelligence and first strike operations. The task force got eventually disbanded between 2009 and 2012.

Special Operations Training Center
The training center consists of following:

-S1 -S2 -S3 -S4 -S5 -S6 -S7
 * Staff
 * Command
 * Special Operations School
 * Rangers Preparation School
 * Snipers Preparation School
 * Paratroopers Preparation School
 * Evaluation Development Section
 * Logistical Support & Transport Company

Functions and missions of the training center include the development of an institutional base and organizational sphere of military training, coordination and control of the process of education and training within the center, the training and retraining of military personnel according to higher international standards, development update and introduction of educational programs in the process of education, participation in the combined training of the Georgian Armed Forces, contribution to the armed forces buildup and conducting special operations in interaction with other structural units of the Special Operations Forces.

Current commander of the training center is Major Zurab Khuroshvili

Women in the special operations forces
Apart from very few exceptions it is generally prohibited for women to be part of the special forces. However that regulation does not deny them entrance to the special operations forces in general. There have been cases of female individuals passing the application and qualification courses, in one recorded case even surpassing the scores of some of their fellow male candidates. However such individuals were mostly excluded from combat assignment. Yet it is known that the special operations forces have had a female sniper. Passing the special forces sniper course is one of the most challenging in the Georgian military. Currently the few women who are part of the special operations forces all serve in the Mountain Reconnaissance Battalion and are deployed as support specialists, part of the medical, communication and intelligence cadres.

Selection and courses
The four main education and training schools are the Special Forces School, Rangers School, Snipers School and Airborne School, which have different admission criteria and difficulty levels. To become special forces members, servicemen have to successfully complete every single school. The qualification and training itself is monitored by NATO instructors of leading special forces units. In addition US and Georgian special forces regularly conduct joint training exercises. The overall admission criteria include physical, psychological health and durability. The applicants passing rate for special operations forces never exceeds 10% and is considerbaly lower for most of the time. Details about training are classified. The education program includes mountaineer training and combat on one of the highest altitude available in Europe. Within the framework of the 'Partnership for Peace Program' created by NATO and Georgia, foreign nations special forces are being trained by Georgian instructors for combat in high altitudes under varying climatic conditions.

Rangers School
The Ranger Course can be but not necessarily has to be of interest for servicemen who want to join the special forces. In order to receive just the Ranger badge without being members of the special forces it is sufficient to successfully pass the Ranger Course and simply continue regular service. In general passing the Rangers School is considered a prerequisite for a successful military career. For those who want to become active member of the SF every single course must be successfully completed. Most potential candidates are required to not only be active servicemen in the armed forces, but preferably prove leadership skills. The attendants ranks can vary from corporal to lieutenant. Initial physical admission requirements are lower compared to specialization courses as latter are not divided into two separate ones with an entrance and afterwards preparation course although the difficulty level is still high. One of the purposes of the Ranger School is to teach soldiers and officers to make relevant decisions, manage their troops and boost their morale under extreme physical and psychological pressure. The physical requirements for a successful entrance application include: being able to perform at least 49 push-ups, 59 presses, running 8,000 meters in 40 minutes or less, 6 pull-ups, a forced march with equipment at a distance of 25 km in 4 hr 30 min or less and parallel dips and jumps into water from 10 meters. Subsequently, theoretical sessions test the candidates' general intelligence, common army / combat awareness and skillset in land navigation. To pass at least 60% of the questions must be answered correctly. In addition, a medical commission report and a recommendation letter of the applicants acting unit commander are required.

The Rangers School is located near the village Manavi and is an analogue to the United States Ranger School. The six-month course for civilians is similar to commando-type training, which is also conducted in armies of NATO member countries Turkey and Great Britain. Throughout the course, future Rangers will be trained in leading combat operations in different weather and on different terrain such as forests / jungles, mountains and populated areas. In tense exercises the servicemen will also adopt advanced leadership capabilities and will be instructed on how to respond best as possible accordingly to a crisis or arbitrary scenarios.

Applicants who pass these initial tests will be granted access to the admission and preparation course, which lasts about 67 days dealing with following subjects:


 * Marksmanship
 * Mountain Training
 * Airmobile Training
 * Military Topography
 * Tactical Training
 * Medical Training
 * Communication
 * Engineering Training
 * Combat on Urban Terrain

During the preparation for the actual training program, the candidates will acquire the minimum of required skills and experience to pass the specialization course. Initial admission criteria are restricted to ages 19–30 inclusive, Georgian citizenship, a height above 170 cm, a secondary or higher education and a positive report from the medical commission provided by the School itself. Physical requirements are: being able to perform a minimum of 50 push-ups, 50 presses, running a distance of 3,200 meters in 16:00 minutes or less and 8 pull-ups. The theoretical test on general skills must be passed with a rating of at least 60%. Afterwards the applicants will be interviewed in order to provide general information about their persona. During the subsequent preparation course which' duration is 9 weeks, following subjects will be engaged:


 * Marksmanship
 * Common Army Tactics
 * Military Topography
 * Medical Preparation
 * Communication
 * General Subjects
 * Physical Training

The final and actual training course starts after passing every single preparation stage. The applicants will receive all necessary theoretical and practical training in order to be able to conduct operations under similar conditions as the Special Forces School. Final admission criteria are the successful completion of the BIT/BCT (Basic Combat Training) and Rangers preparation courses. The admission tests are the same as those of the initial preparation course except the passing score for theoretical tests must be at least 70%. The theoretical tests include: Tactical Training, Marksmanship, Engineering Training, Topography, Communication and General Skills. After passing these successfully, the applicants will be admitted to the training course, which' duration is 28 weeks.

The general subjects of the course are:


 * Training on Water
 * Marksmanship
 * Mountain Training
 * Airmobile Training
 * Survival
 * Military Topography
 * Tactical Training
 * Medical Training
 * Communication
 * Engineering Training
 * Physical Training

Airborne School
The airborne training is divided into Paratroopers Basic Training Course and Parachute Rigger Training Course. During the basic course, the students will be trained to carry out parachute jumps under the supervision of instructors with ram-air parachutes in light meteorological conditions, from average altitude, medium speed and with equipment and weapons. Criteria as of age is unrestricted. Any serviceman who has the satisfactory medical report will be admitted to the course which will take three weeks. Subjects will be the history of parachute development, material parts, theoretical parts of parachute jumping, rules of movement and airdrome, aircraft tour, parachute jumping elements on land, special cases during jumping, packing the parachute and practical jumps.

During the so-called Rigger course, the paratroopers will learn how to use, pack, maintain and repair the TTS, T-10B and T-10R parachutes. The course can be attended by personnel who have already passed the basic training course and carried out at least five jumps. The course program also includes two forced jumps.

Servicemen who passed both courses and can prove an overall record of 35 jumps, can apply for Land Instructor-Parachutist Training Course in which they will learn the methods of conducting theoretical parachute and land preparations, organizing parachute jumps and making records, as well as paratroopers instructor duties.

The course duration is seven days and includes 3 days of practical jumps. The program includes six jumps, the first, the second, the third and the fourth with equipment and weapons.

Special Forces School
The main purpose of the Special Forces School is for applicants to acquire and master necessary skillsets and insight to conduct special missions and operations under extremely tense physical and psychological pressure in provided close to real scenarios so that realistic and prompt evaluations of situations and relevant and important decision making is schooled and refined.

Admission criteria are strictly restricted to ages 21 to 31 inclusive, attested experience in leadership is preferred. The applicants must have passed every single Ranger course. Admission requirements for the initial application are split into physical tests which include a minimum of 60 push-ups, 66 presses, running a distance of 3,200 meters in 14:24 minutes or less and 10 pull-ups, an Intelligence test and combined tests in army awareness in which 80% of the answers must be correct and finally a recommendation and citation letter of the candidates acting unit commander.

Active servicemen who can prove a satisfactory medical report and successfully passed the entrance examinations as well as all other requirements will be admitted to the course.

The course's duration is 31 weeks in which following subjects will be engaged:
 * Marksmanship
 * Mountain Training
 * Airmobile Training
 * Military Topography
 * Tactical Training
 * Medical Training
 * Communication
 * Engineering Training
 * Command Training
 * Physical Training
 * Hand-to-Hand Fighting
 * Preparation of Specialists
 * Preparation of medics
 * Preparation of weapon specialists
 * Preparation of engineering and demolitions specialists

Additional courses are:
 * Pistol Marksmanship Special Course
 * Naval Special Course
 * Bodyguard Course
 * Antiterrorist Course.

The course is the toughest of all, with the highest requirements and the greatest applicants failing rate. Only up to 10% or less of the remaining few candidates will pass and are annually accepted to become members of Georgia's special forces unit.

Snipers School
The SF sniper school trains special forces personnel as well regular army members from age 18 to 40 in modern sniper warfare in accordance to higher international standards.

The special forces sniper course requires special forces personnel to have a marksmanship level expert or I class to be accepted to the course. Other criteria are a Common Army Awareness Test, a Memory Test, the Shooting from Sniper Rifles, psychological tests and a physical test which equals that of Special Forces School with the exactly same requirements. Special forces personnel passing these tests will undergo a 12-week-long course engaging following subjects:


 * Marksmanship
 * Sniper Tactics
 * Sniper Tracking
 * Survival
 * Special Reconnaissance

During the course, theoretical evaluations must amount 70% of correct answers.

After completion of all necessary courses until Sniper Course in a time period of 24 to 27 months or longer depending on if started as civilian or servicemen, the candidate may be granted title of Special Operations Employee or Member. Service in the special unit grants access to the special operations groups and further education for special naval warfare or intelligence and logistics. Unit members will be taught in foreign languages and sent abroad to train together with partner nations.

Comparable units

 * 🇺🇸 USA - Green Berets
 * 🇺🇸 USA - Navy Seals
 * 🇮🇱 ISR - Shayetet 13
 * 🇷🇺 RUS - Spetsnaz GRU
 * 🇷🇺 RUS - Spetsnaz
 * 🇺🇸 USA - United States Army Rangers
 * 🇺🇸 USA - MARSOC
 * 🇩🇪 GER - Kommando Spezialkräfte
 * 🇵🇱 POL - JW Komandosów
 * 🇵🇱 POL - GROM
 * 🇹🇷 Turkey - Maroon Berets
 * 🇹🇷 Turkey - Underwater Offence Group Command
 * 🇮🇪 IRL - Army Ranger Wing
 * 🇸🇪 SWE - SOG
 * NED - Korps Commando Troepen