Russian and post-Soviet Airborne

[Sgt.Raven]

I was posting videos and answering questions all over the forum, and feel it would be proper to start a new, dedicated thread.
I'll open it up with few videos, answering most of the questions, and look forward to having discussions down the road.
More info here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Airborne_Troops
Airborne!

(First video: Russian 76th Airborne (Pskov, Russia),
Spring maneuvers 2010, including BMD drops with MKS (multi-canopy) parachute delivery systems.
Watch "tandem" landing at the very end (tangled parachutes): new definition of "brotherly love"!

[Ops NCO]

This'll be a good thread. I'd be curious to hear about the training to join the Soviet Airborne.

[Sgt.Raven]

This'll be a good thread. I'd be curious to hear about the training to join the Soviet Airborne.

During the Soviet time (and so inherited and later continued by x-Soviet states) new Airborne recruits were pre-selected at the draft stations, while still in the High School.
JROTC-type training was mandatory for all (boys and girls), where everyone learned basics of Military service, handling AK-s and (very good) .22 cal rifles, using the gas mask and first aid kit, etc.
Boys got to go to 1 week summer "junior" boot camp at real military base, shoot AK, run in full chemical suit, and other "fun stuff".
Boys also went through "mil-spec" physical exams and got sorted out per "applications": "cream" was assigned to Airborne and Marines, and the "sediment" - to ...well, you've got the picture.

Airborne selection, in majority, remains voluntary, as there are more candidates than positions available. Except few cases of "last moment fulfilment", every Airborne recruit wanted to be there. There is no choice of service designation: you're at the mercy of placement/draft center.

Once recruit is pre-selected for Airborne (Russian: V.D.V. or "Vozdushno-Desantniye Voiska), he is "grouped" into "Jump Class" and sent to para-military Jump School at the nearest Skydiving Center (formerly known as "D.O.S.A.A.F.").
Jump Course lasts 5 days, during which recruits are learning basics about the parachute equipment, jumping and landing safety and procedure in whole. Class requires making 3 jumps, upon completion of which cadets awarded with "Civilian Wings" and certificate (pre-requisite for joining the Airborne). Occasionally, during the recruitment bureacrautic shuffles, some new draftees being sent without previous jumping experience; therefore, they have to catch up with the rest of the gang quick.

Most "Boot Camps" are taking place at the final destination. But there is 242nd Training Center (x-44th Airborne Division), which trains specialists (drivers/mechanics, gunners, unit leaders, medics, recons, etc).
Also:everyone (!) is on Jump Status, and everyone (each and every trooper!) got to keep jumping (usually 3-4 jumps per quarter).
Refused to jump? Turn in your blue beret and striped shirt (Holy Pride) in a front of the unit and get shipped to the most disgraced militatry unit there is (surely, non-Airborne).

[Sgt.Raven]

Ukrainian Airborne, 80th Parachute Regiment.

Also, worth adding: Ukrainian Forces were part of the Coalition in Iraq.
Follow this link for the slideshow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIXKr...eature=related

[AFTAC85]

Very interesting stuff. I do have one question though. Why is it every single video I've seen of Russian Paratroopers or Spetznaz they're always having these huge demonstrations? Is that a common thing?

[Sgt.Raven]

Very interesting stuff. I do have one question though. Why is it every single video I've seen of Russian Paratroopers or Spetznaz they're always having these huge demonstrations? Is that a common thing?

There is no celebration without the "circus" (no disrespect: done some myself). Just give a reason. It's a Pride, a Joy and a... Bravada of serving within elite troops.
In reality, most of the Spetsnaz is too busy "fighting fires", so quite a few videos floating on YouTube (and even labeled as "Spetsnaz") actually portrays either "front-runners" (Regiment recon Company), Ryazan' Airborne Academy Cadets, or "show-designated" units.
Everyone is getting trained in Martial Arts, but not everyone's mawashi geri is looking good...

[MAC11B3V]

Everyone is getting trained in Martial Arts, but not everyone's mawashi geri is looking good...

Roundhouse kick. Shotokan much? Perhaps Systema? Sgt.Raven, what do I have to do to get a blue beret for my Airborne collection?

[MAC11B3V]

Very interesting stuff. I do have one question though. Why is it every single video I've seen of Russian Paratroopers or Spetznaz they're always having these huge demonstrations? Is that a common thing?

Speaking of demo's...

spetsnaz..jpg

Why would you, I mean...okay I guess so. Must have droned through this class at R school.

[Sgt.Raven]

Speaking of demo's...
Why would you, I mean...okay I guess so. Must have droned through this class at R school.

Well, like I said earlier: got to have it...
And so the crazy mix of elements from Shotokan to Systema, but at the end it's like Indiana Jones:

[Sgt.Raven]

Addressing the door exits from IL-76MD...
Notice chest-mounted AK ("combat placement"): allows firing while still descending.

[Rocket1972]

Awesome stuff Paul!!!

[RockOut]

Great videos Paul! Do you know if the VIP near the end of the first video is Vladimir Shamanov? The 2-star who is the current commander of all Russian Airborne forces?

[Sgt.Raven]

Great videos Paul! Do you know if the VIP near the end of the first video is Vladimir Shamanov? The 2-star who is the current commander of all Russian Airborne forces?

I believe it is General-Lieutenant (2-star) Shamanov.
Usually, that scale of maneuvers attracts "high brass", and 76th Airborne is his "pride and joy".

133956..jpg

Shamanov..jpg

[IEDmagnet]

Awesome post... very cool.

[Lower_Jumper]

There is a common denominator across the globe among paratroopers - pride in service.