Spetsnaz: Scout Physical Training Manual

Book excerpt: This is a translation of a manual utilized by the Soviet Union to train soldiers in the techniques of infiltration, reconnaissance, and battlefield surveillance. It emphasizes the high standard the Soviet, and later, Russian military places on physical fitness as a fundamental requirement for mission success. The manual concludes with instructions for the layout and construction of specialized courses for perfecting the skills illustrated within this manual. These tactical courses have been found in Columbia, Chechnya, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. FARC, Al Qaeda, and ISIS are known to use these tactical courses to train their recruits. Clearly these techniques are quickly spreading through conflict zones worldwide. The drills are simple, easy to learn, and easily retained and are well suited for training motivated but unskilled recruits. As the Spetsnaz say: 'Do more with less.'