More than Special Forces

February 27th is the professional holiday for one of the youngest units of the Russian army. Our commandos celebrate the Special Operations Forces Day which was established by a presidential decree in 2015. In his video message Vladimir Putin congratulated heroes of the day. The people whose life is like a movie, only it's not a movie, in the story of our military correspondent Alexander Sladkov. The military aircraft rises to 6,500 meters. A special ops groups prepares for the air drop. Everyone here is armed, geared up and carrying oxygen equipment. Parachuting out at this altitude is very difficult: overloads. Blood rushes to the head. Legs feel heavy. After leaving the airplane, the commandos will fly 40 kilometers before they reach the landing site. In 2013, for the first time Russian soldiers proved themselves ready for action in any geographical point of the world. Not out of airplanes or submarines, but as part of special operations. "For some people who are not familiar with military service or any other risky activity, it might seem weird. I guess they might think that everyone here is James Bond. But it's normal, ordinary people. We serve in the army, we protect the interests of our country. Some come here for the thrill. And then there's the payment, too". In the year following the establishment of the Russian Special Ops Forces journalists were allowed to see how one of the group can work in the sky, in the mountains, in the forest and in a cross-border region. Special ops professionals train and supervise military units of allied countries. They terminate leaders of terrorist groups and complete other operations. Putin: "Our country now has one more powerful and efficient tool for protecting national interests. Having absorbed the glorious, legendary traditions of our special forces and the incredibly rich experience of many generations, Special Operations Forces have quickly proved their worth. You go where it's the hardest of all, and you have proved that even in the most complicated and unforeseen circumstances you can act fearlessly, decisively and professionally". The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the Special Operations Forces were created with the sole purpose of protecting Russia's interests and Russian nationals abroad.