The Special Forces (SPN) units of Soviet military intelligence were one of the most important military secrets of the Soviet Union. According to the plan of the Soviet command, these units were to play a key role in the upcoming nuclear war with the Western countries, and that is why even the very fact of their existence was carefully hidden. Carrying out reconnaissance and sabotage operations in the rear of the enemy on the eve of the war and in its first hours and days, the units and formations of the SPN were to ensure the success of the offensive operations of the armed forces of the Soviet Union and its allies, who attacked the enemy with all their might. You will learn: How and why special forces were created in the Soviet Army and what tasks they solved Who and how was selected for service in the units of the SPN and how was the combat training of soldiers, sergeants and officers of the SPN . How the Soviet command planned to use the units and formations of the SPN in the coming war with the countries of the West Predecessors of the units and formations of the SPN: from the "selected young men" of Thomas More to the Guards Miners of the Red Army . Soviet military intelligence units and formations in the 1950s and 1970s: organizational structure, weapons, tactics, agents, management and interaction. "Spetsnaz" is a wonderful addition to the books by Viktor Suvorov "Soviet Military Intelligence" and "Aquarium", a fascinating reading for everyone who is interested in the history of Soviet special services.