The Special Forces of Azerbaijan were established on April 30, 1999. As the type of troops, which perform the most risky and daring special operations, the Special Forces are a source of pride for each of us. The fact that the supreme commander-in-chief Ilham Aliyev awarded ‘Hero of the Patriotic War’ title to about 40 servicemen of the Special Forces, emphasized their role in the Patriotic War during his speeches,t took pictures with them at every opportunity and had sincere conversation with them informs a lot.

Establishment of the Special Forces 

The establishment of the Special Forces of Azerbaijan started following the ceasefire agreement signed with Armenia in 1994. Units of the Special Forces, which consisted of several battalions, were established within a short period of time and operated under the auspices of the General Staff until 2004. Then, separate battalions, which repeatedly conducted successful operations were united under a single military unit. 

Five years before this unification, National Leader Heydar Aliyev signed a decree on establishment of the Special Forces on April 30, 1999. The purpose was to form active military forces capable of carrying out any special commands, including combat and sabotage operations, under any circumstances, at any depth of enemy defense.

There was no concrete personnel and technical base for the establishment of the Special Forces Unit. Colonel Hikmet Mirzeyev, who was appointed commander to the Special Forces had opportunity to choose staff from both special battalions and intelligence units of other units. 

Since its establishment until now, there has been a principle of voluntary service in the Special Forces. It is one of the grounds that make it more prestigious. 

Formation of the Special Forces Unit 

With the creation of the Special Forces, a special military unit consisting of special battalions was abolished at the end of 2013, and part of the personnel was involved in the Special Forces. The rest of the personnel continued their service in other military units. All combat duties of the abolished military unit were encharged to Special Forces. Other officers and ensigns, who attended the first Karabakh War were also widely engaged in Special Forces. 

On April 29, 2015, on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of its establishment during the presentation of battle flags to the newly created special forces, it became clear that the expansion of the Special Forces Unit is a state policy. Prior to the April 2016 battles, the unit gained significant combat experience by conducting multi-purpose combat operations. These capabilities were proved both in the April battles and on June 20, 2020. In the Patriotic War, the Special Forces of Azerbaijan have inscribed its name in world military history by fully demonstrating its combat capabilities.

Foreign experience

Azerbaijan has widely benefitted from Turkey’s experience in the formation of its Special Forces. There are special forces known as “Maroon Berets”, “SAS/SAT” in Turkey, “Rangers”, “Delta force” in the US, “Alpha”, “Vympel”, “Delta” in Russia, “Amor” in Israel, “Commandos”, “Scorpion” in Great Britain, “Jaeger” in Finland, “Yarasa”, “Eagle”, “Falcon”, “ Lizard ”, “ Scorpion” and others in Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani Special Forces uses the experience of many countries, including Pakistan and the United States.

Special Forces of power structures

The special units and divisions of Azerbaijan consist of the Special Forces under the Ministry of Defense, Naval Operations Detachment of the Naval Forces, Special Forces of the Interior Troops, Special Purpose Police Unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Special Forces of the State Security Service and the Special Security Units of the Special State Protection Service.

All these carried out operations in the Patriotic War together with other units and formations. The Special Forces under the Ministry of Defense, as they have more opportunities support the activities of other power structures, if necessary, replace them.

The military units recently created based on the experience of 2016 and 2020, are of great importance in terms of supporting special operations.

Dark color of blood

Special units and divisions are the most prepared units of our Army. Their combat readiness, training and skills are different from others. The groups under the operational units and divisions are made up entirely of junior officers and ensigns. Volunteer Special Forces undergo very rigorous trainings for three years.

In addition to the courses and trainings held in Azerbaijan, they participate in training courses in NATO countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, the United States and Georgia, in accordance with their specialities. Candidates undergo trainings such as hand-to-hand combat, deep reconnaissance, pursuing the enemy, survival, engineering, shooting, psychological, landing, diving, medical, asymmetric combat, etc.

In the advance training courses, they are trained in fortification, diving and landing, use of various light and heavy weapon. If one of our special forces was awarded a maroon beret, it means that he is already an athlete, a professional sniper, a medical staff and a real fighter.

Most of our special forces are fluent in several foreign languages, including Armenian. In the past years, the Azerbaijani Special Forces have repeatedly achieved high results in international competitions.

Preparatory courses and destination

The Special Forces are trained to perform the most arduous tasks in the wildest untouched areas. These trainings are held in different courses. In the end, the candidates are involved in the exams. The personnel successful completed basic and specialty courses are solemnly awarded with a certificate, badges of distinction and a maroon beret.

Furthermore, these personnel are appointed to the relevant positions by the order of the Special Forces Command.

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