Vityaz (MVD)

Vityaz (Template:Lang-ru) is the name of a Russian Spetsnaz unit of the MVD. The word literally translates as Knight.

Vityaz is assigned specifically to anti-terrorist duties. Vityaz unit regularly conducts anti-terrorist patrols in Chechnya and along the Caucasus border. Vityaz troops are also trained to stop rebellions in prisons and regular army units, should they occur. Approximately 75 members of Vityaz have been awarded the title Hero of the Russian Federation for their bravery.

Selection and Training

All volunteers for the Vityaz unit undergo the same selection course and training as regular GRU Spetsnaz trainees. The training is rigorous and very physically demanding, and less than 2 in 10 candidates pass the course. The training for Spetsnaz is described in fuller detail in the book Spetsnaz : Inside the Soviet SAS by the GRU defector Vladimir Rezun writing as Viktor Suvorov. The training course lasts for several months and includes training in hand to hand combat, weapons, intelligence gathering, hostage negotiation and rescue, riot control, field medicine and a large emphasis on physical fitness.

Battle honours

Several members of Vityaz have been heavily decorated for bravery for actions in Chechnya. Members of the unit were instrumental in storming the besieged school during the Beslan school hostage crisis

Uniforms and Insignia

Vityaz normally wear the regular uniforms of the Russian army with the only difference being that the interior troops flag patch is worn on the left sleeve. During specific high-profile anti-terrorist operations, vityaz troops wear special insignia with uniforms clearly marked 'CПEЦHAЗ' (spetsnaz) on the front and rear to aid identification by friendly forces. Characteristic blood group patches are also worn to aid medical help in the event of injury. The distinctive Vityaz patch is worn on the right sleeve. The patch shows a fist imposed on an AK-47 rifle which is in turn imposed on a red star. On the left sleeve a special flag patch is worn which reads troops of special purpose and displays a sword and flag above the legend MVD. Vityaz members usually wear body armour and balaclavas and generally present a very intimidating appearance.

Weapons and Equipment

Vityaz use the same weapons and equipment as other units of the Russian army but are generally given preference over access to the newer weapons. Not very much information is available, but they are believed to have fielded the NR-2 combat knife which incorporates a 7.62 pistol, fired by clipping the knife and scabbard together.