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Secret Intelligence Service

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Operational Field Skills. Special Ops.

Counter-Intelligence. Behind enemy lines  (C-IV) – redacted brief

Seminar 07 07 2019. Harrogate

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Operatives, designed to conduct reconnaissance deep behind enemy lines, to carry out acts of sabotage one needs to have a high level of physical fitness and psychological qualities that are appropriate. Among the physical qualities; in the first place is endurance. In fulfillment of almost any combat mission requires one to commit to forced marches of up to 30-50 kilometres. If the object is to destroy, then to evade requires only to run, not less than 10-15 kilometres at a maximum pace, while continuing to ‘use one’s head to ‘replay’ the enemy.

Therefore, preferably selection for service in the Army Special Forces comprises those who are engaged sports, have developed strength endurance; swimming, running on long and medium distance, cycling, boating, skiing, sports games, wrestling and boxing and so on. It is necessary to engage simple tests that exercise the total power of endurance in the operative. Below are two such standards tests.

The general endurance test is based on measurement of distance, which runs am op for 12 minutes:

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more than 2.8 km – excellent
2.8-2.4 km – well,
2.4-2.0 km – mediocre
less than 2.0 km – not good enough

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The muscle performance test consists of four exercises performed one after another without a break for 10 times each (push-ups lying, crouching from the palm arching legs go back to stop lying, lifting the legs of the supine position; squatting jump up with full extension legs and torso, hands behind head). Four exercises together constitute a single series. 7 series is fine; 5-6 series well; 3-4 series mediocre; 1-2 series bad.

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Generally speaking, it is better if the selection of personnel for service in the reconnaissance and sabotage units engage the expertise of professional assessors; psychologists, doctors, special training instructors. In practice though, this often involves themselves and the commanders of such units. In principle, they are usually guided in their choice of the following four criteria:

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(I) To consider the personal desire of the operative to serve in the Special Forces (if no such desire, it is better to find someone else);
(II) Incorporation of physical fitness for this service (in addition to the above tests, it is obligatory to also perform any and all standards of military and sports complex);
(III) Allow for ‘intellectual fitness’ (revealed during a conversation face to face, as well as through a simple psychological test for intelligence;
(IV) Allow for psychological compatibility with others and their sergeants (for this purpose the candidate is placed for 2-3 days in a team, and then ask the opinion of the op from others.

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Ops can successfully solve their tasks only if the ability to make decisions is in accordance with the prevailing situation. To foresee all possible cases is impossible. And the superior officer may not be close to the op at a critical moment. Therefore, the commander must teach and sergeants must teach to think from one’s own head and that for many this is difficult and unusual. And the commander must be sure of their subordinates in their moral standing and psychological security.

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Established in the course of special studies it is the case that perfect special forces soldiers/operatives have a so-called ‘passive-aggressive type’ character; intelligence above the average rate of at least 10-15 points: risk-averse (but not to adventurism); their failures usually blames him/herself, not the ‘circumstances’ or other people; appreciates friendship; independent in their assessments and decisions; able to quickly rebuild their behaviour depending on the situation.

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Those who think that these and similar qualities have special significance, it should be recalled that the Special Forces soldiers/operatives are separated from their units and dispatched in enemy territory, and not for a mere a couple of hours, or for a few days or even a few weeks, but longer. At the same time they are constantly ‘playing hide and seek’ with the enemy counter-intelligence, and deprived of the right to make a single mistake. One pays for one’s mistakes with one’s life, not counting failing in one’s jobs, meaning, ultimately, risking the lives of other soldiers/operatives. Consequently, the Special Ops really should exceed the average soldier’s level on all counts – important.

 

Secret Intelligence Service

(C-IV)

Unit

 

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Adversitate. Custodi. Per Verum

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