Combat divers of special forces of Rosgvardia held a unique training. They tested for the first time the newest ways of communication, which allows one to negotiate with their teammates under the water and ashore. This radio station was tested under extreme conditions in frozen water.
Tatyana Prokuratova dived along with the military.
- Is the equipment ready? Has the weapon been checked?
Despite -13 (8.6F) outside, they dive into the ice hole. The exercises of combat divers of the Vityaz Special forces Center are held in realistic conditions. The commandos are to swim 50 meters under the ice with the weapon and conquer the ground positions of the enemy. An ice town was built specially for the training. According to legend, there are bandits in it. The obstacles are hard to overcome. Almost no light penetrates under water due to the thick layer of ice and snow. The muddy bottom also reduces visibility.
The fighters are testing a new development, an underwater communication device called "laryngophone". It allows the diver to communicate from underwater with the commander who is on the surface. This is a huge advantage for special forces. Everything works perfectly.
- Tell them to take the ladder.
- We use hydroacoustic communication underwater, and radio or wave communication on the surface. With this device, we don't have to switch communication types.
Having reached their destination, Rosgvardia soldiers use a special saw to resurface. The commandos leave their aqualungs and flippers on the assault ramp underwater. This allows them to get ready for action as fast as possible. The "enemy" is defeated.
Rosgvardia soldiers take part in such trainings regularly. Each of their actions should be drilled because no task they face is simple.
Andrei Shataev, Rosgvardia: "The next task for the seamen of Rosgvardia will be to ensure the safety of the facilities under construction in the Kerch Strait, and we fully understand the strategic importance of these facilities in the social and economical development of the Crimea".
Combat swimmers are not only to be able to dive whatever the weather, but also search explosive devices underwater, and even wrestle there. I decided to try it out myself.
"Not everything is so comfortable and convenient, you have to get used to it. But you get used to everything with practice and experience".
Even with the help of a professional, it took me 25 minutes to get equipped. I was immediately told that there are no women among combat swimmers. This is purely men's job, for the suit with a gun weighs more than 20 kilograms.
In summer divers use wetsuits, but in winter they have to use dry immersion suits that prevent them from getting wet. According to the regulations, it should take a Rosgvardia soldier 15 minutes to get fully equipped. But even this time is not enough, for the equipment has a lot of elements. No errors allowed, for it can be fatal for a diver, just like for a sapper.
To my surprise, the suit is warm, but it's uncomfortable to move. Only my hands and cheeks got wet. Another surprise: the formidable fighters of Rosgvardia turned into courteous gentlemen. They showed that they work excellently not only underwater and in combat.
"Happy Women's day March 8! I wish you a peaceful sky over your head".
Tatyana Prokuratova, Dmitry Malyshev, Alexey Yaldin — Vesti
