Course Objective

The course is designed to provide students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to operate within small units structured as mobile SOF teams while performing missions in combat environments and high-risk operations.
The primary objective of the course is to develop practical skills, standardize actions, and unify tactical procedures of operators within a collective training framework when performing core SOF mission tasks.
The course is intended for specialists undergoing preparation for subsequent service in special operations units, government security structures, or private military companies operating in high-risk and combat environments.

Course Description

The course is structured as a comprehensive operator training program combining theoretical instruction with an intensive practical component. The program is focused on developing sustainable practical skills for operating within small tactical teams while performing patrol, surveillance, reconnaissance, and other core SOF mission tasks.
Special attention is given to team cohesion, operator interaction during enemy contact, fire control, maneuver of the unit, and decision-making in rapidly changing tactical environments.
Training is conducted by instructors with confirmed combat and instructional experience who have participated in real operations and conducted unit training in various operational regions.

Duration and Methods

The duration of the course is 10 days (100 training hours). Training includes both theoretical and practical instruction.
The theoretical portion of the course is conducted in classrooms of the Alfa-Metal Training Center, while the practical portion takes place on tactical training grounds, shooting ranges, and within the urban training facility, using scenarios and mission simulations reflecting real operational conditions faced by SOF units. Training utilizes the infrastructure, equipment, and technical resources of the training center.

Conditions and Requirements

Completion of an advanced course in the use of short-barreled and long-barreled firearms is mandatory.
Completion of a tactical medicine course is mandatory.
Prior completion of the following training courses is recommended:
— combat patrolling
— night operations
— fundamentals of small unit operational planning (TLP)
— fundamentals of unmanned aerial systems operation (Drone Operator Course)
Students must be physically and psychologically prepared for intensive practical training in field conditions and capable of operating as part of a small tactical team.

Final Outcome

Upon completion of the course, each student:
— will gain a general understanding of how small SOF units operate while conducting tactical missions
— will become familiar with basic group actions during patrol operations and enemy contact
— will gain practical exposure to the organization and execution of ambush operations and assault actions in urban environments
— will acquire basic practical experience in teamwork within a small tactical group
— will complete a final comprehensive group exercise
— will complete a qualification shooting exercise
— will receive a certificate of completion and recommendations for further specialized professional development.

Weapons Used

Sniper rifles: .50 BMG, Ruger .308, HK .308
Carbines and rifles: AR-15, M4, AK platform (Arsenal and equivalents)
Pistols: Walther PDP, Glock 17
Note: Additional weapon models may be used during training depending on training objectives and available equipment resources of the training center.

Course Topics

I. Introduction to Special Operations Forces

• Basic concepts of SOF
• Role and place of SOF in modern conflicts
• Purpose and mission tasks of SOF units
• Types of SOF operations
• Differences between military, police, and special operations units
• Role of the operator within the team

II. Team Structure and Interaction

• Organization of a SOF team
• Distribution of roles within the team
• Functions of the team leader, deputy, and specialists
• Interaction within a small tactical group
• Principles of teamwork

III. Fundamentals of SOF Tactics

• Principles of SOF employment
• Operations of small groups behind enemy lines
• Core mission tasks
• Fundamentals of mission planning

IV. Movement and Combat Patrolling

• Types of patrols
• Movement procedures in various conditions
• Sector control and group coordination
• Group reaction to enemy contact
• Combat maneuvering
• Establishment of patrol bases

V. Communication and Group Command and Control

• Radio communication and communication discipline
• Use of code words and abbreviations
• Hand signals and non-verbal communication
• Internal information transmission within the group
• Reporting and coordination procedures

VI. Surveillance and Reconnaissance

• Organization of observation operations
• Selection of observation positions
• Covert approach to observation targets
• Collection and recording of information
• Assessment of enemy threats

VII. Direct Action Operations

• Planning and execution of assault and raid operations
• Group operations in urban environments
• Fundamentals of CQB
• Ambushes, raids, and counter-ambush actions

VIII. Firearms Training

• Individual and collective firearms training
• Group maneuver with live fire
• Movement and maneuver under fire
• Instinctive and rapid shooting techniques
• Low-visibility shooting operations (using night vision devices)
• Familiarization with various weapon systems (sniper systems and employment procedures)

IX. Use of Technical Reconnaissance Assets

• Use of night vision devices
• Employment of thermal imaging systems
• Use of reconnaissance UAVs at the tactical level