SOBT

The SOBT- (Bulgarian: Специализиран отряд за борба с тероризма) is a Bulgarian Special Counter-terrorist Unit that greatly resembles the SAS, Delta Force and other counter-terrorist units. It is expert in unconventional warfare and special operations. It is also included in counter-terrorism operations and anyone else who would threaten the Bulgarian State. Still, not a lot is known about the SOBT, the country tries its best to maintain an aura of secrecy about it, whether it is for psychological purposes or for tactical ones.

History

The SOBT was established out of the ashes of the Bulgarian communist special forces and recreated for the defense of the country. Originally put in in direct order to the MVR, it now can now be used by the Ministry of the Interior of Bulgaria or the Ministry of Defense. The SOBT used to refer to all specially trained units in Bulgaria such as the Para-Recon Battalion, Navy Combat Divers(Black Sea Sharks), and the Battalion for Psychological Warfare. Now, all of these were separated so they could be specifically trained for their designation though the SOBT are still trained in all of these manners. They are the top of the food chain in all of south-eastern Europe.

Training and Selection

All SOBT personnel started in the regular army of the Bulgarian Forces, more specifically, they usually start out in the Land Forces. As they rise in rank and show their merit of skill and military prowess and leadership skills, they can apply to train with the SOBT, though sometimes the SOBT will come to them. Training lasts for about 18 months and that is usually enough time for the men to go through all of the training to be a regular in SOBT terms. To be a team leader requires extensive training that could mean at least one more year of training though some train for three additional years. After their first year of training, the regulars go through more specific training depending on what they wish to become, whether it be a Squad Leader, Engineer, Weapons Specialist, Medic Spedialist, or Comm(Communications) Specialist. Further training time also depends on their choice. The SOBT has conducted training exercises with the "Spetznas" of Russia as well as other great foreign special forces teams. Afterwards the men are assembled into squads depending in each mission they take. Platoon, company, and squad numbers vary from mission to mission.

Arsenal

Their weapons are more or less like every other special forces teams arsenal, except for the Bulgarian-made AR-M4SF and other top-of-the-line AKs including the new AK-108. They also use the Shipka sub-machine gun. Under their employment are also the Steyr AUG and the AR-M1. Their main supplier for weapons though is the Bulgarian company Arsenal. They produce nearly all of their weapons and grenades and some of their armored vehicles.

Armor

The SOBT uses armored vehicles to get around and for body armor they use a heightened armor of the standard Kevlar Vest. They also use other heat and fire resistant clothing and also other climate resisting clothes.

Tactics

Tactics are also largely unknown though it is known that one of their favorites is using either Night Vision or Heat Vision goggles to spot enemies and using the new Long Range Rifle L115A1 or the L96 to pick out their enemies even through brick and cement walls.

Future

The SOBT is hoping to be alloted more money for upgrades of its current arsenal and new armored vehicles. They will also be included in more world-wide missions as the country has pledged to devote a full eight percent of its forces to world affairs, of course, including counter-terrorism and corruption.

External links

* [http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/pw/pw_sr.htm Kit:UK Online]
* [http://www.mvr.bg/en/default.htm Republic of Bulgaria Ministry of the Interior]
* [http://www.mod.bg/en/index.html Republic of Bulgaria Ministry of Defence]
* [http://www.arsenal-bg.com/main.htm Arsenal]

[Category:Military of Bulgaria]