Russian Spetsnaz Unit "Vympel"
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Russian Spetsnaz Unit "Vympel"

"Ahh Comrade, you think Counter Terrorist units only exist in America? I must say, you are mistaken. We may not be as technically advanced as our Western counterparts, but we can 'kick butt' as necessary. Just because I wear the red star and flag of the CIS does not make me any less dangerous"
-Captain Yuri Gorshenko, Vympel OOfficer.

The Spetsnaz unit Vympel ("Banner, or pennant*"), is a counter terrorist unit of the SVR (Foreign Intelligence Service). Originally developed in 1981 as an infiltration unit, as with other Spetsnaz units, Vympel evolved into a Counter Terrorist (CT) unit. The unit was created by (the then) KGB Administration S (illegals) Chief Yuriy Drozdov. The unit�s first commander, Evald Kozlov, prepared Vympel for the normal wartime operations, infiltration, sabotage, as well as intelligence missions in enemy territory. They were of course trained in foreign languages weapons handling including foreign weaponry, in short, just like any other Spetsnaz unit. However, the main way of insertion was by air even they were fully capable of doing a seaborne insertion. In the 80�s (exact date unknown), Vympel participated in the storming of the Darulaman palace, under the group name of Zenit. The actual make up of the Zenit group seemed to be a make up of another group, Al�fa, yet another Spetsnaz unit. By 1987, the unit expanded into 500 members, and deployed to various hot spots within the old Soviet Union, mainly to perform covert entry missions for the KGB. However, the unit soon evolved into an anti-nuclear terrorist unit.
When the 1991 coup by Boris Yeltsin came, Vympel refused to attack Boris, whether out of professional feelings or just that Boris seemed on the "right" side has never been asked. This however forced them to be transferred to the Main Gaurd�s Administration (GUO) along with Spetsgruppa "A". Then in 1993, Boris Yeltsin ordered Vympel to storm the White House, a paradox from two years earlier. Then they were moved from KGB control to MVD (Ministry of Internal Affairs). After this, most members left in disgust and joined the private sector. After that, Vympel was disbanded and a new unit, Vega, was created.
After the creation of Vega, the SVR reinstated the name Vympel, and designed them as a counter terrorist unit. During the period of 1994 to 1998 (EDITORS NOTE: These dates are fictional, I have no idea on the status on the real unit, if you know, contact me), the SVR taught new and old members how to fight terrrorists. They trained with many nations, improving their skill in CT operations. They were known to train with some US units, during an exercise completed in the Black Sea. FBI officers that participated remarked that the Vympel soldiers still had the ferocity of the Spetsnaz that they came from. They showed the world as well that the Russians wouldn�t stand by and let their country be taken over by criminals and terrorists. However, realities came alight, and Vympel still was (and is) the premier CT unit of the now Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
The early 2000s was a challenge for Vympel, as criminal and terrorist incidents increased, forcing them to work nearly 24 hours a day, forcing a reorganization on deployments. These new deployments (including a lengthy vacation) helped Vympel considerably, unit morale improved dramatically, helping the overall CT operations in the Moscow area. Up until the Euro-Wars, little changed as the world suffered UGE, various other disasters and conflicts around the world. Vympel was affected, with 30% of the members suffering UGE, further reducing both morale and size, as some (as well as others) did not know what to do. Also, when they suffered just the fates of some of their families. Most accepted and move on, others got scared and many deaths were accounted to UGE among Vympel members.
When the Euro-Wars rolled around, Vympel was engaged in Afghanistan, trying to stop an Afghani attack on a Russian border base. They swiftly deployed to the area, using magic as a cover of movement to gain the upper hand in the fight. Losses on the Afghani side was high, reportedly 85%, while Vympel losses was 1% wounded. This proved to the brass that they were effective against well honed guerrillas, but then they were sent to Europe to help with the War. Instead of receiving the customary retraining that some units have to undergo, the members of Vympel were immediately assigned to rear action duty in Germany. Their main operational area was near Ramstein AFB, and was tasked to take it over with the help of russian airborne forces. However, a spy leaked the information to NATO allies, and were prepared for Vympel when they came innocuously on a civilian jet. All 50 members assigned to the operation were arrested and held until the end of the war, where most were traded in a prisoner swap, with the others committing suicide. For those that lived, they swore to kill the person who leaked the information to the Germans. However, the spy escaped clean and Vympel or the SVR has not found him/her, as most of the records were destroyed in the area where the spy was, which was assumed near the front lines, as the Second Guards Army was tasked to capture Ramstein when Vympel and other Spetsnaz units were to take the base. The only clue is that the Second Guards HQ was destroyed completely in the Nightwraith attack. Most of these actions happened in the later stages in the war.
After the war, Vympel, with high losses, entered a period of rest and reorganization, in 2044. However, since the war severely strained Russia�s economy (again), Vympel was cut down from 500 personnel to a meager 200. They were reintegrated into the normal Spetsnaz TO&E, to reflect the changes. Later in 2049, with the economy improving, the force increased to 300 new members. During the time however, Vympel was active, doing normal operations. Some were reported operating in India, as well as operations again in Afghanistan. Some sources even place them in Berlin, supposedly sent in to retrieve something. With the chaos of Berlin, many people do not know, care, or dare to admit what exactly what was there.
During the lull in combat operations in 2052, Vympel rested, recruited, and retrained it�s personnel. However, they were itching to go back to their premier spot in the Russian CT community, which has been added another group Balalaika, a smaller unit that has been the majority of been made up of mostly green troops, which has allowed to suffer a defeat versus some terrorists in the Finland area. The total strength of the other unit was 200 soldiers, but had been reduced to 40% capacity, due to ineffectual training and lack of experience. So then after the lull (Summer 2053), Vympel was transferred to the area and began operations immediately. The terrorist group, Black Finland, was caught unaware, since Vympel members used Balalaika�s uniforms for the early phase of it�s operations. The Black Finland was surprised that the CT unit suddenly had become better trained and equipped. But they did not give up, glad they had a challenge in which to further there aims. Vympel members gave no quarter and gave none. Using the latest intelligence (in which they set up their own network, to ease some of the red tape that seemed so prevalent in Russia). Towards the "middle" of the campaign, they eventually started donning their own uniforms (much to the happiness of most of the members, as they felt humiliated that they had to wear the uniforms that was marked with disgrace). Black Finland was astonished, but it did not phase them one bit, and the terrorist campaign continued for six months until a Vympel sniper killed the groups leader during a vicious firefight, and the rest of the members are believed to be still alive, though not in the previous numbers as before.
By 2058, Vympel is still going strong, despite some more setbacks. Balalaika is still around, though still hasn�t shaken the problems it experienced in Finland. Numerous clashes with smugglers, terrorists ensure that Vympel will still be in the forefront of the CIS�s CT units.

Training
Vympel members receive the same training as other Spetsnaz units, with obviously more influence on counter terrorist operations. See the Spetsnaz file for information on general training. As for the CT training, all recruits get trained on close combat in tight quarters, weapon usage, and deployment, insertion, etc. The length of training is longer than most fields, as CT requires the time for the training to be effective. The minimum requirement for joining Vympel is that the applicant must have served in a regular Spetsnaz unit for two years, and must prove to the officers why he or she wants to join the unit. There is no racial preference, per the requirements of Spetznaz training. Testing is grueling, as every new recruit is (note that "recruit" applies to veteran officers as well) goes through a "weeding out" period designed to see how many can take the strain. While this may not seem any different than normal training, it must be stressed that CT work is very different than sabotage. These soldiers cannot routinely blow up they�re targets, as there are civilian hostages (nominally corporate) in the scene. So while they are trained to be efficient killers, they must also learn how to save lives. Therefore most soldiers receive more through medical training than field soldiers. And this does not reduce their capability in the field in any way.

Deployment
As stated above, they are deployed mainly to trouble spots around the CIS, performing regular operations. Each sub unit has a number of vehicles to deploy quickly to anywhere, as quick as possible.

Equipment
Vympel uses any specialized gear as necessary, from the run of the mill car to an assault transport. They routinely get some priority in using equipment. One special item is the SVD 2052, an advanced version of the infamous SVD (Snayperskaya Vintkova Dragunova) sniper rifle. This weapon features a folding stock, as well as a Smartlink II system. Other things included is a simple Image Magnification scope. Other things on the inventory is standard gear any CT soldier would receive to complete his/her mission as necessary.

Magic and Cyberware
Magic and cyberware is also prevalent, as most Vympel mages knowing various knock out and other types of spells. Combat spells are also known, as CT work involves engaging the terrorists in a tight building. Collateral damage is frowned upon unless it�s necessary. Cyberware is limited to reflex enhancements, smartlinks, communications gear, dermal armor, and cyberarms. However, this does not limit them, as they routinely buy other systems for their personal needs.

Special Equipment

Snayperskaya Vintkova Dragunova obr 2052 (SVD-52)*
Type Conceal Ammo Mode Damage Weight Availability Cost Street Index
Sniper NA 10(c) SA 10S 4.5 9/12 days 3,500 3
The weapon comes equipped with a Mag-3 scope, Smartlink II, rangefinder, Gas-Vent I, and a set trigger, which gives the firer one extra die roll on called shots. Also available for 1,000 is it with a folding stock, giving a Concealability of 2. It takes a Simple Action to unfold the stock. Users suffer a penalty of +4 while the stock is folded.
*Designed by Robert J. Cruze Jr..

In addition to the SVD 2052, Vympel uses the Super Makarov pistol found here, and use the Groza Weapon System frequently on missions. They also use a heavily modified version of the Su-441 tilt-wing transport.

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Comments?

Me.

Fresh Productions, 1997, 98, 99.
*the translation for "Vympel was from the Specfor site I linked, as well as the "pennant" from Gary Goldberg. 1
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