Special Operations Battalion (Albania)

Special Operations Battalion
	File:Albanian special forces insignia.svg
Active	1998 – Present
Country	Albania
Branch	Albanian Land Forces
Type	Special Forces
Role	Reconnaissance; Direct Action, Raids; Hostage rescue; Counter-Terrorism
Size	1 battalion (4 companies)
Garrison/HQ	Zall Herr/Farkë
Nickname(s)	The Unit
Colors	Maroon
Commanders
Current; commander	Col. Qazim Hoxha

The Special Operations Battalion (Albanian: Batalioni i Operacioneve Speciale), commonly known as BOS is the main special forces unit of the Albanian Armed Forces. It is the most elite unit of the Albanian Army, as well as being one of the best trained and most professional special operations units in the region. The unit is tasked with special operations in wartime, and primarily with counter-terrorism in peacetime. The battalion is part of the Commando Regiment and its HQ, training facilities and barracks are located a few kilometers north-east of Tirana. The BOS members can be recognized by their maroon berets, and the unit insignia which is carried on the right sleeve of their uniforms.

History

The Special Operations Battalion was created in 1999 as a direct answer to the region's geopolitical situation. Shortly after their creation, teams of BOS operators were deployed along the Albanian-Yugoslav border during the Kosovo War in 1999 and later along the Albanian-Macedonian border during that country's war in 2001. During these two conflicts, BOS' main tasks were reconnaissance and long-range patrol. In 2002, BOS operators were deployed in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. In Afghanistan, the first contingents operated under Turkish command and their tasks mainly dealt with patrolling the areas around Kabul. In 2004, Albania sent a unit from the Special Operations Battalion to Mosul as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit together with other units from the Commando Regiment were responsible for base security and perimeter defense. In July 2010, a detachment of 44 men (codenamed EAGLE 1) from the BOS was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Differing from previous Albanian deployments, this detachment was directly involved in combat operations. The unit worked closely with US military intelligence and was responsible for deep reconnaissance behind Taliban lines, as well as intelligence collection on High-value targets.^{[citation needed]}

Recruitment, selection and training

All members of the Albanian land forces can be considered for special forces training. After applying, the candidates go through a 12-week selection process. During these 12 weeks, the candidates are forced to march cross country against the clock, with increasing distances covered each day, culminating with a 27 km march in mountainous terrain.^[1] In addition, the candidates have to go through marksmanship, navigation and physical endurance tests. During the last week of the selection process, the tests and marches go on for more than 24 hours without stopping. The candidates that are able to pass the selection process, then go through a 14-week-long training process in which they learn survival skills and sharpen their shooting techniques. For the final test, the candidates are left without food for 72 hours in a remote area of the country; their objective is to evade any possible pursuer and return to base undetected.

Commanders of note

Colonel Dritan Demiraj

File:An Albanian special operations forces soldier provides security as Afghan Border Police break ground on a checkpoint near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province 130325-A-MX357-279.jpg

Albanian special operations forces soldier provides security as Afghan Border Police break ground on a checkpoint near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province, Afghanistan, March 25, 2013.

Albanian special operations forces provide security for coalition forces at an Afghan Border Police checkpoint.

Equipment

Pistol and Submachine guns

Model	Image	Caliber	Origin
Beretta Px4 Storm		9×19mm	Italy
P8 Pistol		9×19mm	Germany
P12 Pistol		.45 ACP	Germany
Beretta 92		9×19mm	Italy
HK MP7		HK 4.6×30mm	Germany
HK UMP		.45 ACP	Germany
Heckler & Koch MP5		9×19mm	Germany
Heckler & Koch G36		5.56×45mm	Germany
Beretta ARX 160		5.56×45mm	Italy
AKM		7.62×39mm	Soviet Union
Heckler & Koch MG4		5.56×45mm	Germany
Heckler & Koch HK417		7.62×51mm	Germany
Sako TRG		.308 Winchester	Finland
Barrett M82	100px	.50 BMG
RPG-7		40 mm	Soviet Union