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IBM 305 RAMAC

The IBM 305 RAMAC was the first commercial computer that used a moving-head hard disk drive (magnetic disk storage) for secondary storage. The system was publicly announced on September 14, 1956, with test units already installed at the U.S. Navy and at private corporations. RAMAC stood for "Random Access Method of Accounting and Control", as its design was motivated by the need for real-time accounting in business.

History
RAMAC was developed and manufactured at IBM's research facility in San Jose, California. In 1959, IBM's CEO Thomas J. Watson Jr. exhibited the RAMAC in Moscow. This led to a visit by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev to IBM's San Jose facility.

The first RAMAC to be used in the U.S. auto industry was installed at Chrysler's MOPAR Division in 1957. It replaced a huge tub file which was part of MOPAR's parts inventory control and order processing system.

During the 1960 Olympic Winter Games in Squaw Valley (USA), IBM provided the first electronic data processing systems for the Games. The system featured an IBM RAMAC 305 computer, punched card data collection, and a central printing facility.

More than 1,000 systems were built. Production ended in 1961; the RAMAC computer became obsolete in 1962 when the IBM 1405 Disk Storage Unit for the IBM 1401 was introduced, and the 305 was withdrawn in 1969.

Overview
The first hard disk unit was shipped September 13, 1956. The additional components of the computer were a card punch, a central processing unit, a power supply unit, an operator's console/card reader unit, and a printer. There was also a manual inquiry station that allowed direct access to stored records. IBM touted the system as being able to store the equivalent of 64,000 punched cards.

The 305 was one of the last vacuum tube computers that IBM built. It weighed over a ton.

The IBM 350 disk system stored 5 million alphanumeric characters recorded as six data bits, one parity bit and one space bit for eight bits recorded per character. It had fifty 24 in disks. Two independent access arms moved up and down to select a disk, and in and out to select a recording track, all under servo control. Average time to locate a single record was 600 milliseconds. Several improved models were added in the 1950s. The IBM RAMAC 305 system with 350 disk storage leased for US$3,200 per month.

The original 305 RAMAC computer system could be housed in a room of about 9 m (30 ft) by 15 m (50 ft); the 350 disk storage unit measured around 1.5 m2. Currie Munce, research vice president for Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (which has acquired IBM's hard disk drive business), stated in a Wall Street Journal interview that the RAMAC unit weighed over a ton, had to be moved around with forklifts, and was delivered via large cargo airplanes. According to Munce, the storage capacity of the drive could have been increased beyond five megabytes, but IBM's marketing department at that time was against a larger capacity drive, because they did not know how to sell a product with more storage.

Programming the 305 involved not only writing machine language instructions to be stored on the drum memory, but also almost every unit in the system (including the computer itself) could be programmed by inserting wire jumpers into a plugboard control panel.

Architecture
System architecture was documented in the 305 RAMAC Manual of Operation. The 305 was a character-oriented variable "word" length decimal (BCD) computer with a drum memory rotating at 6000 RPM that held 3200 alphanumeric characters. A core memory buffer of 100 characters was used for temporary storage during data transfers.

Each character was six bits – plus one odd parity bit ("R") –  composed of two zone bits ("X" and "O") and remaining four binary bits for the value of the digit in the following format: X O 8 4 2 1 R

Instructions could only be stored on 20 tracks of the drum memory and were fixed length (10 characters), in the following format:
 * T1 A1 B1 T2 A2 B2 M N P Q

Fixed-point data "words" could be any size from one decimal digit up to 100 decimal digits, with the X bit of the least significant digit storing the sign (signed magnitude).

Data records could be any size from one character up to 100 characters.

Drum memory
The drum memory was organized into 32 tracks of 100 characters each.

The color code of this table is:

 * Yellow – Storage
 * Blue – Arithmetic
 * Green – Input/output
 * Red – Special function

and  select the same track, containing ten 10-character "Accumulators". As a destination L specifies addition, M specifies subtraction. (Numbers in these accumulators were stored in ten's complement form, with the X bit of the most significant digit storing the sign. The sign of each accumulator was also held in a relay. However the 305 automatically converted between its standard signed magnitude format and this format without the need for special programming.)

,, and   do not select tracks on the drum, they specify other sources and destinations.

Jumps
The 305's instruction set does not include any jumps, instead these are programmed on the control panel:

 * Unconditional jump – the program exit code (P field) specifies a Program exit hub on the control panel, which has a wire plugged into it and, via distributors, to Program entry hubs specifying the first, second and third address digit of the instruction to jump to.
 * Conditional jump – the program exit code (P field) specifies a Program exit hub on the control panel, which has a wire plugged into it and the appropriate Condition selector common hub to be tested, the corresponding two Condition selector output hubs have wires plugged into them and the Program entry hubs specifying the instructions to jump to or the Program advance hub to continue in sequence. Complicated conditions involving many Condition selectors could be wired to execute in a single instruction (e.g., Testing the sign and zero states of multiple accumulators), with one of several Program entry hubs activated.
 * Multi-way jump – the destination track (T2 field) is set to  and the appropriate Character selector hubs on the control panel have wires plugged into them and the Program entry hubs specifying the instructions to jump to or the Program advance hub to continue in sequence.

Timing
All timing signals for the 305 were derived from a factory recorded clock track on the drum. The clock track contained 816 pulses 12 μs apart with a 208 μs gap for sync.

Reading or writing a character took 96 μs.

The 305's typical instruction took three revolutions of the drum (30 ms): one (I phase) to fetch the instruction, one (R phase) to read the source operand and copy it to the core buffer, and one (W phase) to write the destination operand from the core buffer. If the P field (Program exit code) was not blank, then two (D phase and P phase) additional revolutions of the drum (20 ms) were added to the execution time to allow relays to be picked. The Improved Processing Speed option could be installed that allowed the three instruction phases (IRW) to immediately follow each other instead of waiting for the next revolution to start; with this option and well optimized code and operand placement a typical instruction could execute in as little as one revolution of the drum (10 ms).

Certain instructions though took far longer than the typical 30 ms to 50 ms. For example, multiply took six to nineteen revolutions of the drum (60 ms to 190 ms) and divide (an option) took ten to thirty seven revolutions of the drum (100 ms to 370 ms). Input/Output instructions could interlock the processor for as many revolutions of the drum as needed by the hardware.

Hardware implementation
The logic circuitry of the 305 was built of one- and two-tube pluggable units and relays.

Related peripheral units
A basic system was composed of the following units:

 * IBM 305 – Processing unit, the magnetic process drum, magnetic core register and electronic logical and arithmetic circuits
 * IBM 350 – Disk storage unit
 * IBM 370 – Printer
 * IBM 323 – Card punch
 * IBM 380 – Console, the card reader and IBM Electric typewriter model B1
 * IBM 340 – Power supply

title: IBM 305 RAMAC


text:
Mikhas Klimkovich

Michaś Mikałajevič Klimkovič (Міхась Мікалаевіч Клімковіч; Михаил Николаевич Климкович; 20 November 1899 – 5 November 1954) was a Belarusian poet, librettist, and author. He wrote the lyrics to the Anthem of the Byelorussian SSR, and co-wrote the lyrics to the Anthem of the Republic of Belarus.

Biography
Klimkovich was born into the family of a stoker in the village of Salitranka on November 20, 1899. Finishing a four-year pedagogical institute, he was involved in teaching, subsequently joined the revolutionary communist forces during the collapse of the Russian Empire, fighting in the Red Army during the Russian Civil War. He became a member of the Russian Communist Party (b) in 1920. Between 1932 and 1937 he was a member of the organizinatinal committee in charge of the education activities of the Belarusian Writers' Union before being elected as the Belarusian Writers' Union's first-ever chairman in 1934.

Aside from a number of important poems, Klimkovich authored the dramatic trilogy Georgy Skaryna and wrote librettos for several operas and a ballet.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Mikhas Klimkovich


text:
Piphat

A piphat (วงปี่พาทย์) is a kind of ensemble in the classical music of Thailand, which features wind and percussion instruments. It is considered the primary form of ensemble for the interpretation of the most sacred and "high-class" compositions of the Thai classical repertoire, including the Buddhist invocation entitled sathukan (สาธุการ) as well as the suites called phleng rueang. It is also used to accompany traditional Thai theatrical and dance forms including khon (โขน) (masked dance-drama), lakhon (classical dance), and shadow puppet theater.

Piphat in the earlier time was called phinphat. It is analogous to its Cambodian musical ensemble of pinpeat and Laotian ensemble of pinphat.

Types of piphat
The smallest piphat, called piphat khrueang ha, is composed of six instruments: pi nai (oboe); ranat ek (xylophone); khong wong yai (gong circle); taphon or other Thai drums; glong thad, a set of two large barrel drums beaten with sticks; and ching (small cymbals). Often other small percussion instruments such as krap or chap are used.

A slightly larger piphat ensemble is called piphat khrueang khu, and consists of eight musical instruments. The other two instruments are the ranat thum (xylophone), which produces a deeper sound than the ranat ek, and khong wong lek, a gong circle that is higher in pitch than the khong wong yai.

The largest form of piphat ensemble is the piphat khrueang yai, which consists of ten musical instruments. Another ones are ranat ek lek and ranat thum lek; these are almost the same as their ancestors, the ranat ek and ranat thum, but they have keys made from metal instead of wood.

Piphat khrueang ha
Wong piphat khrueang ha (วงปี่พาทย์เครื่องห้า, ) is an ensemble consisting of:
 * 1) 1 pi nai - bass oboe
 * 2) 1 taphon - secondary beat
 * 3) 1 ching - main beat
 * 4) 1 khong wong yai - bass gongs hung in a nearly full circular track
 * 5) 2 glong thad - Thai tympani
 * 6) 1 ranat ek - treble xylophone

Piphat khrueang khu
Wong piphat khrueang khu (วงปี่พาทย์เครื่องคู่, ) is developed from piphat khrueang ha, by arranging instruments in pairs of treble-bass. It consists of:
 * 1) 1 pi nai - bass oboe
 * 2) 1 pi nok - treble oboe
 * 3) 1 taphon - secondary timekeeper
 * 4) 1 glong songna or 2 glong khaek
 * 5) 2 glong thad - Thai tympani
 * 6) 1 ching - main timekeeper
 * 7) 1 chap
 * 8) 1 khong wong yai - bass gongs hung in semicircular track
 * 9) 1 khong wong lek - treble version of gongs hung in semicircular track
 * 10) 1 khong mong
 * 11) 1 ranat ek - treble xylophone
 * 12) 1 ranat thum - bass xylophone

Piphat khrueang yai
Wong piphat khrueang yai (วงปี่พาทย์เครื่องใหญ่, ) is arranged by adding ranat ek lek (ระนาดเอกเหล็ก; treble metallophone) and ranat thum lek (ระนาดทุ้มเหล็ก; bass metallophone) to the wong piphat khrueang khu.

Piphat nang hong
Wong piphat nang hong (วงปี่พาทย์นางหงส์, ) is an ensemble used in funerals. It is arranged by replacing the pi nai and pi nok with a pi chawa. The name nang hong comes from name of its main music, which is intended for funeral ceremonies. A royal variant for Thai royal funerals, Wong piphat nang hong khruang yai (for the King) or Wong piphat nang hong khrueang khu (for senior members of the Royal Family), introduced during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) for use in royal funerals of the Chakri Dynasty, was reinstated during the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in 1995, during the state funeral rites for Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, upon the initiative of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Princess Royal, after years of absence. If playing for the king, the royal funeral ensemble has 10 to 12 instruments played, a few more than the simple ensemble, for senior members 8 to 9 instruments are used.

In some funerals in Thailand the nang hong variant ensemble is supplemented by Western instruments like trumpets, saxophones, clarinets and even a drum kit, guitars and an electric piano. Some of these have also appeared in the normal ensembles.

Piphat duek dam ban
Wong piphat duek dam ban (วงปี่พาทย์ดึกดำบรรพ์,, literally "ancient ensemble") was proposed by Prince Naris. It consists of:

 * 1) 1 ranat ek
 * 2) 1 taphon
 * 3) 1 ranat thum
 * 4) 1 ranat thum lek
 * 5) 1 khong wong yai
 * 6) 1 ching
 * 7) 1 taphon - "tympani" made by using two taphons arranged together.
 * 8) 1 saw u
 * 9) 1 khlui u - bass flute
 * 10) 1 khlui phiang aw - medium
 * 11) 1 wong khong chai - a set of 7 khong chai with different size hung on wooden bar.

Piphat mon
The piphat mon is believed to derive from the Mon people, an ancient Mon-Khmer-speaking people of mainland Southeast Asia, and uses special instruments such as an upright gong circle called khong mon. Wong piphat mon (วงปี่พาทย์มอญ, ) has three sizes:

Piphat mon khrueang ha
Wong piphat mon khrueang ha (วงปี่พาทย์มอญเครื่องห้า, ) consists of:
 * 1) 1 ranat ek
 * 2) 1 pi mon - bass oboe with horn-shaped end.
 * 3) 1 khong mon wong yai - a set of bass gongs set in vertical frame (unlike khong wong yai, which gongs are set in horizontal semicircular frame).
 * 4) 1 poengmang khok (เปิงมางคอก) or khok poeng (คอกเปิง) - Mon drums set in cage-shaped frame.
 * 5) ching, chap and khong mong

Piphat mon khrueang khu
Wong piphat mon khrueang khu (วงปี่พาทย์มอญเครื่องคู่, ) is arranged by adding ranat thum and khong mon wong lek to the piphat mon khrueang ha.

Piphat mon khrueang yai
Wong piphat mon khrueang yai (วงปี่พาทย์มอญเครื่องใหญ่, ) is arranged by adding ranat ek lek and ranat thum lek to the piphat mon khrueang khu.

The piphat mon ensemble is usually used in funerals, but it can be used for other events as well.

The piphat ensemble can be mixed with the khrueang sai ensemble to create a new ensemble called khrueang sai prasom piphat (เครื่องสายประสมปี่พาทย์ or เครื่องสายผสมปี่พาทย์). This hybrid or combined ensemble can also accommodate Western instruments as well.

Similar ensembles

The Cambodian equivalent of the piphat is called pinpeat. The Myanmar equivalent to piphat is known as hsaing waing. The instrumentation is very similar to the Piphat Mon, which indicates a common origin.

Gong-chime ensembles are also found in other Southeast Asian nations, such as Gamelan in Indonesia, and Kulintang in the Philippines.

Gong-chime ensembles can also be found in Vietnam, although they're no longer played among the ethnic Viet, they're still played among the indigenous peoples in the Space of gong culture, as well as among the Muong people and the Thổ people.

Listening

 * Pi Phat Ensemble page from SEAsite
 * Piphat ensemble (Thai)
 * Piphat nang hong (Thai)
 * Piphat deuk dam ban (Thai)
 * Further information about piphat ensemble (Thai)

title: Piphat


text:
Chevrolet S-10

The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck produced by Chevrolet. It was the first domestically-built compact pickup of the big three American automakers. When it was first introduced as a "quarter-ton pickup" in 1981 for the 1982 model year, the GMC version was known as the S-15 and later renamed the GMC Sonoma. A high-performance version of the latter was released in 1991, called "Syclone." The pickup was also sold by Isuzu as the Hombre from 1996 through 2000, but only in North America. There was also an SUV version, the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy. An electric version was leased as a fleet vehicle in 1997 and 1998. These models are sometimes internally referred to as the S/T series to denote two and four wheel drive models respectively (similar to the full size Chevrolet C/K trucks) despite all versions being badged with 'S' nomenclature.

In North America, the S-series was replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Isuzu i-Series in 2004.

The S-Series ended production in Brazil in 2012, being replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, but still with the name S-10.

First generation (1982)
After the 1973 Arab oil embargo, the demand for smaller and more affordable utility vehicles had increased in North America. General Motor's initial response to this was the Chevrolet Light Utility Vehicle (LUV), a rebadged Isuzu KB which was introduced in 1972 as the first compact truck from the Big Three automakers. However, the American chicken tax stated that imported utility vehicles would be subject to a 25% tax charge. This meant that despite the U.S branding, the LUVs Japanese origins made it expensive and complicated to import, with many needing to be shipped disassembled to get around the tax. To solve this, GM opted to replace the LUV with a domestically built compact truck which would no longer be subject to the chicken tax. As usual, parts from other GM chassis lines (primarily from the GM G-body intermediates) were incorporated. Track width was similar to the former GM H-body subcompacts (Vega/Monza). The first S-series pickups were introduced in 1981 for the 1982 model year. The base engine (manufactured in Japan and imported) was a 1.9 L Isuzu four-cylinder (RPO LR1) shared with the LUV and Isuzu P'up, with a 2.8 L V6 as an option. The Chevrolet and GMC models were identical apart from the grille, tailgate and assorted insignia. For 1983, an extended cab, called "Maxi-Cab" on Chevrolet models and "Club Coupe" on GMCs, and "Insta-Trac" four-wheel drive were added, along with two new engines: a 2.0 L four-cylinder engine (RPO LQ2) from the J-platform automobiles along with an Isuzu 2.2 L (RPO LQ7) four-cylinder diesel engine.

The sport utility S-10 Blazer and S-15 Jimmy debuted for 1983; GM was the first to introduce the compact sport utility, followed by Ford and then Jeep the following year. Following the popularity of the Jeep Cherokee, 4-door SUV variants were introduced in March 1990 as 1991 models alongside the badge-engineered Oldsmobile Bravada.

New heavy-duty and off-road suspensions appeared in 1984 along with a hydraulic clutch, while the big news for 1985 was the discontinuation of the Cavalier's 2.0 L OHV I4 in favor of Pontiac's 2.5 L "Iron Duke" OHV I4. The OHV-derived 2.2 L diesel engine and 1.9 L SOHC gas engine, both from Isuzu, were gone the next year, leaving just the Iron Duke and updated 2.8 L V6. A much-welcomed 4.3 L V6 was added for 1988, and anti-lock brakes came the next year. The GMC S-15 became the GMC Sonoma in 1991, and the Sierra trim packages were dropped to avoid confusion with the new GMC Sierra full-size pickup. The GMC Syclone also appeared that year, with an SUV version, the GMC Typhoon, making its debut the year after that. The Sonoma GT bowed in 1992. Added to this was the 4.3 L V6 Vortec W-code engine. This generation's last year was 1993.

Appearance packages
The S-10 Baja was an optional appearance package that was put on any four-wheel-drive S-10 (regular-cab with short-box, regular-cab with long box, and extended-cab with short box) from 1989 to 1991. The Baja was available in three colors: Midnight Black, Apple Red and Frost White. The Baja option also included a roll bar with off-road lights, front tubular grille guard with fog lights, tubular rear bumper, an underbody shield package (transfer case shield, front differential shield, fuel tank shield, oil pan/steering linkage shields), a suspension package, Chevrolet windshield banner, Baja decals on the box sides, and one inch wide body striping. Extra-cost Baja options included a cargo-net end-gate, aluminum "Outlaw" wheels, and a special box-mounted spare tire carrier with aluminum wheel. 1991 S-10 Bajas came with special "BAJA" embroidered red and gray bucket seats and unique red door panel trim.

The S-10 Cameo and Cameo EL were appearance packages available for the two-wheel drive S-10 between 1989 and 1991. When first introduced in 1989, the Cameo had three color choices; Apple Red, Frost White or Midnight Black. In 1991, two-tone paint schemes were available, as well as additional exterior features such as a wraparound front bumper with fog lamps, lower body ground-effects moldings and wheel flares, a flush-fitting tailgate valance, rear roll pan (state laws permitting), and "Cameo" lettering on the doors and tailgate. Other appearance packages included the S-10 Back Country, predecessor to the Baja, the S-10 Top Gun edition, the GMC Sonoma SST, the GMC S-15 Gypsy Magic and GMC Jimmy Magic.

Sonoma GT
Debuting in 1992, the GMC Sonoma GT was a performance package available on the two-wheel-drive, regular-cab, short-bed Sonoma, and was offered as a lower-priced alternative to its predecessor, the 1991 Syclone. The Sonoma GT was powered by an enhanced Vortec non-turbocharged 4.3L L35 V6. It featured central multi-port fuel injection and produced 195 hp and 260 lbft of torque. It was equipped with a 4L60 automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential with 3.42:1 gearing. Because the Sonoma GT was not built as a track-oriented speed demon like the Syclone, it still retained its payload capacity and towing ratings meaning that the owner could still use it like a pickup truck if they so desired.

Modified by Production Automotive Services of Troy, Michigan, the Sonoma GT featured a unique "Syclone-inspired" cladding kit. While sharing the same front and rear bumper as the Syclone (and future 92–93 GMC Typhoon), the aero package did not have as much of an aggressive look as the Syclone but still featured bumperettes, lower door skirts, and rear quarter bed corners to round out the cladding package. GMC also decided to follow through with the Syclone theme into the interior which featured the same black and red piping door inserts and bucket seats, but without any headrest logo (the Syclone featured embroidered headrest logos), along with the same center console and shifter as seen in the Syclone. The gauge cluster was also the same setup; however, due to the non-turbocharged powerplant of the Sonoma GT, the boost gauge is not included in the RPM cluster. The Sonoma GT's production only lasted for 1992.

Only 806 Sonoma GTs were ever produced, in a variety of colors such as the standard monochromatic black, apple red, white, aspen blue, teal, and forest green.

Sonoma GT color breakdown:
 * 1991 Black w/ Black (1 Total)
 * Black w/ Black (406 Total)
 * Black w/ Gray (30 Total)
 * Frost White w/ Gray (107 Total)
 * Apple Red w/ Gray (179 Total)
 * Bright Teal w/ Gray (54 Total)
 * Forest Green Metallic w/ Gray (15 Total)
 * Aspen Blue w/ Gray (15 Total)

1993 Sonoma
Some 1992 and 1993 Sonomas came with a factory equipped L35 W-code engine. For 1993 no specialty labeling or limited edition tags were known to be used with the W-code engine. Production totals for these vehicles are unknown.

1991 Syclone
The Syclone was a high performance package for the 1991 model year. It came with all-wheel drive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, and a 4.3-litre LB4 V6 producing 280 hp with lower compression pistons, a turbocharger, and a water intercooler system. Production was limited to just 2998 units.

Second generation (1994)

The second-generation trucks arrived for the 1994 model year. All of the special models (the Syclone, Typhoon, and Sonoma GT) were discontinued, but the changes to the pickup brought it in line with its major competitor, the Ford Ranger. The Iron Duke 4-cylinder and 2.8 L 60° V6 engines were discontinued, the 4.3 L Vortec V6 was enhanced, and a new 2.2 L 4-cylinder engine (which had been introduced in 1990 on various front-wheel-drive GM compact and mid-size platforms) became the engines of choice to power the second generation of S-10s. In compliance with the Clean Air Act, all second-generation S-10s and Sonomas equipped with air conditioning used CFC-free R134a refrigerant beginning with the 1994 model year. The all-new 1994 S-10 did not offer any airbag, presumably as a temporary measure to economize the introduction of the new body styles, as well as to gradually phase out steering wheel designs that did not accommodate for airbags, though the vehicle itself was slated for airbag capability.

Many of the chassis components were the same as the first generation (the control arms between the first and second generation were the same, originally sourced from GM's G-body platform), along with the steering knuckle, leaf springs, and differential assembly but suspension and axles were greatly enhanced. Lower control arms for the two-wheel drive model had 1/4-inch thicker steering stops; the second-generation control arms are commonly used as an upgrade for the first generation. SUV models (Blazer, Jimmy, Bravada) came with thicker front and rear sway bars.

Generally, for the two-wheel-drive trucks, the 8.5-inch rear end was only used when it came with both a manual transmission and the L35 W-code 262 cuin V6 engine; it was an option for four-wheel-drive trucks with either transmission. This was also the year that GM introduced the ZR2 off-road package.

For 1995, a driver's-side airbag was added as well as daytime running lights. In 1996, the 4.3 L engine was refreshed, and a third (rear) door was added for extended cab models, along with the Sportside bed option. In 1998, the exterior, interior, brakes, and 2.2 L I4 engine were refreshed, along with a "next-generation" supplemental restraint system that added a passenger-side air bag. The SS package was replaced by the "Xtreme" package. In 2001, a crew cab option was added and was only available with four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. For the 2004 model year, the regular and extended cab models were discontinued; only the crew cab model was retained. Production ceased in January 2004.

Base two-wheel-drive models came with 15 × 6.5-inch wheels with directional vents, and Xtreme and ZQ8 models came with 16 × 8-inch wheels, while four-wheel-drive models (including the ZR2) used 15 × 7-inch wheels. The 14 in wheels used on the first generation were discontinued.

Electric versions
Solectria Corporation offered the E-10, which was an electric vehicle conversion of the S-10 starting in 1993. U.S. Electricar also offered S-10 conversions starting in 1994. In 1997, General Motors introduced the Chevrolet S-10 EV, a battery-electric version of the S-10 pickup. The S-10 EV used the same front-wheel-drive powertrain as the GM EV1.

1998 restyling
For 1998, the Chevrolet S-10, GMC Sonoma, and Isuzu Hombre received a mid-cycle refresh. On the exterior, the front fascia was redesigned, and new wheel designs were added. The interior received a full redesign, with "TheftLock" anti-theft functionality for most radios, improved audio systems (including newly designed radios), new interior front door panels, an optional combination cassette and CD player radio, redesigned keyless entry remotes, a new steering wheel, dual airbags, a new instrument cluster with digital odometer and gear shift indicator for automatic transmission-equipped models, and new seat fabrics.

Crew Cab (2001–2004)
In 2001, a four-door Crew Cab configuration was introduced for the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma (just three years before the full-size Silverado 1500 added it). Available exclusively in LS or SLS trims, the Crew Cab included many features that were optional on other S-10 models, such as four-wheel drive, full power accessories (windows, door locks, exterior side mirrors, and keyless entry), dual front bucket seats, fifteen-inch five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, an AM/FM stereo radio with TheftLock capabilities, a single-disc CD player, and Automatic Tone Control (ATC), a six-speaker audio system, a tachometer for the instrument cluster, and air conditioning. Leather-trimmed seating surfaces were also introduced for the Crew Cab for the first time for the 2001 model year.

ZR-5 Sport Package
Available exclusively on the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma LS and SLS Crew Cab models, the ZR-5 Sport Package was a sport appearance package that added black front and rear bumpers, fifteen-inch (15") machined aluminum-alloy wheels, "ZR-5" pickup side box decals to the standard S-10 and Sonoma LS and SLS Crew Cab models.

SS
The Chevrolet S-10 SS was a high-performance version of the S-10, introduced in 1994. Fewer than 3,000 SS units were produced yearly on average. When introduced, the SS was only sold in three colors: Onyx Black, Summit White, and Apple Red. The SS was discontinued in 1998 and was replaced by the S-10 Xtreme for the 1999 model year.

A 4.3 L V6 (which was optional on regular S-10s) was the standard engine used in the SS, producing between 180 and 200 hp. The SS included a limited-slip differential, lowered suspension (starting with the 1996 model year), cosmetic changes such as a different grille, body-colored bumpers, 16-inch wheels (available from 1996 to 1998, similar in design to the 1991 and 1992 Camaro Z28 with Chevrolet "bowtie" logo center caps), and other minor cosmetic differences. All SS versions were regular cabs, while Xtremes were available with the "third door" extended cab. A Stepside bed version was available from 1996 to 1998 and until 2003 on the Xtreme.

ZR2
The ZR2 package was an off-road package available for the second generation S-10. The ZR2 package included a 4 in wider track width, a boxed ladder-type frame with modified suspension mounting points, larger wheel and axle bearings, 31-inch all-terrain tires, a suspension lift (approximately 3 inches more ground clearance versus a regular four-wheel drive S-10), upgraded Bilstein suspension, fender flares, alloy wheels, and an 8.5-inch Chevrolet 10-bolt rear differential with 3.73:1 gears and an Eaton MLocker (coded as G80).

Isuzu Hombre
In 1996, Isuzu replaced its P'up with a version of the Louisiana-built Chevrolet S-10, the Isuzu Hombre, based on the Brazilian-market S-10 (the front grille and fenders are based on the Brazilian S-10 along with the truck bed sheetmetal). The Hombre differed from its GM siblings mostly in the front sheetmetal, with different lights, grille, front bumper, and front fenders, which were more flared out. The rear quarter panels were also different, as they had a slight flare over the wheel well to match the front fenders. The Hombre had a much smaller range of equipment options compared to the S-10 and Sonoma; a Spacecab extended cab, V6 engine, and four-wheel drive were added for 1997 and available until 1998.

Two trim levels were offered: the base S and the uplevel XS. The XS had features like a cassette tape deck, higher-grade interior fabric, a tachometer, sliding rear window, and a split 60/40 seatback. Hombres were equipped with the S-10's 15×7" steel wheels (with 8 directional vents); the Hombre wheels were painted black (the S-10, Sonoma, and Blazer/Jimmy wheels were painted silver) since a majority were equipped with wheel covers with the Isuzu logo. Hombres were also available with the S-10's aluminum wheels with Isuzu center caps.

Slow sales resulted in production ending in 2000. It would be another six years before Isuzu re-entered the pick-up market with the i-Series, which formed the basis for the S-10's successor, the Colorado.

Third generation (2012)
Although the North American version of the S-Series was discontinued in 2004, the second generation S-10 was still being built in Brazil until 2012, when it was replaced by a Brazilian-built version of the Chevrolet Colorado called the S-10.

In Brazil, until 2014, the third generation S-10 offered a 2.4 L 147 hp Flexpower flex-fuel engine or a 2.8 L 180 hp Duramax diesel engine. For 2015 models, the diesel engine was refreshed, resulting in an increased power output of 200 hp. The flex-fuel (gasoline/ethanol) engine had an upgrade for some versions (LT and LTZ) and offered 206 hp with a 2.5 L LCV Ecotec with direct fuel injection. Also, for the first time in Brazil, Chevrolet offered the flex-fuel S-10 with four-wheel drive.

For the 2017 model, the S-10 received a facelift and the flex-fuel 2.4 L engine was dropped, with the remaining engine choices being unchanged. For 2018, the flex-fuel S-10 offers an automatic transmission, currently the market trend on these vehicles in Brazil. Since 2021, the Holden S-10 received a facelift in Warren, but as Holden was closed in Australia, the Tooling was transferred to Brazil. Then in Brazil had a third facelift, when Colorado of USA also received another facelift for 2023.

A right-hand-drive version of the 2017+ facelifted model was built at the GM Thailand plant and sold in Australia and New Zealand as Holden Colorado until 2020.

S10 Max (2021)
In late 2021, General Motors introduced the S10 Max for the Mexican market and several other Latin American countries. Imported in China and produced by SAIC, it is a rebadged Maxus T70.

title: Chevrolet S-10


text:
Talk:Spetsnaz

Claims of being best
Can we please leave these claims of "the best special forces unit" to the appropriate web sites and playgrounds? --- — Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.84.30.162 (talk) 05:50, 25 March 2012 (UTC) I googled the supposed Rangers/Spetsnaz competition and every site that lists it references "an article from the ninties" but does not list which periodical or actual time. Mostly, it looks like the story was lifted from a Spetsnaz fan website.

--- Why are Spetsnaz compared with Delta Force? Spetsnaz are a special forces unit best compared with the SAS. Delta Force is a newer, and still unproven, unit modelled directly on the SAS.124.197.15.138 (talk) 20:02, 24 March 2012 (UTC) -- The "training" section is uninformative, biased and poorly wrote. I advise that it either be re-written or removed completely.

-- — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2.125.57.241 (talk) 04:20, 5 March 2012 (UTC) I'd like a link to this competition in Alaska between the American Rangers and Spetsnaz. I doubt it happened. If such a competition were to occur, it would happen at Fort Benning in Georgia,Fort Lewis in Washington or Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Also, there should be a mention of the rumored involvement of Spetsnaz in Vietnam. Victor Suvorov, an ex-Spetsnaz man, mentions in his book how the performance of the American Special Forces in Vietnam was viewed by the Russians and how the US SF's success spurred the further development of the Russian Special Forces.

 * We should leave rumors out because they're primary sources and difficult to verify. There are always rumors of different things.Comatose51 06:04, 9 Jun 2005 (UTC)

Especially since Victor Suvorov didn't/couldn't cite his sources and is widely considered to have at least some "innacuracies" (to put it nicely) in the stories he told. Read that as: He may have made the "competition" thing up. We need another/reliable source. -- Sy / (talk) 13:27, 11 June 2006 (UTC)

-- I have strong reservations about the claims of these units being the best infantry and the story about the Rangers' competition seems hard to verify. The first issue is subjective. I bet an article on the SAS or the US Navy SEALs would claim that they're the best. Thus, I'm incline to remove such statements. The story about the competition rings of urban legend or rumors. Where's the primary source for that? Unless verified, I'm also inclined to remove it. Comatose51 06:57, 17 May 2005 (UTC)

Regardless of your reservations, you're right that the personalness and opinion should be removed from the article. =) -- Sy / (talk) 19:40, 20 May 2005 (UTC)

I doubt some non-crucial names and facts listed, althogh not ready to edit. For instance, my knowledge is that some Soviet non-SOF units, such as radiocommunication batallion, were called "-OSNAZ". However the general idea of the article is right. But it may need restructuring to avoid term-domination. AlexPU 13:18, 29 Jul 2004 (UTC)

OSNAZ already exists, which see.--Tomtom 05:56, 28 Aug 2004 (UTC)

84.66.161.26 20:18, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

I think all claims of being the best have to be treated especially catiously for Spetsnaz. Clearly some units are very, very good, but the combat record of others is extremely poor. Many Spetsnaz are simply light infantry, with all the weaknesses of the rest of the Soviet army. In one bungled operation in Afghanistan an entire brigade was wiped out after it was landed so far off target some elements were actually in Pakistan. The famous attack on the Presidential palace which started the invasion was also hardly of SAS style subtlety - the Spetsnaz drove up to the front gate in a convoy of vehicles and just started shooting. Not only did they kill the man they were trying to 'rescue', but in accounts of the fighting broadcast on TV one of the Spetsnaz decribes how in the heat of the fighting one of his comrades accidently threw a hand grenade the wrong way. Not exactly the actions of one of the world's best. Martin Porter

I think claims of being world's best should not be brought into ANY play. Spetsnaz has different jobs, and different assignments then Delta or KSK or any other special forces. Each of these Special Forces have their own purposes and you cant go and say "oh well SAS is better than Spetsnaz". It doesnt matter, this isnt a boxing match. Different jobs for different countries. You can show fumbles, and large accomplishments from ALL special forces, and it doesnt make any difference. Mistakes happen, situations change. Also, if you're talking about the attack on the Presidential Palace, I never heard of them trying to rescue anyone. I seem to recall they were there to assasinate the President, not rescue him. -anon

84.66.161.26 20:19, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

It hardly matters what claims they make. It's all POV anyway.

Which spez force unit is the best? The one who is better prepeared. As for the palace assault - their task was realy not to save someone, but to terminate president. And executing this operation was more difficult, because soviets were outnumbered by the palace guard and were not having heavy weapon to fight tanks plus to this palace itself was placed to give great advantage to its defenders, so I don't think, that it is correct to say "was also hardly of SAS style subtlety - the Spetsnaz drove up to the front gate in a convoy of vehicles and just started shooting" There also was task to capture some other governmental buildings and to cut city from the countrys information link - which was done. Are there many others who can do this? --Oleg Str 10:47, 12 September 2006 (UTC)

--

There are some rather objective ratings out there actually, though I don't know where to find them. That being said it is obviously subjective to a point, so wouldn't have a place in Wikipedia. For example that was brought up during the last presidential campaign, politicians were arguing about how our special forces aren't the best, even in the top 5 or something like that. What gives us our edge is our technology. Of course it is all still subjective, unless you stuck all the special forces of the world into a cage match and wait to see who comes out on top. That being said, the spetsnaz are supposedly renowned for their pain tolerance! --67.185.245.221 (talk) 06:48, 25 February 2008 (UTC)

I think it's pointless to argue over which is best. I'm american, and of Russian ancestory, and my Father was a Ranger, and he got to meet a spetznaz, and from what he told me they had similar jobs, they kill the bad guys, Rangers are often not very subtle, and spetznaz usually aren't either. that doesn't matter. Besides with the attack on the palace, it doesn't matter what special force you're in, or how much pain tolerance you have, bullets will still kill you, and if you're severly out numbered, by people in a easily defendable area with tanks and mg nest, you're going to lose. and with the spetznaz training, killing rabbits, dogs and pregnate cats? w/e men fight back, and men with guns trained or untrained kill you. A random marine has a just as good chance of killing a sas or spetznaz or a ranger, —Preceding unsigned comment added by 63.65.46.122 (talk) 16:28, 26 January 2010 (UTC)

Spetsnaz martial training
I have removed the "See also" reference:

 * Systema: The Martial Art Used by Spetsnaz

Because Systema is not "the" martial art which they use.

Systema is only known to relatively few units, and even to the few it is not taught in a complete form. Individuals are of course free to persue further training for themselves.

Spetsnaz martial training in general has been a relative unknown, however there are a few people who have mentioned a little of their own martial training. Of course there is Sambo but also mixes of Karate and other arts.

I'd liken Systema to a mix of traditional and obscure Russian martial arts as well as a more recent Spetsnaz influence both by some training programs and some individuals. I think the Spetsnaz link is most prominant because the immediate chain of teachers are Spets.

-- Sy / (talk) 14:25, 29 Mar 2005 (UTC)

I would like to say something about this. I have heard a stand-alone word "Sistema" as a name of a hand-to-hand combat system from the TV program "Военная тайна" (Voennaya tajna, eng. - "War secret"). There it was described as a computer generated system. Where specialy designed software calculated the most effective movements for a big variety of the situations basing on the data about humans body abilities, fights of the hand-to-hand masters and so on that program analyzed. When in russian language you mean some another H2H system you should say "система рукопашного боя" (sistema rukopashnogo boya, eng. - H2H combat system), not just "Sistema". When it is said, that spetsnaz use system - it can mean, that threre is a use of some other H2H combat system, like Kadochnikovs system, military sambo and so on. It is also possible, that "Sistema" is journalists fake - keep it in mind.--Oleg Str 12:48, 12 September 2006 (UTC)

"nazranie"
There are many websites(including the SOC website linked to from the article) which claim that Spetsnaz is an abbreviation of "Spetsialnoe nazranie", although "nazranie" is not even a Russian word. It would be interesting to know the origin of this error. A search for the word "назрание" comes up with a few sites where it is clearly a misspelling of "название", and one Macedonian site which makes the "spetsialnoe nazranie" claim. However, a search for "nazranie"(with Latin letters) turns up non-Russian Spetsnaz-related sites.

Pronunciation
The article says /ʃpecnaz/. Shoudn't it be /specnaz/? —Michael Z. 2005-09-6 19:57 Z

I think it is better to write spetsnaz because in case of specnaz that "c" can be wrongly readed as K.--Oleg Str 13:09, 12 September 2006 (UTC)

 * I think the first comment above is about the pronunciation ... it is rather out of date anyway as the article now reads /spʲɛʦnaz/ — Stumps 13:17, 12 September 2006 (UTC)

OSNAZ is the obsolete term
It was used to refer to special forces of the USSR during the Great Patriotic War and first post-war years. Then it was obsoleted by spetsnaz. It is not (or almost not) used to refer to special forces of Russia presently. Cmapm 01:03, 25 November 2005 (UTC)

Incorrect--Tombombadil 02:01, 22 December 2005 (UTC)

 * Agreed, it's incorrect. See OSNAZ -- Sy / (talk) 13:30, 11 June 2006 (UTC)

 * Why? Is there a source where this is explained?

 * "Obsoleted" is not a real word. Try "made obsolete".

 * Actually, as a Russian speaker, I have to agree that "spetsnaz" is regularly used to refer to special forces, while "osnaz" is much more rarely used and refers to other specific things. The English article on "Osnaz" is language-linked to the Russian article on OMSDON, which is something completely different, although parts of OMSDON were reorganized as the official Osnaz. There is no Russian-language article on Osnaz, which shows that it is very rarely used as a term. The english Osnaz article has no references and personally I doubt a great bit of the information in it.

Incorrect Parallel Made
The following quote is incorrect, or at least I think so: "The parallel of U.S. Army Rangers and 1st SFOD-D (aka "Delta Force") is apparent." No, the US Army Rangers aren't even on the same level as the Delta. I'm not talking about their level of quality, they're among the best the US military has to offer, no doubt, but their purpose as a combat unit is totally different than that of Delta's. So, I don't think the comparison between Alfa and the Rangers is correct. In fact, the whole size of the unit isn't even alike, the Rangers can fight in batallion strength, therefor numbering in the thousands, whereas Delta does not and their particular purpose and training does not allow for such a large size. With the description of the Russian Alfa unit being such, I would imagine the same conditions exist for Russian special-op forces. Just an observation. 12.220.83.63 05:59, 6 June 2006 (UTC)

Picture Addition
could someone add http://www5c.biglobe.ne.jp/~recon/SOG-SPETSNAZ-6.jpg as a picture, i dont know how... —The preceding unsigned comment was added by GregLoutsenko (talk • contribs) 20:09, 6 June 2005 (UTC)

Please create new sections for new conversation. Also, no.. it's not correct to just take pictures from the net. Also that link is now broken. =) -- Sy / (talk) 13:25, 11 June 2006 (UTC)

Changed Sentence
Changed the sentence: Generally, English-language media refer to them as "Russian special forces" and, in fact, usually [use this term for other countries' special forces]. To: Generally, English-language media refer to them as "Russian special forces."

I did this for two reasons: First, the sentence immediately preceding this one starts with an "in fact," making the paragraph sound repetitive (i.e., In fact...in fact). Second, the last part of the original sentence is superfluous to the topic. This is about Russian Special Forces, not about the Special Forces of the rest of the world. Sorry about not logging in but I'm kinda lazy today. 66.75.242.105 17:18, 7 December 2006 (UTC)Lucky

About the Very Term itself
[11.11.2006 14:14] McBak

I'm a Russian myself and was surprised at learnig that Western People use the word Spetsnaz so imprecisely.

First of all, it's pronounced [spets'na:z], with [ts] being a single sound, pronounced the same way as the letter Z in German.

Then, Spetsnaz is not about Special Forces at all; it's a VERY general term used to describe all sorts of military and police units engaged into some special activities, but this is not what we call Special Forces in the Western meaning of that word.

The best, though bitter definition of Spetsnaz would be 'Special groups among regular troops that are used in a queer way or at least not quite the way they are supposed to be used'

For example, extremely heavily armed policemen in Chechenia that are employed to fight insurgency, or to protect civilians, actually being 'police soldiers' rather than policemen, are Spetsnaz. Regular soldiers trained as mountain rangers, skilled in recon service and survival, which are employed to hunt the boeviks (insurgents, gunmen), are Spetsnaz. Some heavily armed bullies with RPGs and flamethrowers used to wipe away insurgents infesting some building in a town in Chechenia are also called Spetsnaz.

Speaking of SAS and Navy Seals, the only parralel to them is FSB Spetsnaz, namely teams Alpha, Pennant and Knight (Alfa, Vympel, Vityaz). And the only surviving abbreviation to Otryady Osobogo Naznacheniya is now Spetsnaz, Osnaz being an obsolete word.

And yes, teams Alpha and the rest are deemed to be the best in the world as it comes to their wilderness survival skills, physical training and mobility but there's no reason to believe that they're much better than SAS and SEALs in stealth and combat.

Also those teams use a limited amount of weaponry that is superior even to USA's best guns, but that still doesn't make them 'the best'

As for the physical and psychological training of Alpha, Pennant and other FSB Spets teams, it's extremely enduring and is aimed at eliminating almost everything human, making a human into a ruthless killer. One of the excercises consists of bashing a living rabbit against a wall so it's killed in a single blow and then crushing its spinal cord with soldier's own teeth so that the head is separated from the body (didn't dare typing 'biting off the rabbit's head'), then drinking most of the rabbit's blood before it's spilt on the ground from the rabbit's neck. This excersise is designed both to teach the novices to kill living things without hesitation and clench their thirst if there's no clear water supply around but they happen to trap a rabbit or a dog. This is not bulls**t, and doesn't come from tabloids. It's a very well-known Spetsnaz training practice in our country. They are taught 'You are not a human now but a military unit designed to kill things, and if a military unit has to be destroyed in combat there's no way round.'

11.11.2006 14:14 McBak

 * I can agree with you in some terms. In some couldn't.First/ you re right for shure that Spetsnaz are not actualy "the best". But should we talk, and compare any special forces at all? The are SPECIAL FORSES. The couldn't be compared! It's a profession.Second. When you say: "bashing aliving rabbit against a wall so it's killed in a single blow and then crushing its spinal cord with soldier's own teeth so that the head is separated from the body" and other words I want to ask you: what are your sources. For example I have read books of V. Suvorov too and there were words about that GRU spetsnaz for example killed a dog for that. But HOW DO YOU KNOW? What are the sources. And you shouldn't say that they are more cruel than other special forces. for example nobody knows somehow what are trainings of special forses of Franch Legion for exanmple, or USA rangers or SEALs. How do ou know that they are "not so cruel" as Specnaz for example. In my opinion every Special forces have extremly hard trainings. Not more or les harder or easier.19.04.2007 00:06 Yegor Chernyshev

 * Vityaz it`s a VV spetsnaz (internal affairs) not FSB. And also - IMHO the best spetsnaz (and the SF) units were Vympel of Soviet era (the elite diversants with excellent espionage training, not that CT unit "among others") and Spetnaz GRU GSh.

Special purpose regiments
Due to the multy-significance of that term I'd like to offer some changes in the article.

First. As it seems the term "Spetsnaz" used for every special purposed unit in russia, and its a populized term. Therefore we should write here about different types and kinds of russian special forces, that are exist on Russian terretory. And the main accent of the article should mark the collective meaning of that word. Than we should separate on special regiment from another in the article. The suggestion is to wite a typology of special units.

Second. In my mind the most exact head of the article sounds like "Rusian special purpose units" or "Russian special purpose regiments" or "Russian special force regiments". And the artices "Specnaz" and "Spetsnaz" should redirect users here.

If nobody minds. I'll do that changes. And, please, type your opinion, it's very interesting.

Yegor Chernyshev 19:28, 11 May 2007 (UTC)

Information about specific Spetsnaz units
Although it was unrefernced, I do not think it was proper to delete all this information. Why not mark this as and wait a little?Biophys (talk) 16:17, 15 May 2008 (UTC)

Incoming material from Soldat.ru; to be translated
http://www.soldat.ru/forum/?gb=3&id=70744, 30 June 2008

Российская Федерация
( 1992 - ... )

В 1993-1994гг - менялись штатные расписания, появлялись учебные роты, менялось вооружение,

Часть данных приведена в сводном списке на конец 1991 года из предыдущей части. Боевой состав на 2007:
 * 2nd Independent Spetsnaz Brigade (обрСпН) (ППД: п.Черехи, Промежицкй р-н, Псковская обл. ЛенВО) - 70 и 700 (Псковская обл, п Печора-1), 177 (Кольский п-ов, п Пушной) - 329-й отряд, ШМС, Школа прапорщиков. 177-й был скадрирован в 1997-м. Однако к сентябрю 2000-го во 2-й бригаде было заново сформировано 2 отряда, в т.ч. и 177-й.
 * 3rd Independent Guards Варшавско-Берлинская Краснознаменная ордена Кутузова 3-ей степени Spetsnaz Brigade "тяжелого состава" (ППД: п.Рощинский, р-н Черноречье Самарская обл. ПУрВО) - 330, 509, 510,512 ооСпН, 501,503.
 * 10th Spetsnaz Brigade (обрСпН) "тяжелого состава" (образована в 2002 году п Мальково, Краснодарский край) - 107 оСпН, 4оуб СпН (сф в 2003), 85,95(сф в 2002),104,551 ооСпН (при СССР в Феодосии - 13 был развернут 325ооСпН) (Всего 7 отрядов).
 * 12th Spetsnaz Brigade (обрСпН) (ППД: г.Асбест Свердловск обл. ПурВО, с 2004 года Челябинск) - 33 ооСпН. Известен также 374 отряд СпН (ППД - Н/Д).
 * 14th Spetsnaz Brigade (обрСпН) "тяжелого состава" (ППД: г.Уссурийск, ДВО) – 282 ооСпН (Хабаровск), 294 ооСпН (Белогорск), отряд СРС, учебный отряд, и минимум 2 оСпН. Известен также 308 отряд СпН (Уссурийск-9).
 * 16th Spetsnaz Brigade (обрСпН) (ППД: г.Тамбов МВО Переведена из Чучково в 2004 году.) - 370, 664, 669 (неотд). . Известен также 379 отряд СпН (ППД – Н./Д.).
 * 22nd Independent Guards Spetsnaz Brigade (брСпН) "тяжелого состава" (п. Степной, Ростовская обл, СКВО) - 173, 411, 108 (сф в 2003 в г Батайск, далее ППД п. Ковалевка, Аксайский р-н, Ростовская обл, СКВО) ооСпН, 305оСпН (или наоборот 305 ооСпН, 108(неотд)), 54-й (56-й(?)) оуц СпН (п. Красная Поляна, Краснодарский край). На 2006 год 173, 411 и вновь сформированный 108-й отряды переведены в г Батайск.
 * 24th Spetsnaz Brigade (обрСпН) "легкого состава" (пгт Кяхта (Улан-Удэ), СибВО) - 281 (всего:отряд СРС, 2 оСпН, 2 ооСпН, орСпМ, учебная рота)
 * 67th Spetsnaz Brigade (обрСпН) (г.Бердск Новосибирская обл., СибВО) - 691 (Всего 2 отдельных и 3 "линейных" и отряд СРС). Известен также 690 отряд СпН (ППД-Н.Д.).

2-ая ОБрСпН в Чечне (2-ая чеченская) представлена сводным отрядом: одна рота 70-го, одна рота 700-го, одна рота 329-го, а управление, автовзвод, вмо и связь от каждого по очереди. Отряды СпН в Чечне соответствуют "неотдельным". В чечне воевал также отряд из 22-ой обрСпН (бригада стала гвардейской в 2001 году) Во всех бригадах созданы учебные подразделения (это связано с тем, что печерский учебный полк перестал существовать). Отдельный учебный батальон только в 10-ой бригаде, в остальных ШМС (Школа младших специалистов - состоит из двух рот в одной три взвода в другой два и управления).

Остальные отряды скорее всего не развернуты, но на бумаге существуют.

О современной (1-ое десятилетие 21-го века) организации войск СпН (не включая морской СпН)

Взвод тяжелого вооружения (в отдельных ротах этот взвод назвался специального минирования) как отдельная структура только в отдельных ротах. В отряде это рота тяжелого вооружения.

орСпН: • управление роты; • три взвода СпН (группы в ВВ); • взвод СпМ (группа в ВВ); • взвод СРС; • взвод хозяйственного и десантного обеспечения. Всего 115 человек.

На 1993-1995 годы 462-я орСпН 30-го гв АК ЛенВО имела по штату 128 человек (включала до 15 воинов-спортсменов, фактически в части не служивших).

Дополнительмый вариант ОШС орСпН на 2001 год - Штатный состав 120 человек, реально в 2 раза меньше.: • Управление роты: o Ком. Роты, п/п-к. o Зам. по ВДС, майор. o Зам. по инженерной подготовке, майор o Зам. по воспитательной работе, капитан. o Старшина роты, ст. пр-к. o Секретчик, ст. Пр-к o Кодировщик (срочник) o Фельдшер ст.пр-к. • Взвод разведки (*4), включая: o Командиры взводов, капитаны / ст. лейтенанты, o ЗКВ, пр-ки / ст.пр-ки. o Комадиров отделений o снайперов, o гранатометчиков, o пулеметчиков. • Взвод спецрадиосвязи, включая: o Ком. Взвода, ст. Лейтенант / ст.пр-к o радистов РГ, o Ком. радиостанций на машине, ст. пр-ки. o радиотелеграфистов, o водителей автомобилей с радиостанцией, o аккумуляторщика. • Взвод ТХО, включая: o Ком. Взвода, ст. пр-к. o Нач склада ПДИ, ст. пр-к. o Нач склада РАВ, ст.пр-к. o водители, o повара.

РГ из взводов формировались примерно так (относится только к ТСП в мирное время) ком.группы офицер -ком. взвода (в зависимости от поставленной задачи мог быть и пр-к-ЗКВ и сержант из разведчиков), снайпер, гранатометчик, пулеметчик, 1-2 радиста с переносными р/с, аккумуляторами и ПЗУ, 1-2 разведчика дополнительно с АКС-74, по необходимости.

отряд СпН управления бригады: • управление отряда; • три роты СпН; • рота СпМ (тяжелого вооружения). Всего около 180-200 человек.

отдельный отряд СпН: • штаб отряда; • три роты СпН; • рота тяжелого вооружения; • учебная рота; • рота СРС; • взвод обеспечения. Всего около 400 человек.

На базе взвода для выполнения боевой задачи создается группа, штатная численность которой 16 человек - это расклад: командир, замок, старший разведчик, 1-2 радиста, снайпер и т.д.

Свой штат ооСпН был в 3-й гв обрСпн, когда она была в ГСВГ.

Источники

 * 1) . Форум Военная разведка (vrazvedka.ru). Автор: 1071, 00:54:00 01/05/2002:
 * 2) . Сайт http://www.desantura.ru/
 * 3) . Сайт (ОШС оСпН): http://desantura.ru/forums/index.php?showtopic=6005
 * 4) . Суконкин Алексей, "Лиса в курятнике. Вдв и Спн."; http://artofwar.ru/s/sukonkin_a_s/text_0500.shtml
 * 5) . http://www.bratishka.ru/specnaz/gru/history.php
 * 6) . А. Волков – «Спецназ на тропе войны», http://www.rsva-ural.ru/library/mbook.php?id=386.

Pictures

hi do you mind if i add some spetnaz pics from the ussr —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jamie8282 (talk • contribs) 20:53, 9 December 2008 (UTC)

 * The following discussion is an archived discussion of the proposal. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on the talk page. No further edits should be made to this section.

The result of the proposal was support for move.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 22:35, 2 March 2009 (UTC)

Requested move
Russian special purpose regiments → Spetsnaz — The article was moved to current name without discussion, therefore I propose moving it back to "Spetsnaz", as it is internationally the most widely used designation. — Eurocopter (talk) 19:50, 25 February 2009 (UTC)

Survey

 * Feel free to state your position on the renaming proposal by beginning a new line in this section with  or  , then sign your comment with  . Since polling is not a substitute for discussion, please explain your reasons, taking into account Wikipedia's naming conventions.

 * Support this makes sense 76.66.193.90 (talk) 06:52, 26 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Oppose. Per WP:UE, we are supposed to use English for article titles.  "Spetsnaz" is simply a romanization of the Russian word "спецназ"; it is not listed in any of the English-language dictionaries and is thus not English, failing WP:UE's requirements.—Ëzhiki (Igels Hérissonovich Ïzhakoff-Amursky) • (yo?); 16:13, February 26, 2009 (UTC) Changed to support (see below)
 * The Spetsnaz term, even if it's a simple romanization of the Russian word, it is used most widely in English. The current term, "Russian special purpose regiments", is a wiki invention and I've never seen it anywhere before. --Eurocopter (talk) 17:37, 26 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Hundreds, if not thousands, of transliterations of Russian words are "used most widely in English", especially in specialized English texts. This practice does not make these transliterations English words.  A transliteration becomes a loanword when it is listed in at least one major English dictionary, such as, for example Oxford English Dictionary.  Until that happens, we should be using a reasonable English translation as a title, with the transliterations serving as redirects.  If the current translation is, in your view, unreasonable, please propose another one that works better/is seen more often.  For example, what term would a newspaper aimed at general audience use if it needs to make a reference to spetsnaz?  I very much doubt it would actually be "spetsnaz".—Ëzhiki (Igels Hérissonovich Ïzhakoff-Amursky) • (yo?); 17:49, February 26, 2009 (UTC)
 * It would simply be Russian special forces, which is not suitable for this article, while Spetsnaz is quite common throughout the world when referring to these special forces in a more accurate way (not in basic news articles). --Eurocopter (talk) 23:17, 26 February 2009 (UTC)

 * Support A simple search shows Spetsnaz is widely used in non-specialized English language publications often with no explanation/translation. e.g Guardian, Times, Washington Post and Time. It is a June 2003 entry in the OED ("In Russia and the former Soviet Union: a highly trained, elite armed force used in top-security international operations.") with citations dating back to the NY Times, 1982. Tassedethe (talk) 22:17, 26 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Support. An idiot that is me mistyped the word when looking it up in OED (yes, I am a native speaker of Russian, thanks for asking).  Since it is indeed listed, I am withdrawing my oppose vote and changing it to support.  Thanks to Tassedethe for the link.—Ëzhiki (Igels Hérissonovich Ïzhakoff-Amursky) • (yo?); 00:45, February 27, 2009 (UTC)
 * Support, as "common name." --Tavrian 01:19, 27 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Support with reservations I'm not sure if the term Spetsnaz should be used, but I would expect them to be called Russian special forces in English rather than Russian special purpose regiments; I get about 2000 Google News hits for "Russian special forces", 1000 for Spetsnaz and none for the current title. Either Spetsnaz or Russian special forces would be better than the current title for me. --Rogerb67 (talk) 03:44, 27 February 2009 (UTC)

Discussion

 * Any additional comments:
 * The above discussion is preserved as an archive of the proposal. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on this talk page. No further edits should be made to this section.

Pronunciation
Is it really pronounced [spʲetsnaz] as the article says? I thought the word-final <з> was always pronounced as [s] in Russian (so it would be [spʲetsnas]). Jafeluv (talk) 11:13, 27 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Well, according to IPA for Russian: "Voiced obstruents (/b/, /bʲ/, /d/, /dʲ/ /ɡ/, /v/, /vʲ/, /z/, /zʲ/, /ʐ/, and /ʑʑ/) are devoiced word-finally unless the next word begins with a voiced obstruent. (Halle, Morris (1959), Sound Pattern of Russian, MIT Press)." Being the bold person I am, I'm changing the article accordingly. Jafeluv (talk) 14:54, 3 March 2009 (UTC)
 * I am Russian and i can tell you that the pronunciation is pretty straightforward - "спецназ" - с = s, п = p, е = like german ä, ц = one sound ts (not two separate "t" and "s" how english speakers pronounce it), н = n, а = a, з = z, so you get "spetsnaz"

reason for computer game reference
It's not clear to me why there's a reference to the usage of these troops in a video game at the beginning of the page. In my opinion the part "In the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, they are depicted as an invasion/terrorist group in several missions." should be removed without replacement. (217.255.233.220 (talk) 15:45, 31 December 2009 (UTC))

Clearly, this article's writer has taken sides
I just began reading it, and I somehow notice the writer (whoever he/she may be) has oversold that rumor of the 85% failling. Such numbers are astronomical and completely innacurate. For instance, when he (the author) says "Their hand to hand fighting is extremely well implemented as they require special physical requirements to even get into training", he does not specify what type of CQC (or more common, CQB) style do they use nor what physical requirements are required. My opinion? This is someone who loves gaming and has read a few books on the Spetsnaz. I suggest an expert, or perhaps an active Spetsnaz to correct and write about this subject, for it is not quite correct. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 89.153.161.24 (talk) 22:26, 14 March 2012 (UTC)

Agreed. I feel we should delete this biased information until we have a reliable source.Martin (talk) 01:23, 16 April 2012 (UTC)

I recommend to looking at some Spetsnaz documentaries that are sometimes shown in Russia. Just youtube спецназ and you'll probably find something worth translating — Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.250.107.241 (talk) 22:17, 23 May 2012 (UTC)

I just deleted, like, half of the article while cleaning it up. --Niemti (talk) 12:56, 24 August 2012 (UTC)

 * Good effort! These subjects are neglected. But I think you removed a little too much with edits like this. If one tells "spetsnaz" in Russian, this usually means by default "GRU spetsnaz" (other similar forces are more secretive and less known), but there is no even separate section "GRU spetsnaz" right now. It should be there with link to GRU spetsnaz sub-article . Probably the best available source about Soviet spetsnaz is the book "Spetsnaz" by Suvorov (available online). It starts from description of spade as their favorite weapon. Indeed, that is what they used in Tbilisi, probably the second most highly publicized engagement after Afganistan. This should be mentioned. My very best wishes (talk) 13:31, 25 August 2012 (UTC)
 * There is, it's Spetsnaz GRU. It's also pretty secretive (its very existance used to be the state top secret). The MVD special forces are an opposite of that, showing off A LOT, with Vityaz (having even a private security company and a private training center) and OMON (clowning a lot in the circus-like public shows, but that's not unlike the VDV) being the worst offenders. As of Tbilisi 1989, it could have been the Spetsnaz GRU, only dressed up as paratroopers, but I think it was never proved. The MVD are not playing with spades, in Moscow the Vityaz just did that. Niemti (talk) 16:18, 25 August 2012 (UTC)

There is also a Wikipedia article on the OSNAZ. It's concentrating on the KGB/FSB and MVD stuff, but actually the first OSNAZ forces were created already during Stalin era (before any SPETSNAZ groups). Such as OMSBON, which contrary to the Wikipedia article didn't really "fight on the frontlines" (but behind the lines, trying to disrupt the German railway supply system, and also beyond own lines, like they were sent with the Dzerzhinsky Division to stop the mass panic and looting in Moscow in 1941). --Niemti (talk) 17:22, 30 August 2012 (UTC)

 * That would go back to Soviet Internal Troops (that was hardly a justifiable edit) and SMERSH. One needs good books as sources to write about this. My very best wishes (talk) 18:20, 30 August 2012 (UTC)

OMSBON was just a special operations unit of the NKVD, but SMERSH was a whole completely separate service. --Niemti (talk) 23:48, 30 August 2012 (UTC)
 * Unfortunately, I do not have time to improve these articles. As a side note, if someone follows you in various articles, but does not do anything contentious (like reverting your edits or making claims about you personally), this is not wikistalking. This is something you should learn to tolerate. I had someone (M.) who followed and occasionally reverted my edits for years. No problem.My very best wishes (talk) 21:07, 31 August 2012 (UTC)

Rewrite complete
Now it "only" needs references. --Niemti (talk) 14:24, 7 September 2012 (UTC)

Ilya Starinov
If you're soooo interested about this guy, whoever he was (his totally unreferenced article isn't even very clear - was he GRU? The partisans were controlled rather by the NKVD, also they were partisans and not special forces), go and edit his article. And bring some (any) reliable sources when you're at it. --Niemti (talk) 09:36, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

 * exactly. the only proper sources are in russian. that's why it's a translated page. unless you want me to cite russian sourcesLugnuthemvar (talk) 16:44, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Bring whatever you want, cite this title of Grandpa o' Spetsnaz of his to whoever invented it and we'll see how strong it is. Also, besides being a complete gibberish, "RIN.ru" doesn't sound like a reliable source. I just did a check on this guy myself. He was a GRU specialist on sabotage and explosives, was in Spain to advise the Reps in guerrilla / mine warfare, particpated in Stalin's stay-behind sabotage network program and WWII sabotage efforts, ended with the rank of a colonel. OK, he existed. But that's all about it.

But the only book I came upon linking him to "spetsnaz" was a novel. In the sample non-fiction book The Russian Elite: Inside Spetsnaz and the Airborne Forces there's no mention of him at all. Green Berets, SEALs and Spetsnaz: U.S. and Soviet Special Military Operations - nothing. Steven Zaloga's Soviet Bloc Elite Forces - nothing, too. Suvorov's Spetsnaz mentions him but only briefly, on a single page (p.131) when he's talking about the use of IEDs (I'll cite it whole: "A veteran of this business, Colonel Starinov, recalls in his memoirs making a detonator out of one matchbox." By businees he meant the IEDs and not "spetsnaz".).

And no, if you'd try to substitute mine / partisan warfare articles with his mug you're going to be reverted too. --Niemti (talk) 19:12, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

God, what now again
Your illustrations are entirely random, and almost all of them (5/7) are Internal Troops! Which is in a way kind of throwback to the original shitty article that only had army guys plus a crappy photo of Belarusian OMON of all things.

While my is perfect in every way, including due representation (2 VV (one for the red beret thing), 2 army (Soviet and Russian), 2 police (riot and rapid-response), 1 FSB (would add the KGB if there was any), and also 1 Kremlin Regiment (but now identified as such instead of "honor guard")), captioned in not confusing way, and even being visually well composed (just look at the GRU pics, at the the SOBR guy and the priest in the one below him). Also, no random bolding. So revert yourself --Niemti (talk) 17:48, 5 May 2014 (UTC)

What now and why always his name afterwords? Shortdawginc (talk) 03:38, 25 December 2021 (UTC)

Using the talk page
Rather than POV tugs of war over the content in the actual article, please use this talk page for its purpose: to discuss what is pertinent to the article and what is not. It is the best way to create an informative article through consensus, and well as to constructively discuss perceived problems. Arguing on your own talk pages doesn't assist in informing editors other than the ones currently making dramatic changes to understand what issues are being disputed or why. Thank you. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 04:12, 5 October 2014 (UTC)

speaking of POV thugs. aren't you the one pushing CONSENSUS CONSENSUS on controversial topics. the manner in which he edited the 2 very carefully selected missions violates the NPOV. Lugnuthemvar (talk) 09:07, 5 October 2014 (UTC)
 * How does it violate WP:NPOV? These are internationally known and well documented incidents. NPOV is not WP:GEVAL. Neutrality is not based on your arguments of WP:IDONTLIKEIT. Also, please watch your tone. Keep calm and read what is written. You've just managed to take this from my asking editors not to engage in tugs of war to calling me a POV thug.
 * I see the manner it was edited as a POV issue through WP:RSUW. His views are definitely not neutral. He selected 2 off the most infamous(not most well known) missions out of a multitude of missions and edited in a way that it paints the Russians and spetznas a vicious and incompetent. I'm not even Russian and i realize that the editor, being Ukrainian, has a secondary agenda and that is to paint Russians in a negative light. Lugnuthemvar (talk) 11:05, 5 October 2014 (UTC)
 * How do you know the editor is Ukrainian? --Iryna Harpy (talk) 01:02, 7 October 2014 (UTC)

Training?
Can we get any information on here about training and selection? Most other articles of a similar information. Is such info available? Sephiroth storm (talk) 16:59, 9 January 2015 (UTC)

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Splitting proposal
The section Spetsnaz is disproportionately long and detailed, and should be split off into a separate main article Russian Spetsnaz Russian spetsnaz, leaving behind a summary comparable to the other national sections. Hopefully anticipating the addition of sections about other relevant countries. —Michael Z. 16:43, 19 May 2022 (UTC)

 * doesn't the article Spetsnaz GRU already cover this? VideōEtCorrigō (talk) 21:32, 22 May 2022 (UTC)
 * That article only covers part of it. Special-forces units of the FSB, SVR, Russian National Guard, and justice ministry are separate, I believe. —Michael Z. 22:08, 23 May 2022 (UTC)
 * Michael Z. What do you think of these links as suitable for a Russian Spetsnaz article?      Dwanyewest (talk) 00:26, 27 June 2022 (UTC)
 * Russian Spetsnaz is redundant. It's like saying American CIA, American FBI, or Russian FSB. 98.96.16.162 (talk) 14:57, 26 July 2022 (UTC)
 * Nonsense.
 * CIA, FBI, and FSB are proper names of agencies. Spetsnaz, “specially designated forces,” is a synonym for special forces or special operations forces. It’s a type of force, like light infantry or artillery.
 * This article has sections on Soviet, Belarusian, Kazakh, Russian, and Ukrainian spetsnaz, and is still incomplete. Most of them are categorically spetsnaz that is not Russian spetsnaz.
 * —Michael Z. 17:55, 26 July 2022 (UTC)
 * Updated capitalization in the proposal because in this title spetsnaz is used generically, meaning “special forces,” and not as a proper name. —Michael Z. 15:45, 28 July 2022 (UTC)

 * Comment would Special forces of Russia be alright as the target title? I noticed Ukraine has its own comparable article so it's better to keep it consistent with that article imo. Dan the Animator 05:33, 20 January 2024 (UTC)

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Medical Antiseptic Needs
One snake shot me in legs few days ago and today i think i feel some difference on body... 93.86.237.195 (talk) 19:08, 23 April 2024 (UTC)

title: Talk:Spetsnaz


text:
Niescier Sakałoŭski

Nieścier Sakałoŭski (Несьцер Сакалоўскі; Нестор Соколовский; 9 November 1902 – 13 November 1950), or Nestor Sokolovsky, was a Soviet composer.

Career
Sakałoŭski composed the music for the Byelorussian SSR's regional anthem, which is used today in the national anthem of Belarus.

title: Niescier Sakałoŭski


text:
Elmar Brok

Elmar Peter Brok (born 14 May 1946) is a German politician who was a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 1980 until 2019. He was the chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs from 1999-2007 and from 2012-2017. He is a member of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany, which is part of the European People's Party.

Brok held many leadership positions in German and European politics. As a member of the Convention on the Constitution for Europe and in the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, he is widely credited with contributing crucially to the Constitution of the European Union. He is also a former President of the Union of European Federalists (UEF).

Early life and education
Brok studied law and politics in Germany and at the Centre for European Governmental Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Formerly, he worked as a radio journalist and newspaper correspondent.

Positions in the European Parliament

 * Member of the European Peoples Party and European Democrats group (member of the board of directors)
 * Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (1999–2007, again 2012-2017)
 * Substitute member of the Subcommittees on Security and Defence (SEDE) and Constitutional Affairs (AFCO)
 * Co-Chair of the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue
 * Member of the EP-Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China
 * Substitute Member of the delegation for the relations with the United States
 * Substitute member of the EP-Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly
 * Chairman of the Board of Governors of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED)
 * Member of the European Parliament Intergroup on Biodiversity, Countryside, Hunting and Recreational Fisheries (since 2014)

Brok has held several other leadership positions in the European Parliament, including Member of the European People's Party (EPP) Political Bureau, Member of the EPP Group Bureau, Coordinator in the European Parliament committees on social affairs, drugs and German unity, and the European Parliament Representative on the Council's Reflection Group for Maastricht II.

From 2007 until 2017, Brok was the co-chair of the EPP Foreign Ministers Meeting, which gathers EPP foreign ministers ahead of meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council, serving alongside Franco Frattini (2007-2011), Radosław Sikorski (2011-2014) and Sebastian Kurz (2014-2017).

Brok was the European Parliament's negotiator at several treaty negotiations including the EU-Treaties of Amsterdam (1996/1997), Nice (2000) and Lisbon (2007), the Convention on the Future of Europe (2001-2002), the European Stability Mechanism (2011-2012) and the International Treaty on Fiscal Stability (2011-2012). In November 2014, he and fellow MEP Mercedes Bresso were appointed by the constitutional affairs committee to explore the possibilities of the eurozone governance reform without any treaty change.

Besides his constitutional work, Brok is best known for his activities on the Committee on Foreign Affairs. He was chairman of the committee in 1997-2007, but ousted after a contest within the centre-right European People's Party by Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, who was followed in 2009 by Gabriele Albertini; Brok returned to the position for the period from 2012 until 2017. He was the Parliament's main rapporteur on enlargement and rapporteur for the EU's enlargement strategy and the European External Action Service (along with Guy Verhofstadt). In 2010, he joined the Friends of the EEAS, an unofficial and independent pressure group formed because of concerns that the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton was not paying sufficient attention to the Parliament and was sharing too little information on the formation of the European External Action Service. In a 2013 own-initiative report drawn up by Brok and fellow MEP Roberto Gualtieri, the European Parliament called for overhauling the EEAS and increasing parliamentary influence over the EU's diplomatic service.

From 2017, Brok served on the Parliament's so-called Brexit Steering Group, which works under the aegis of the Conference of Presidents and to coordinates Parliament's deliberations, considerations and resolutions on the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

Ahead of the 2019 European elections, CDU officials voted not to grant Brok spot on the party's candidate list.

Positions in the Christian Democratic Union
Former Chancellor Helmut Kohl once sarcastically summarized Brok's CV: "born, married, MEP." Brok has held numerous leadership positions for the Christian Democratic Party in Germany, including Deputy Federal Chairman of the Junge Union (CDU youth section) (1973–1981), Chairman of the CDU Federal Committee on Foreign and Security Policy (1989–1999), CDU District Chairman of Ostwestfalen-Lippe (since 1996), Secretary of the CDU Land Executive of North Rhine-Westphalia (since 1996), Chairman of the CDU Federal Committee on European policy (since 1999), Assistant Chairman of the International Democrat Union (since 1991), Deputy Chairman of the European Union of Christian Democratic Workers (since 1991), and Chairman of the European Union of Christian Democratic Workers.

On 15 September 2010, Brok supported the new initiative Spinelli Group in the European Parliament, which was founded to reinvigorate the campaign for federalisation of the European Union (EU).

On 16 November 2013, he was elected president of the Union of European Federalists.

Following the 2013 German elections, Brok was part of the CDU/CSU team in the negotiations with the SPD on a coalition agreement.

European integration
Over the course of his political career, Brok has been an advocate of ever closer integration between Germany and the other countries of the European Union. Along with Greek MEP Dimitris Tsatsos, he was one of the European Parliament's two official observers at the EU negotiations that culminated in the Treaty of Nice, a deal which he later harshly criticized.

Brok has been an early proponent of having the European Union abandon its old method of leaving constitutional negotiations to national leaders. In 2013, however, he opposed German plans to hold national referendums for major decisions on Europe; he argued that "[i]f this was implemented in Germany, it would be seen abroad as putting an end to further development of the EU, the EU would become ineffective."

Brok is regarded a critic of an accession of Turkey to the European Union. In 2011, he expressed his skepticism of Turkey's efforts to establish itself as a regional power within the Arab world; in his view, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is seeking to transform it into a regional power similar to the status it held "earlier with the Ottoman Empire" rather than pursuing the goal of EU membership.

In 2018, Brok voted against transnational voting lists for European elections.

Relations with Russia
Brok is an advocate of pursuing a "two-track policy with Russia". In an interview with the International Herald Tribune, he said: "Europe and Germany together need a strategic partnership with Russia but in parallel to focusing on human rights, too." Following the assassination of journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya in 2006, Brok demanded that German Chancellor Angela Merkel speak openly about human rights with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking on European investments made by the Russian sovereign wealth fund and Gazprom in 2008, he expressed uncertainty about the intentions of Russia: "The Russians are just getting going and we don't fully understand their motives [...] That is going to keep the political pressure to do something high."

In 2012, Brok was among the 48 signatories of an open letter to demand that the European Union implement its own version of the U.S. Magnitsky Act.

When Russian leaders, concerned about Ukraine setting course toward Europe, threatened to permanently tighten customs on Ukrainian goods should the country proceed with the agreement, Brok declared that “Russia has no right to act in the way it's doing.” In 2013, he publicly blamed Russian pressure for Ukraine's leadership not signing the Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement.

When the request of Lithuanian MEP Gabrielius Landsbergis to meet with Russian MPs and officials in Moscow was denied amid the Russo-Ukrainian War in early 2015, Brok complained that the case represents “a new level of non-co-operation.”

Transatlantic relations
Amid tensions between Germany and the United States over intelligence cooperation in 2015, Brok cited the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership as one project that could fail as a result of the frayed relations, calling the tensions “a further blow for all those who want closer relations with America.” Asked why Germans failed to spot American violations of a 2002 accord on sharing intelligence, he suggested that too many Germans working in the BND had “a blind loyalty” to their trans-Atlantic partners.

On the United Kingdom
Following British prime minister David Cameron's decision to wield the UK veto against European Union treaty change, Brok said it was time to “marginalize Britain, so that the country comes to feel its loss of influence”.

Armenian genocide
Speaking during the parliamentary debate on a 2015 resolution commemorating the centennial of the Armenian genocide, Brok underlined what he called the moral obligation to recognize and commemorate such massacres: “My own people committed genocides,” he said. “Hundreds of thousands of Armenians died at the hands of the Ottoman Empire's henchmen.”

United Nations reform
Brok is a supporter of the Campaign for the Establishment of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly, an organisation which advocates for democratic reformation of the United Nations, "to allow for greater public participation in the activities of the UN."

Lobbying activities
Between 2004 and May 2011, Brok was Senior Vice President for Media Development at Bertelsmann. According to information broadcast by German media his activities as lobbyist of Bertelsmann were also scrutinized by the EU Commission. According to journalist Lutz Mükke (2005) Brok used his influence to ban Hajo Friedrich, who published a critical article concerning Brok's muddy activities, from the political ressort of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. In an interview with the German newspaper Die Tageszeitung, Brok reflected his activities and stated that for him politics was not profession, but hobby. Accordingly, critics of Brok call him a "hobbyist".

In 2011, members of the European Parliament Committee on Legal Affairs voted unanimously against a request by German prosecutors to lift Brok's immunity in a tax blunder. Italian MEP Francesco Speroni had been tasked to write the parliament's view on the matter.

Femen attack in Brussels
On 21 March 2013 women's rights activist and Femen-founder Alexandra Shevchenko assaulted Elmar Brok in front of the European Parliament in Brussels, after luring him outside the building with a phony interview request. Femen accused Brok of soliciting the services of Ukrainian prostitutes and insulting Ukrainian women. Although Femen never disclosed its source, instead mentioning "reliable informations" (sic), the Kyiv Post reported shortly after that circumstantial evidence points to First Deputy Prosecutor General of Ukraine Renat Kuzmin being involved. The European External Action Service denied all allegations against Brok, citing his intensive agenda during his visit. After the assault, one Femen activist was able to flee the scene while Shevchenko was arrested by police officers. Brok did not press criminal charges against Shevchenko.

Recognition

 * Grand Golden Decoration of the Republic of Austria
 * Order of Grand Officer of Luxembourg
 * 2002 – Commander, Order of St. Gregory (appointed by Pope John Paul II)
 * 2003 – Alois Mock Prize for the European of the Year
 * 2003 – MEP of the Year, awarded by European Voice following a Europe-wide vote
 * 2005 – Order for Merits to Lithuania
 * 2005 – Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
 * 2009 – Federal Cross of Merit (First Class)
 * 2018 – Honorary degree from Lesya Ukrainka Eastern European National University

title: Elmar Brok