Minsk’s special police forces pass qualification tests
On May 5th, qualification tests for the right to wear the symbol of honour, valour and courage of the Belarusian riot police – a black beret – took place on the basis of the special purpose police detachment of the Minsk City Executive Committee
Twenty-five young policemen representing Minsk’s special forces had to march more than 10km in full combat gear – overcoming fire-assault and water obstacles in woodland, shooting at a firing range of the 120th Separate Guards Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces from a machine gun and pistol, and also demonstrating their hand-to-hand combat capabilities. Interestingly, each candidate had to fight against three experienced colleagues in turn.
A brief address of Colonel Dmitry Balaba, the Commander of the Special Purpose Police Detachment of the Minsk City Executive Committee’s Police Department, inspired the would-be holders of black berets. “There are real fighters here. These are people who have come to the detachment to perform the set tasks and honestly serve the Motherland. Therefore, in no case do I doubt that you will succeed. Once again I’m encouraging you to win!”
A few hours later, the result was announced: twenty-four strong men covered the distance to receive their black berets. Among them was a policeman who successfully passed the internal troops’ qualification tests for the right to wear a maroon beret just a couple of weeks ago.
The Head of the Minsk City Executive Committee’s Police Department, Major General Mikhail Grib, handed the berets to their new holders.
Symbolically, another landmark ceremony – confirming close ties of different generations of the Motherland defenders – took place on the parade ground: the Eaglets. The Heirs of Victory! military-patriotic club, which has recently begun its work on the basis of Minsk’s special purpose police detachment, received its flag, and its pupils were given club membership cards. The young patriots proclaimed the oath of allegiance to the Motherland in the presence of officers, soldiers, and their parents.
