The Azerbaijani Army, founded 108 years ago, is considered one of the strongest armed forces in the region today. Behind the successes of our army are not only modern weapons and equipment, but also highly trained professional soldiers, including special forces. Special forces are distinguished as elite forces that undertake the most complex tasks both in peacetime and wartime.
The role of special forces is always particularly emphasized in the historic Victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War.
Zaur Huseynov, a participant in combat operations, Hero of the Patriotic War, and a retired special forces officer, spoke to Modern.az about the training process of special forces, their combat experience in the Patriotic War, the Shusha operation, and the role of technologies in modern warfare.
We present his interview:
– Mr. Zaur, first of all, we would like to know, by what characteristics does the training process of special forces differ from ordinary military training?
- Special forces training is not just about heavy physical exercises. It is a long and complex school that shapes both a person's p and character. The goal is not only to train a strong fighter, but to form a professional soldier who maintains composure in the most difficult conditions, makes correct decisions in seconds, and completes the task to the end.
If ordinary military training prepares a soldier for battle, special forces training brings a soldier to a level where they can change the fate of a battle in non-standard situations. Operating in mountainous areas, forests, settlements, day and night - in any weather conditions, high physical endurance, psychological stability, leadership, and team spirit are the main pillars of this training. For a special forces operative, training never ends. Because the battlefield never gives advance warning.
– What physical and psychological tests do soldiers who want to become special forces undergo? What is the most difficult stage?
- This path is not for everyone. A soldier who wants to become a special forces operative must first be able to defeat himself. In the selection phase, candidates undergo serious tests such as high physical fitness, long-distance marches, overcoming obstacles, endurance, tactical skills, and decision-making under stress. But more difficult than all of these is psychological preparation. There are moments in battle when the p reaches its limits. At that moment, it is not the muscles that keep a person on their feet, but their will. I have witnessed this many times during my service. To be a special forces operative, one first needs character, love for the homeland, and determination. When we were advancing towards Shusha, we encountered very difficult terrain. Steep cliffs, deep valleys, harsh weather conditions... But no one thought of turning back. Because each of us had only one goal - to raise the Azerbaijani Flag in Shusha.
– To what extent did the training level and professionalism of special forces play a role in the successes achieved in the Patriotic War?
- The Victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War was primarily the result of the strength of the Azerbaijani state, the resolute leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, the professionalism of our army, and the unbreakable unity of our people.
The role of special forces units was particularly important in achieving the Great Victory. Special forces were at the forefront in the most complex directions, in positions that the enemy considered reliable. I myself participated in the battles in the directions of Fuzuli, Jabrayil, and Khojavend. Behind the work we did in every operation was years of continuous training. During the battle, you no longer thought about how you would perform a certain action. All of these had become reflexes as a result of many years of training. The Shusha operation is one of the most glorious pages in the military history of Azerbaijan. Many military experts around the world evaluate this operation as an example of the high professionalism of special forces. Advancing through steep cliffs, engaging in hand-to-hand combat, and accomplishing the assigned task with limited resources was a job that only highly trained personnel could do. I am proud to have commanded one of the first three special forces groups that entered Shusha. Seeing the Azerbaijani Flag in Shusha at that moment was the greatest moment of pride in every fighter's life. This feeling cannot be expressed in words.
– How has the development of technologies in the modern era, especially the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, affected the activities and training methods of special forces?
- Modern wars are no longer fought only with weapons, but with information, technology, and high-precision control systems. Unmanned aerial vehicles have created completely new opportunities in terms of assessing the situation on the battlefield, conducting reconnaissance, and coordinating operations. For this reason, the application of technologies also plays an important role in the training of special forces. However, one truth remains unchanged: technology can never replace human will. Even the most modern equipment can only be as effective as the professional soldier who operates it. The main factor ensuring victory is still the trained person, correct decision, and strong spirit.
– How do you evaluate the combat readiness and professionalism of Azerbaijani special forces today in terms of international standards?
- Today, Azerbaijani special forces have a level of training comparable to that of prestigious special forces units around the world. The real combat experience we have gained is our greatest advantage. Because no training can replace the experience gained in real combat. In recent years, the Azerbaijani Army has undergone great development in terms of technical provision, personnel training, and management system. The whole world saw the result of this development in 2020. Of course, there is no limit to professionalism. It is the duty of every special forces operative to learn, develop, and adapt to the demands of modern warfare every day.
– What advice would you like to give to Azerbaijani youth and young people preparing for military service on the occasion of Armed Forces Day?
- First of all, I sincerely congratulate all our military personnel, veterans, war veterans, and our people on June 26 - Armed Forces Day. I respectfully bow before the sacred spirit of our martyrs. I want to tell the youth that loving the Motherland is proven not only by words but by deeds. If you want to be strong, first strengthen your character. Be disciplined, choose a healthy lifestyle, increase your knowledge, and constantly work on yourself. Remember that military uniform is not just clothing. That uniform carries the trust of the people, the honor of the state, and the legacy of the martyrs. We liberated these lands at the cost of great sacrifices. Now, it is the most sacred duty of today's youth to protect that Victory and leave a stronger Azerbaijan as a legacy to future generations.
Long live the Azerbaijani Army! Long live the heroic Azerbaijani soldier who achieved Victory under the leadership of our Victorious Commander-in-Chief! Long live independent, strong, and victorious Azerbaijan!
