Special Rapid Response Unit Day in Russia Date in the current year: November 9, 2024

The Special Rapid Response Unit (SOBR) is a spetsnaz (special forces) unit of the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardiya). Its history dates back to November 9, 1978. On that day, a Special Militsiya Unit was created by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Soviet Union as part of the preparations for the 1980 Summer Olympics. It became the first special forces unit in the history of the Soviet militsiya.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, new special forces units were formed under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation on February 10, 1992. Originally named SOBR, they were known as Special Militsiya Units (OMSN) between 2002 and 2011, and as Special Units (OSN) in 2011-2012. In 2012, all special forces units were renamed SOBR again.

Following the establishment of the National Guard of Russia in 2016, the command of the SOBR units was transferred from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the National Guard. At that point, Russia’s special forces numbered approximately 5,200 operatives in 87 units.