This was the first Victor Suvorov book I read, and not the last! Mr. Suvorov (his pen-name) was a military-intelligence officer who defected from the Soviet Union. He has written a number of engrossing titles about the G.R.U. (military intelligence agency), and related subjects pertaining to the Soviet military.

In this book, we learn about the selection and training of Soviet-era special-operations troops. Each of the U.S.S.R.'s military branches had spetsnaz units. The term "spetsnaz" does not pertain to an individual organization, it is a generalized classification for a number of secret and highly-selective units of the Soviet Union.

With its origins in World War II, Soviet special-operations began as elite organizations tasked with the usual missions of raids, reconnaissance, sabotage, etc. There are many similarities with equivalent units in NATO the military forces, but with some major and minor differences. The spetsnaz emphasis is on deep penetration, striking an enemy in its own territory. Individually, there is a strong focus on martial-arts, survival skills, and athletic prowess. To describe spetsnaz methods of training as "Spartan", is an under-statement.

In summary, the Soviets were keen on developing a military-professional who was extremely dangerous, even by himself.

During the Soviet era, many of the U.S.S.R.'s professional athletes were actually spetsnaz personnel. While competing in events such as the Olympic Games, these spetsnaz troops were not merely performing the typical politicized role of representing their nation in sports-competition. During their free hours, before, between, or after competition, the spetsnaz athlete had a prime opportunity to circulate amongst Western people in their cities. He had a chance to learn about the layout of a city where he might be deployed one day, to strike selected targets, if the Cold War went hot.

Realism in combat-training was a major factor. The Soviet Union allowed a number of extreme methods that would never be approved in the West. Spetsnaz personnel often had the opportunity of practicing hand-to-hand combat techniques on prison inmates, for example.

Russia, and its former Soviet satellites, still maintain such units. They may or may not have the same resources available, as were present prior to 1991, but be assured that they are still a force to be given grave consideration.