Fsb

Intelligence agencies of Russia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligence_agencies_of_Russia

• Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), an agency concerned with collection of intelligence outside the Commonwealth of Independent States, reports directly to the president of Russia.
• Main Intelligence Directorate (G.U.), previously known as GRU, since 2010 officially the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (GU), an intelligence service of the Russian Armed Forces.
• Federal Security Service (FSB), an agency responsible for counter-intelligence and other aspects of state security as well as intelligence-gathering in some countries, primarily those of the CIS; reports directly to the president of Russia.

Clothing of the FSB

https://geek-tips.github.io/articles/8133133253970044/index.html Now unable to access - (no surprise)

The uniform of employees of the FSB of Russia - features, history and reviews

Not so long ago, a new uniform of FSB officers was introduced. The final decision was made in 2007. At the same time, a new and unusual for the country color was introduced, the uniform of the FSB officers of Russia - blue-black. A cap of the same color was attached to the clothes.

Reaction

After this reform, many questions arose in society - what does this dark color of clothes mean for security officers? Someone compared the new uniform of the FSB officers with the attire of the guardsmen and monks. The uniforms of Stirlitz were also remembered. An interesting fact is that the new form of the Federal Security Service, in some imagination, echoed the description of the heroes of the Strugatsky brothers, the cavalry of the Holy Order.

2 types

Someone said that this is an exotic way for the president to allocate employees for the fact that Shamil Basayev was liquidated. However, then this version receded into the background. The fact is that services have ceased to mention Basayev’s liquidation everywhere as an achievement.

The initiators of the introduction of the uniform of the FSB officers of a new sample were silent about the reasons for this phenomenon, and this decision was discussed by people's psychologists. There was a version that black throughout the entire time of the existence of mankind symbolized sacredness. In addition, it provokes a sense of anxiety and anticipation of the unknown. This is an authoritarian, overwhelming connotation. It is also believed that black evokes involuntary respect.

About the initiative

The initiative to introduce a new form of the FSB of the Russian Federation came from the state security services themselves. They supported the presidential decree. Initially, it was suggested that special service specialists wear identical army uniforms.

Old form

The styles should have been the same. Moreover, the employees of these status bodies were military personnel. The form is not required for civilians.

The special form of FSB officers aims to emphasize the privileged position of workers. She also distinguishes them from the rest of the military.

First demonstration

For the first time, a new blue-and-black uniform with gold was demonstrated by General FSO Zolotov. Croy resembled tunics of the Soviet samples. For the production of uniforms of FSB officers, intended for the highest ranks, they used expensive and high-quality Italian fabrics, while for ordinary officers they used domestic material.

About requirements

Of course, before the adoption of the new uniform of the FSB officers, the special requirements that are put forward in the Russian Federation for uniforms were taken into account. So, clothes are necessarily comfortable, convenient. It is unacceptable that she squeeze or sag. We need a strict cut, a single color scheme. Moreover, in the form of FSB officers, inserts of other colors may be used. The use of suitable materials is important. So, even in full dress, FSB officers should be comfortable walking in both summer and winter cold. Rank marks must be highlighted against the general background.

The form is of two patterns - everyday and ceremonial. Usually, in the first case, restraint is more characteristic of clothing. In it, the advantage is made in favor of convenience, while the front door uses brighter colors, places for awards are provided. Such clothes look spectacular.

About the Soviet uniform

Before the appearance of the KGB in the country, the NKVD operated. The uniform of the NKVD was developed by the most eminent masters. It was important to do this qualitatively, so that you could immediately distinguish to which department the person belongs.

Later, after the creation of the KGB, special services officers wore ordinary army clothes. But they stood out with special cornflower-blue inserts. Thanks to this, they could be distinguished among the rest of the army.

Old traditions

But in addition to this, the main fire department, in the departments of forced labor camps, and in economic units had the same cornflower-blue inserts on green uniforms. Only the insertion points were different. It was not difficult for an experienced soldier to quickly identify a person’s membership in a particular service.

However, in 1994, Yeltsin introduced a decree according to which the official attire of these categories of persons changed.

Military overcoats replaced the coat, and the tunic became blazers. They dressed the whole army in clothes of olive shades. The most important innovation was the stripes, chevrons, which allowed to refer a person to a particular class of troops.

About the latest changes

At this, official decrees affecting the appearance of employees did not stop being issued. So, in 2010, the President of the Russian Federation signed a decree approving the uniform of employees of the Federal Security Service of Russia of a new type. For some time before the decree, they wore the form of olive flowers. But then she became cornflower blue.

It is noteworthy that before the revolution in Russia there were units with the same form. They were entrusted with functions related to countering terrorism and intelligence. For this reason, the higher officials decided to "return to the roots."

Who sews

The specialist who supplies specialized clothing is the Voenform-design sewing association. It is she who is engaged in the design development of new workwear.

The main task of the association is to provide Russian state structures with new modern models of clothing that would not be inferior in quality to the latest developments of Western colleagues, who are “trendsetters” in this area.

More FSB

Often, clothing produced by the association is exhibited at expositions of international events. There are separate agreements with foreign colleagues for the development of unique latest fabrics that would bring products to a whole new level.

So, for example, the association cooperated with some companies from Finland. Then began to apply the technology of clothing "dry type".

About seasonal clothing

Russian troops, including employees of the Federal Security Service of Russia, need seasonal clothing. Therefore, in the manufacture of clothes of a new sample, the climatic characteristics of the country must be taken into account.

Thus, employees of the FSB can work both in the middle lane and in extremely cold regions of the country. In addition, they are present in the hottest regions of the country, in deserts, semi-deserts. For this reason, the form is presented in several variations.

For example, there are special border suits for the Arctic regions. They can serve in any changes in the harsh polar climate.

The most difficult in this regard is the service of the Coast Guard of the FSB of the Russian Federation. Their clothes have many additional properties designed to protect people. In addition, clothing provides for the possibility of an employee getting overboard. It is characterized by increased buoyancy precisely for this case.

If we are talking about border guards at checkpoints, the most important thing for them is the correctness of documentation. However, they should have a neat appearance. Also, due to the fact that they are entrusted with the function of conducting searches, their service requires increased physical exertion. Sometimes there is a need to view aircraft landing gear, side skins, car bumpers. Therefore, clothes of this type are practical.

The main element in clothing designed for northern areas is an electrically heated vest. Its most important function is heating the employee, improving his well-being, relieving fatigue, stress. In just a couple of minutes, the human body begins to very actively absorb the heat caused by the vest. The speed of recovery processes increases. It is important to note that the conclusions of the FS indicate that such radiation is completely safe for the human body. But you need to know that the vest has its own charge level. The degree of heating is displayed on a special indicator. The weight of the heating kit is not more than 350 grams.

Border Guards in the Arctic

It can work for 6-24 hours, taking into account the degree of heating. In addition, special heating insoles were invented. They are also equipped with heating elements, and the battery from them is not attached to the shoe, since it is located directly in the insoles. Using a special remote control, the insoles are turned off or on. You can separately adjust their temperature. The duration of the insoles will also depend on how much heat is generated by them. With the minimum settings, they will work for 8-10 hours, if the heating level is average, they will last 6-8 hours, and at the maximum value they will work for 4-5 hours.

About fabrics

For the FSB, as well as for the rest of the Russian military, a special type of fabric is used that meets the basic requirements of law enforcement agencies. So, they weigh a little, and wear them comfortably. In addition, fabrics for clothing of a specialized type are selected taking into account the specifics of the activities of employees of the units. It should be noted that development never stands still, and new fabrics that will be more optimal are constantly being developed. It is quite natural to expect further changes in the uniform of employees of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation.

Reviews

First of all, the new uniforms were tested by cadets. Then the new form of the FSB of Russia was issued to the lower ranks, junior officers. Many pointed to poor-quality tailoring of the first samples. A considerable number of FSB officers noted that they had to file the uniform on their own.

In a new form

However, as far as official polls are concerned, servicemen said that for 97% of the employees, the insulated suits of the coast guard provide excellent protection from the cold. Many note the excellent ventilation of overalls of special units, the latest sets of all-weather clothes for the border service of the FSB of Russia.

Cafe "Volkonskiy"

Ulitsa Kuznetskiy Most, 21, строение 5

Cafe Vokonskiy

Washington Post: Russia is harassing U.S. diplomats all over Europe

Highlights:

Diplomats reported that Russian intruders had broken into their homes late at night: only to rearrange the furniture or turn on all the lights and televisions, and then leave. One diplomat reported that an intruder had defecated on his living room carpet. In Moscow, where the harassment is most pervasive, diplomats reported slashed tires and regular harassment by traffic police. Former ambassador Michael McFaul was hounded by government-paid protesters, and intelligence personnel followed his children to school. The harassment is not new; in the first term of the Obama administration, Russian intelligence personnel broke into the house of the U.S. defense attache in Moscow and killed his dog, according to multiple former officials who read the intelligence reports.

A Russian policeman stands in front of an entrance of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow in 2013. (Ivan Sekretarev/Associated Press)

By Josh Rogin June 27, 2016

Russian intelligence and security services have been waging a campaign of harassment and intimidation against U.S. diplomats, embassy staff and their families in Moscow and several other European capitals that has rattled ambassadors and prompted Secretary of State John F. Kerry to ask Vladimir Putin to put a stop to it.

At a recent meeting of U.S. ambassadors from Russia and Europe in Washington, U.S. ambassadors to several European countries complained that Russian intelligence officials were constantly perpetrating acts of harassment against their diplomatic staff that ranged from the weird to the downright scary. Some of the intimidation has been routine: following diplomats or their family members, showing up at their social events uninvited or paying reporters to write negative stories about them.

But many of the recent acts of intimidation by Russian security services have crossed the line into apparent criminality. In a series of secret memos sent back to Washington, described to me by several current and former U.S. officials who have written or read them, diplomats reported that Russian intruders had broken into their homes late at night, only to rearrange the furniture or turn on all the lights and televisions, and then leave. One diplomat reported that an intruder had defecated on his living room carpet.

In Moscow, where the harassment is most pervasive, diplomats reported slashed tires and regular harassment by traffic police. Former ambassador Michael McFaul was hounded by government-paid protesters, and intelligence personnel followed his children to school. The harassment is not new; in the first term of the Obama administration, Russian intelligence personnel broke into the house of the U.S. defense attache in Moscow and killed his dog, according to multiple former officials who read the intelligence reports.

During a question and answer session at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Vladimir Putin said Russia did not want a new Cold war with the West and did not like to think it was slipping into one. (Reuters) But since the 2014 Russian intervention in Ukraine, which prompted a wide range of U.S. sanctions against Russian officials and businesses close to Putin, harassment and surveillance of U.S. diplomatic staff in Moscow by security personnel and traffic police have increased significantly, State Department press secretary John Kirby confirmed to me.

“Since the return of Putin, Russia has been engaged in an increasingly aggressive gray war across Europe. Now it’s in retaliation for Western sanctions because of Ukraine. The widely reported harassment is another front in the gray war,” said Norm Eisen, U.S. ambassador the Czech Republic from 2011 to 2014. “They are hitting American diplomats literally where they live.”

The State Department has taken several measures in response to the increased level of nefarious activity by the Russian government. All U.S. diplomats headed for Europe now receive increased training on how to handle Russian harassment, and the European affairs bureau run by Assistant Secretary Victoria Nuland has set up regular interagency meetings on tracking and responding to the incidents.

McFaul told me he and his family were regularly followed and the Russian intelligence services wanted his family to know they were being watched. Other embassy officials also suffered routine harassment that increased significantly after the Ukraine-related sanctions. Those diplomats who were trying to report on Russian activities faced the worst of it.

“It was part of a way to put pressure on government officials who were trying to do their reporting jobs. It definitely escalated when I was there. After the invasion of Ukraine, it got much, much worse,” McFaul said. “We were feeling embattled out there in the embassy.”

There was a debate inside the Obama administration about how to respond, and ultimately President Obama made the decision not to respond with similar measures against Russian diplomats, McFaul said.

A spokesman for the Russian Embassy in Washington sent me a long statement both tacitly admitting to the harassment and defending it as a response to what he called U.S. provocations and mistreatment of Russian diplomats in the United States.

“The deterioration of U.S.-Russia relations, which was not caused by us, but rather by the current Administrations’ policy of sanctions and attempts to isolate Russian, had a negative affect on the functioning of diplomatic missions, both in U.S. and Russia,” the spokesman said. “In diplomatic practice there is always the principle of reciprocity and, indeed, for the last couple of years our diplomatic staff in the United States has been facing certain problems. The Russian side has never acted proactively to negatively affect U.S. diplomats in any way.”

Evelyn Farkas, who served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia until last year, said that there is no equivalence between whatever restrictions Russian diplomats are subjected to in the United States and the harassment and intimation that U.S. diplomats suffer at the hands of the Russian security services. The fact that the Russian government stands accused of murdering prominent diplomats and defectors in European countries adds a level of fear for Russia’s targets.

“When the Russian government singles people out for this kind of intimidation, going from intimidation to harassment to something worse is not inconceivable,” Farkas said.

Kirby told me that the State Department takes the safety and well-being of American diplomatic and consular personnel abroad and their accompanying family members extremely seriously. “We have therefore repeatedly raised our concerns about harassment of our diplomatic and consular staff with the Russians, including at the highest levels,” he said.

Kerry raised the issue directly with Putin during his visit to Moscow in March. Putin made no promises about ending the harassment, which continued after Kerry returned to Washington. The U.S. ambassadors to Europe are asking the State Department to do more.

Leading members of Congress who are involved in diplomacy with Europe see the lack of a more robust U.S. response as part of an effort by the Obama administration to project a veneer of positive U.S.-Russian relations that doesn’t really exist.

“The problem is there have been no consequences for Russia,” said Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), who serves as president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. “The administration continues to pursue a false narrative that Russia can be our partner. They clearly don’t want to be our partner, they’ve identified us as an adversary, and we need to prepare for that type of relationship.”