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Battling for the beret: Russian military take tough tests to join Special Forces

See how Russian military battle for the right to bear a maroon beret

Photo {{sliderIndex+1}} from 12

Servicemen of a special task force unit of the Siberian District Troops of the Russian National Guard take qualification tests to earn the maroon beret at the Gorny training center

© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS

The combat course during the qualification tests for the right to bear a maroon beret

© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS

The combat course during the qualification tests for the right to bear a maroon beret

© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS

The combat course during the qualification tests for the right to bear a maroon beret

© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS

The combat course during the qualification tests for the right to bear a maroon beret

© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS

The combat course during the qualification tests for the right to bear a maroon beret

© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS

Qualification tests for the right to bear a maroon beret at the Gorny training center

© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS

Qualification tests for the right to bear a maroon beret at the Gorny training center

© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS

Qualification tests for the right to bear a maroon beret at the Gorny training center

© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS

MMA fight as part of qualification tests for the right to bear a maroon beret

© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS

The maroon beret awards ceremony

© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS

The maroon beret awards ceremony

© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS

The maroon (crimson) beret is a symbol of the Special Forces elite. Servicemen from special task force units of the Siberian District Troops of the Russian National Guard took part in qualification tests for the right to wear a maroon beret at a training center in Novosibirsk. Take a look at one of the world’s most difficult competitions.

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