# Special Operations Regiment (Albania)

The Special Operations Regiment (Albanian: Regjimenti i Operacioneve Speciale), commonly known as B.O.S is the main special forces unit of the Albanian Armed Forces. It is the most elite unit of the Albanian Army. The unit is tasked with special operations in wartime, and primarily with counter-terrorism in peacetime.
The BOS members can be recognized by their maroon berets, and the unit insignia which is carried on the right sleeve of their uniforms.

## History

The Special Operations Battalion was created in 1998 as a direct answer to the region's geopolitical situation. Shortly after their creation, teams of BOS operators were deployed along the Albanian-Yugoslav border during the Kosovo War in 1999 and later along the Albanian-Macedonian border during that country's war in 2001. During these two conflicts, BOS' main tasks were reconnaissance and long-range patrol. In 2002, BOS operators were deployed in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. In Afghanistan, the first contingents operated under Turkish command and their tasks mainly dealt with patrolling the areas around Kabul.
In 2004, Albania sent a unit from the Special Operations Battalion to Mosul as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit together with other units from the Commando Regiment were responsible for base security and perimeter defense. In July 2010, a detachment of 44 men (codenamed EAGLE 1) from the S.O.B led by Colonel Dritan Demiraj was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Differing from previous Albanian deployments, this detachment was directly involved in combat special operations.
The unit worked closely with US military intelligence and was responsible for deep reconnaissance behind Taliban lines, as well as intelligence collection on high-value targets.

## Recruitment, selection and training

All members of the Albanian land forces can be considered for special forces training. After applying, the candidates go through a 26-weeks selection process. During the first 12 weeks, the candidates are forced to march cross country against the clock, with increasing distances covered each day, culminating with a 27 km running with full kit in mountainous terrain. This is called the Commando phase.
In addition, the candidates have to go through marksmanship, navigation and physical endurance tests. During the last week of the selection process, the tests and marches go on for more than 24 hours without stopping. The candidates that are able to pass the selection process, then go through a 14-week-long training process in which they learn survival skills and master their shooting techniques. After that they undergo 4 weeks special operations and CQB course.
For the final test, the candidates are left without food for 72 hours in a remote area of the country; their objective is to evade any possible pursuer and return to base undetected.

## Commanders of note

* Colonel Dritan Demiraj, Commander 2007-2013 (7 Years). He is the most awarded officer in AAF. He is awarded among other medals the Presidential "Medal of Honor" 2014, Presidential "Golden Eagle Medal" 2011. Presidential Medal "Grand Master of Sports" 2018, Medal as "The best military officer of Albanian Armed Forces on 100 Anniversary of Albanian State, November 28, 2012, Minister of Interior of Albania in 2017.

## Equipment
### Weapons

Pistols :
| Model | Caliber | Country |
| Beretta Px4 Storm | 9×19mm | Italy |
| FN Five-seven | 5.7×28mm | Belgium |
| Glock 19 | 9x19mm | Austria |
| Heckler & Koch USP | .45 ACP | Germany |
| Beretta 92 Yavuz 16 | 9×19mm | Italy Turkey |
| Submachineguns ||||
| HK MP5 MKEK MP5 | 9x19mm | West Germany Turkey |
| HK MP7 | HK 4.6×30mm | Germany |
| HK UMP | .45 ACP | Germany |
| Assault rifles and Carbines ||||
| Heckler & Koch G36 | 5.56×45mm | Germany |
| Heckler & Koch HK416 | 5.56×45mm | Germany |
| Beretta ARX 160 | 5.56×45mm | Italy |
| AKM | 7.62×39mm | Soviet Union |
| Machine guns ||||
| Rheinmetall MG3 | 7.62x51mm | Germany |
| Heckler & Koch MG4 | 5.56×45mm | Germany |
| Heckler & Koch MG5 | 7.62×51mm | Germany |
| Shotguns ||||
| Benelli M4 Super 90 | 12-gauge | Italy |
| Sniper Rifles. Designated Marksman Rifles and Anti Materiel rifles ||||
| Heckler & Koch HK417 | 7.62×51mm | Germany |
| Sako TRG | .308 Winchester | Finland |
| Barrett M82 | .50 BMG | United States |
| Heckler & Koch SR9 | 7.62×51mm | Germany |
| Heckler & Koch PSG1 | 7.62×51mm | Germany |
| Anti tank Systems ||||
| AT4 | 84mm | Sweden United States |
| RPG-7 | 40 mm Grenade | Soviet Union |
| BGM-71 TOW | 150mm | United States |

### Vehicles

Land Vehicles :
| Model | Country | Quantity | Note |
| Land Rover Defender | United Kingdom | N/A | |
| Humvee | United States | N/A | Used in Iraq And Afghanistan |
| International MaxxPro | United States | 40 | Used by Eagle-2-8 at Kandahar |

### Aircraft

Helicopters :
| Model | Country | Quantity | Note |
| CH-47 Chinook | United States | 5 | To be Delivered |
| MBB Bo 105 | Germany | 6 | |
| Bell UH-1 Iroquois AB205 | United States Italy | 7 | 3 received in 2004, with a further 4 ordered for delivery through 2006 |
| Eurocopter AS532 Cougar | France | 2 | |