Генерал-полковник
The Minister of the Interior at that time Colonel general Dimitar Stoyanov issued an order on December 14, 1978 for the formation of a Specialized Operational Militia Unit (Bulgarian abbreviation SOMP standing for "Специално оперативно милиционерско поделение (СОМП)"), which is the forerunner of the SOBT. The unit was based in Sofia and was subordinated to the regional Sofia City Headquarters of the People's Militia (the police department of the capitol). The SOMP was organized in 3 assault companies, a signals platoon and a support group (combining combat and combat service support specialists such as snipers, sappers, martial arts instructors, paratroopers, repair technicians etc.).