SOBT The SOBT - ( Bulgarian : Специализиран отряд за борба с тероризма ; Trans : Special Unit for Combating Terrorism ) is a Bulgarian Special Counter - terrorist Unit that is similar to the GSG 9 , Alpha Group and other counter - terrorist units . It is expert in unconventional warfare and special operations . It is also included in counter - terrorism operations and anyone else who would threaten the Bulgarian State . Still , not a lot is known about the SOBT , the country tries its best to maintain an aura of secrecy about it , whether it is for psychological purposes or for tactical ones . History . The SOBT was established out of the ashes of the Bulgarian communist special forces and recreated for the defense of the country . Originally put in in direct order to the MVR , it now can now be used by the Ministry of the Interior of Bulgaria or the Ministry of Defense . Total staff is 152 men . The SOBT used to refer to all specially trained units in Bulgaria such as the Para - Recon Battalion , Navy Combat Divers ( Black Sea Sharks ) , and the Battalion for Psychological Warfare . Now , all of these were separated so they could be specifically trained for their designation though the SOBT are still trained in all of these manners . They are among the best in south - eastern Europe . In total there are 152 men serving in SOBT : Headquarters ( 14 men ) < br > Office ( 5 men ) < br > Planning Group ( 6 men ) < br > Logistics ( 26 men ) Operations and Missions ( 101 men ) Training and Selection . All SOBT personnel started in the regular army of the Bulgarian Forces , more specifically , they usually start out in the Land Forces . As they rise in rank and show their merit of skill and military prowess and leadership skills , they can apply to train with the SOBT , though sometimes the SOBT will come to them . Training lasts for about 18 months and that is usually enough time for the men to go through all of the training to be a regular in SOBT terms . To be a team leader requires extensive training that could mean at least one more year of training though some train for three additional years . After their first year of training , the regulars go through more specific training depending on what they wish to become , whether it be a Squad Leader , Engineer , Weapons Specialist , Medic Specialist , or Comm ( Communications ) Specialist . Further training time also depends on their choice . The SOBT has conducted training exercises with the " Spetznas " of Russia as well as other respected foreign special forces teams . Afterwards SOBT operators are assembled into squads depending in each mission they take . Platoon , company , and squad numbers vary from mission to mission . Arsenal . Their weapons are more or less like every other special forces teams arsenal , except for the Bulgarian - made AR - M4SF in 7 . 62x39 . They also use the 9x18 Arsenal Shipka sub - machine gun , 9x19 H & K MP5 A3 as well as silenced MP5K - PDW sub - machine gun and 9x19 Glock - 17 pistols . Under their employment are also Steyr AUG , the AR - M1 assault rifle and Mossberg shotgun . Armor . The SOBT uses armored vehicles to get around and a body armor superior in ballistic characteristics to the standard Kevlar Vest . They also use other heat and fire resistant clothing as well as various weather - proof clothes . Tactics . Tactics utilized by SOBT are largely unknown , though it is considered that one of their favorites is using either Night Vision or Heat Vision goggles for spotting enemies . Long range Accuracy International L115A1 and L96 rifles are used to pinpoint hostiles even through brick and cement walls . Future . The SOBT is hoping to be alloted more money for upgrades of its current arsenal and new armored vehicles . They will also be included in more world - wide missions as the country has pledged to devote a full eight percent of its forces to world affairs , including counter - terrorism and corruption .