The Military

The Military, simply referred to as the army, official name: **State Security Service of Ukraine**, is the only legal armed force in the Zone. By all technicalities, they are the largest and most powerful faction, having access to an almost unlimited manpower pool and wide variety of combat and utility vehicles.

> Attention, you're approaching the secured perimeter of an ecological disaster zone.
>
>
> Any attempt to penetrate into the secured zone will be punished any means necessary.
>
>
>
> Patrols have the rights to shoot on sight!
>
> -Propaganda broadcast at the southern checkpoint

## State Security Service

The words on the patch reads: МВС України – державна служба охорони (MVS Ukrayiny – derzhavna sluzhba okhorony). This translates as "Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs - State Security Service".

## General information

### Overview

The State Security Service is a joint task force, created by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVS) and the Security Service (SBU or SSU in English/USS as in **CoP**). Formerly, it was under control of the Internal Troops of Ukraine, before it was handed over to the SBU around 2010 for "employing a more effective solution for the situation in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone due to the apparent ineffective strategies of the [army] forces in stopping the growth of the so-called "stalker" phenomenon, as ordered by the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine". After 2014's Revolution of Dignity (Euromaidan), the Internal Troops were dissolved and replaced with the National Guard, which in turn, assumed control of the forces in the Chernobyl Zone alongside with the SBU.

Their assigned duties, as ordered by the Verkhovna Rada, are:

* Stopping the stalker phenomenon, with the first step being preventing people from accessing the secured Zone.
* Prevent all kinds of illegal trading/shipment of artifacts to the outside world (or Big Land as many stalkers prefer to call it. See *Shadow of Chernobyl*'s NPC dialogues).
* The eventual elimination of all illegal stalker groups in the Zone.

It's a known fact that the army is literally too incompetent to even function beyond their already low tolerance for the Zone's shenanigans. Recently, however, the army have witnessed a major shift of command structure as well as the establishment of a disciplinary office for better management of personnel's morale and actions (such as deserting, espionage, etc.).

The faction is controlled & collectively played by: Greyhound (controller), First Mate Topol**,** Navigator Borealis and Styx River.

### Corruption

While this is present in all factions in the Zone and armed forces around the world, it's a running gag of just how corrupted Eastern European and Third World countries' armies are. The Ukrainian Armed Forces is no exception (both in-game and in real life, specifically from 2014 onwards). All the way back after the very first emission, the stalkers population boomed, but not as serious and uncontrollable as back in 2010. Officers were known to be highly incompetent, owning to the fact their pay was as empty as a Gulag worker (or S-23's Gestalt, *if you know what I mean*). They would accept bribes from stalkers, turning a blind eye to artifact smuggling business, as well as *shooting them for sport,* the latter being much more widespread and applied to all members of the Military back then. Nowadays however, with the switch of commanding body, the Military has taken for a more serious take on this severe matter as well as the general lack of competence. With the establishment of the **Disciplinary and Security Office - DSO** (now abolished), internal affairs are highly expected to be tightly monitored and quickly resolved from this point onwards.

## Infrastructure

### Command structure

It goes as follow: **SOC (Supreme Operational Command)** -> Commander-in-chief -> All lower COs, NCOs and regular soldiers.

As of May 28th, 2019, the State Security Service has established the following "high command of forces" for ease of coordination:

* **Southern Group of Forces**: CO - *Major Vasilev*
* **Northern Group of Forces**: CO - *Captain Makarov*
* **Western Pripyat Group of Forces**: CO - *Lieutenant Colonel Malenkov* (Inactive)
* **Eastern Pripyat Group of Forces**: CO - *Senior Lieutenant Kolesnikov* (Inactive)

### Divisions:

* **SBU**: **Security Service of Ukraine**. Formed back in 1991 as the official Ukrainian successor to the KGB division in the UkrSSR. Their role in the Zone is to investigate and help control the Military's affairs. One of this was the infamous investigation of the failure of **Operation Fairway** back in 2012 and the eventual evacuation of surviving personnel, *including the legendary* **Strelok**. In the Western world, they are refered to as the **USS.**
	1. Alpha Group: Ukraine is known to maintain its' own special forces for each of its' armed force branches. One of this is the **SBU "Alpha"** Group, one of the many successors to the original Alpha Group of the KGB (now *Directorate "A" of the FSB Special Purpose Center*). A group is deployed into the Zone as of now, tasked with investigating the sudden rise of the UNISG, once more.
* ~~**DSO**: Dubbed by personnel as "The Zone's KGB", they are the most recent division of the State Security Service. Their role is to maintain the general forces' discipline as well as recovering deserted or stranded personnel and detaining possible sleeper agents within the ranks. All detainees are then transported outside the Zone for further investigation by the SBU.~~
	+ As of 14th September 2019, the DSO has been abolished "in favor of self-moderation without intervention from the Supreme Command".
* **STEELKNIFE-K**: High command of Spikehead - the Military's armored branch.
* **AIRHOG-K**: High command of Airhog - the Military's air assault branch.
* **Services:**
	1. **UAFRN - Ukrainian Armed Forces Radio Network**: Essentially the AFN for the Ukrainian troops stationed in the Zone. Formerly restricted to only Ukrainian personnel. now they would typically play a song in the general communication chat. It's operated by Senior Sergeant Voroshinova and a couple other officers.
	2. **Department "P":** Not until recently, the army hadn't got into any form of diplomatic meetings with any of the stalker clans in the Zone of Alienation, save for the free stalkers and bandits (See Clear Sky's general plotline). However, with massive illegal operations being conducted in the Zone as of today, the UHC have ultimately reached the decision of establishing certain "friendly and neutral" relationships with factions, such as Loners, Clear Sky, Duty and Freedom. However, these relationships are at best, "as strong as a guitar string". The primary aim to this critical move is to "further strengthen the effectiveness of providing a countermeasure against Zone-wide incidents".

### Notable & decorated personnel:

* **Commander-in-chief:** General Nikolay Petrovich - temporal promotion
* **Quartermaster:** Sergeant Spooner
* **Ration officer:** Sergeant Barinov/Cannovich
* **Medical officer:** Lieutenant Rogovets
* **Communication officer:**
	+ Cordon - Southern checkpoint: Senior Sergeant Voroshinova
	+ Agroprom Research Institute: Captain Natalia Yeong
* **Intelligence officer:** Lieutenant Yuri Andreyev, one of the more decorated personnel of the Intelligence Department of the State Security Service.
* **Others:**
	1. Colonel Kuznetsov: Former commander-in-chief from 2014 until 2019.
	2. Captain Karillov: Commanding officer of the legendary Spikehead-4 (Now renamed Steelknife-1)
	3. "Overlord": A rather famed Mi-24V pilot. (Played by Styx River)
	4. Corporal Thoth: Overwatch and dispatch for Captain Yeong. (Played by Sebastopol)

### Ranks:

#### Enlisted and noncommissioned officers:

* Private
* Private first class
* Junior sergeant
* Sergeant
* Senior sergeant
* Chief sergeant
* Master sergeant
* Senior master sergeant
* Chief master sergeant

#### Commissioned officers:

* Cadet (Officer in training)
* Junior lieutenant
* Lieutenant
* Senior lieutenant
* Captain
* Major
* Lieutenant colonel
* Colonel
* Major general
* Lieutenant general
* Colonel general
* General

### Base's location:

The Research Institute and Underground, Agroprom. It's also nicknamed as "The army's backyard".

### AOs:

* Cordon - both checkpoints. One helicopter unit patrol currently active.
* Darkscape - major area, fully under army control. One light helicopter patrol unit currently active.
* Garbage (usually avoided)
* Agroprom - One helicopter patrol unit currently active.
* Dark Valley (regularly launches assault on the abandoned industrial complex)
* Truck Cemetery: Primary route of choice for major deployment.
* Army Warehouses
* The Red Forest
* The Radar
* Pripyat City
* Pripyat Outskirts
* The CNPP: Operations indefinitely ceased until further orders.

## Diplomatic relations and general forces

*See:* Zone Politics and Factions' Infrastructure

## Equipment

### Organization:

Formally, the Military has a total of three types of troops:

* **Grunts:** The primary fighting force of the Military, comprised of conscripts and volunteers, as well as convicts (in exchange for prison sentences). These men are generally not motivated to perform their assigned duties well and as such, are prone to deserting/defecting from ranks. As a matter of fact, a large number of units deployed into the Zone were documented as penal battalions. ~~This is one of the primary reasons why **DSO** was considered for establishment.~~
* **Spetnatz:** Officially known as **Ukrainian Special Purpose Regiments**, these guys are composed of experienced and well-trained operators issued with high quality equipment. They are deployed as rapid insertion troops, being the first to assault a position with precision and speed. Their secondary purposes include recovering stranded scientific personnel, conducting raids to locations of high importance/interest, etc.
* **Military Stalkers**: Contracted stalkers as well as selected Spetnatz operators who received extra training in survivability, combat, etc. They are by far the most valuable asset to the Military and as such, is treated with utmost respect. They are issued with state-of-the-art protective gear and have access to a wide selection of firearms to fit with their mission's requirements. They are primarily deployed deep inside the Zone's Northern territories, such as the Zaton and Jupiter regions.

### Equipment - Grunts:

#### Helmets and gas masks:

* Helmets:
	1. SSh-68: The most common helmet available.
	2. Locals' steel helmets: "Slight upgrade from the SSh-68. It's heavier, indicating that the materials used are of higher quality than that of the Soviet helmet."
	3. Bandana: Simple facial protection. It's usually coupled with the SSh.
	4. Black cap: "Sometimes, sunlight can be deadly for the head."
* "Gas masks? What kind of luxury is that?":
	1. Scavenged retrofitted PBF gas masks: "We picked them off dead stalkers."
	2. Actual pristine retrofitted PBF gas masks: "We managed to capture a small number of these after a successful raid to a depot."
	3. Respirators: Locally made by the boys inside workshops. Based on the PBF.
	4. Scarfs: "Keeps the neck warm for times of winter."
	5. Pieces of cloth: "Gramps were there during the siege of Osowiec."

#### Body armor:

* For regular personnel: PSZ-7 military service outfit
	+ The standard outfit for all members of the **Ukrainian Infantry Regiments**. They are comprised of a Ukrainian Army combat uniform, medium-grade armor, basic combat webbing and army boots. They provide NIJ Level IIIA protection, below average elemental protection and weights considerably. PSZ stands for *Personal System for Protection - Персональная система защиты* (**P**ersonal'naya **S**istema **Z**ashchity).Alternative patch on uniform's sleeves.
* For officers: PSZ-7 w/ either a Ukrainian Army's service cap or black/blue beret.

#### Weapons:

##### Primary arms:

		1. AKS-74u: Shorten AKS-74, intended for armored vehicle crews and auxiliary troops. Also known as the Krinkov, or simply Krink in the Western world.
			1. AKS-74UN: "Night" variant of the AKSU. Features a dovetail mount for night sights such as the NSPU.
			2. AKS-74UB: Integrally suppressed AKSU. Features a custom set of sights for usage of subsonic ammo (7U1) and a suppressor known as PBS-4. It's known that the powder contained inside the 7U1 bullets weren't enough for the gun to fully cycle, essentially making it a bolt-action suppressed carbine.
	2. Assault rifles:
		1. AKM: Modernized version of the legendary AK-47, created by Mikhail Kalashnikov. The primary differences include the usage of stamped receivers instead of milled ones and the inclusion of a trigular muzzle brake for reducing recoil. It's by far the most common 7.62x39mm variant of the AK family, alongside the AK-103 of the 100 series.
			1. Sniper AKMS: An accurized version of the AKMS. It restricts the weapon to fire in semi-auto only but possesses great accuracy comparable to an unmodified AK-74 and a minor increase in weight. Supplied with an integral PSO-1 scope since only "N" versions are manufactured with dovetail mount. So far, it has only been seen issued to border troops. No official designation exists for this model, suggesting that it's a local modification than an official variant, designed for the Ukrainian Army.
		2. AK-74 family: Basically, the AKM but scaled down to fire a new cartridge at the time (early models were literally that). Entered service in 1974, with its' first debut being in the dusty and scorching plains as well as hills of Afghanistan, which is also one of its' most iconic appearances. Service rifle of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as many other Eastern European armies and nations across the globe.
			1. AK-74 Plum: Back in the early 90s, several models of the AK-74 were retrofitted with polymer furniture in a distinct color now commonly referred to as "plum" (Essentially dark brown, with a slight shade of mahogany). It's said that the army is aiming towards replacing wooden furniture on all of their existing models with this "plum" polymer furniture, since it's lighter and more durable.

		1. PKM: Another member of the legendary Kalashnikov gun family. It's essentially a belt-fed, upside down, chambered in 7.62x54R AK. Locally produced in Ukraine as **Mayak KM-7.62**, which is said to be lighter and easier to handle. Commonly operated by a machine gun crew of three.
		2. PKMS: PKM but made for mounting on tripods. An iconic mount is located at the Cordon's southern checkpoint.
			1. Opinion from a very excited serviceman:
			> ALERT! STALKER DETECTED! OPEN FIRE!
			>
			> - Machine gunner at the southern checkpoint, 2011
	2. Light machine guns:
		1. RPD: The Soviet Union's very first SAW chambered in 7.62x39mm, with the RPK being the second. Design dated back to late 1945. It's fed from a 100rnd drum magazine, through a belt. Have seen uses in a number of conflicts from late 1940s onwards.
			1. "Tough times requires Soviet solutions."
		2. RPK: Squad automatic weapon based on the AKM. It features a long and heavy barrel to accommodate long period of sustained fire, while still retaining accuracy, as well as strengthened parts, such as a more durable (and heavy, of course) dust cover. Widely used by a number of Eastern European countries, the Third World and even Midde Eastern nations as their primary SAW.
		3. RPK-74: Essentially the RPK scaled down to fire 5.45x39mm, acting as a complement to the AK-74. Service squad support weapon for a number of countries, such as the Russian Federation.

##### Seconadaries:

* Service sidearms:
	1. PM: Old Soviet Army service pistol from the 1950s, still used in large numbers.
	2. Fort-12: One of Ukraine's indigenous designs. Entered service with the SBU around the late 1990s.
	3. Fort-14TP: Ukrainian Army's new service pistol. Currently supplementing the PM.
	4. Fort-15 - Colonel Kuznetsov's personal sidearm.

##### Others:

1. SMGs:
	1. PPSh-41: Legendary submachinegun of the Eastern Front, essentially an improvement of a shamelessly copied design from the Finns' Suomi KP/31. Also known as the "burp gun" for its' insane rate of fire of around 1000 RPM and "daddy" as a direct translation from the word "papasha". It's chambered in 7.62x25mm Tokarev, a relatively powerful pistol round, making the papasha a deadly and effective choice for clearing tight quarters.
		1. "MY GRANFATHER WAS A COMMISSAR!"
	2. OTs-02 "Kiparis": Soviet SMG from the 1970s, not adopted until 1991. Chambered in 9x18mm Makarov. It was intended for usage among law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Internal Affairs forces. This model is commonly seen in the hands of reconnaissance units.
2. Shotguns:
	1. Fort-500: Ukraine's domestically designed shotgun for law enforcement.
	2. Izhmash Saiga-12K: Shotgun design based on the AK family for exports among law enforcement and civilian markets. It's a common sight among U.S. gun enthusiasts as well as in the hands of several security companies across the globe. Certain armed forces also adopted this design for its' versatility.
		1. Mosin-Nagant M91/30: Also known as the 3-line rifle, this thing has survived so many wars it's comical. It's still being used today by a number of insurgent groups, as well as regular forces(!), either as a ceremonial rifle or reservists' rifle.
		2. Sniper Mosin: Essentially the 91/30 with a curved bolt and a PU scope attached. This model, alongside with the base rifle, have seen a lot of action during the Great Patriotic War.
			1. "It's alright, honestly. Still accurate enough to hit an Ivan from three meters away."
	2. Semi-automatic rifles:
		1. SVT-40: Tokarev's semi-automatic rifle that was meant to replace the aging Mosin, which never came to be (sadly). At least, around one million models were created. It was noted for being reliable and robust, while also fragile and difficult to maintain (seriously, troops were trained like shit). This exists as actual military stock (wow).
			1. Sniper SVT: Essentially the SVT with a PU scope attached through a special mount, located at the back.
			2. AVT-40: Automatic version of the SVT. Apparently, some guys with their free time modified some SVTs to have selective fire capabilities.
		2. SKS: First rifle (carbine to be more exact) of the Soviet Union to be chambered in 7.62x39mm. It's also one of the shorter-lived service rifles of the world, since right after the AK passed trials, Simonov was devastated to see that his boy was fated to go away from the front liners faster than the average "alpha male" lasting on bed with "several dolls". Nevertheless, it did continue to see service among the Border Troops and as a ceremonial rifle (hence the phrase below).
			1. "Ceremonial rifles found a new use after several years of abandonment."
			2. OP-SKS: Did you know that JSC Molot converted a couple, if not, hundred thousand of SKS carbines into civvie hunting rifles? Well now you know (unless you played either GAMMA, BaS or EFT). Difference? It comes with a dovetail mount for a scope. Yes, that's that.
				1. "This is just a straight up improvement. Why are we still using stocks from the 1950s?"
	3. Assault rifles:
		1. Colt M4A1: U.S. selective fire carbine, chambered in 5.56x45mm. The army acquired a number of these from dead mercenaries and Freedomers.

#### Note:

Only officers are issued with pistols. See *Service pistol on Wikipedia*

### Equipment - Spetnatz:

#### Helmets and gas masks:

* Helmets:
	1. ACH-7EX (in limited numbers - captured from the Mercenaries and UNISG operators during **Operation Stardust)**
	2. Sphere-08: Also referred to as the "tactical helmet", it's primarily used due to the inclusion of a satellite communication system.
	3. Sphere-12M: Improved version of the Sphere-08. Sacrifice the satellite communication system for better protection against elements.
* Gas masks:
	1. PMK-2: Standard gas masks of the Spetnatz forces. Locally produced.
	2. PMK-4 (captured from Russian forces)
	3. M40 (captured from the Mercenaries and Freedom): A variant of this is integrated to the Sphere helmets.
	4. Avon M50 (captured from the Mercenaries, UNISG and NATO forces): A small batch of around 500 units were purchased around late 2018.

#### Body armor:

* Medium:
	1. Berill-5M: An armor set including a reinforced combat uniform, PSZ-9a protective vest, extra combat webbing, elbow and knee pads, improved protective gloves and a pair of reinforced army boots. It provides slightly above-average protection against all physical threats, especially against ballistic ones, and minimal protection against the Zone's elements. Despite this, it remains a popular suit in the Zone, being somewhat sought after for its' incredible protection against bullets for a considerably low weight for a suit of its' class.
* Heavy:
	1. Skat-9 "Bulat": This piece of suit was regarded as one of the best armors in the Zone back in the days. It comprises of a different combat uniform treated with a substance that improves the suit's general elemental protection, a PSZ-12d protective vest, shoulder, elbow and knee pads and different set of boots. It provides excellent bullet protection while still remains flexible for other duty such as light artifact hunting. The current pattern features even more improved protection against anomalies while the ballistic protection is also slightly increased. This suit is exclusive to Military Stalkers and expert Spetnatz operators. It's also highly sought after among the general stalker community, with the evidence being all factions in the Zone try to salvage any Skat-9 they come across.

#### Weapons:

##### Primary firearms:

* Shotguns:
	1. Izhmash Saiga-12K Tactical: Essentially a Saiga-12K with a lot of tactical attachments, such as railed dust cover for Western optics, etc.

		1. AKS-74UB "Spetnatz": AKS-74UB with synthetic furniture in VSR-94 camouflage. This modeil is also treated a special anti-corrosive mixture. A Zenitco RK-3 pistol grip is installed onto the model.
		2. KS-23M "Drozd": "Handheld anti-everything artillery".
		3. Fort-221 (Ukrainian licensed-produced CTAR-21 - available in both 5.56x45mm NATO and 5.45x39mm)
		4. Fort-224 (Shorten version of the 221)
	2. Assault rifles:
		1. AKMSN: Usually seen with a PSO-1 scope and PBS-1 suppressor.
		2. AK-74 KM-AK (or AK-74M3 if you will): Modernized AK-74 with railed dust cover and handguard. A folding stock and adjustable cheek pad are also included, alongside with a new slotted flash hider for reducing barrel rise and recoil, improving accuracy. Somehow, these kits got into the hands of these operators, *I wonder what fuckery they have done*...
		3. AKS-74N: Usually seen with a PSO-1 scope.
		4. AEK-971 (in limited numbers - acquired though unknown means)
		5. AEK-973 (in limited numbers)
		6. AN-94 (in limited numbers - both acquired [through unknown means] and captured from Russian forces)
		7. AK-74M (captured from dead and surrendered Russian forces during **Operation Assault River and Southern Conquest**)
		8. AK-12 (in extremely limited numbers - same as above)
		9. Fort-227 (Ukrainian licensed-produced ACE 22)
		10. Fort-228 (Ukrainian licensed-produced ACE 31)
		11. Colt M16A4 (in limited numbers - captured from the Mercenaries and UNISG operators)
		12. FNH FNC (in limited numbers - captured from Freedom)
		13. Steyr AUG (in extremely limited numbers - captured from the Mercenaries)
		14. AS "Val": Soviet special purpose assault rifle designed back to the late 1980s, chambered in 9x39mm. It's regarded as one of the most silent rifles in the world. Extremely favored among operators.
		15. OTs-14-4A "Groza-4": Mainly used by senior officers.
	3. Battle rifles:
		1. Fort-229 (Ukrainian licensed-produced ACE 52)
		2. FNH FAL (in limited numbers - captured from Freedom)
		3. FNH SCAR-H (in extremely limited numbers - captured from the Mercenaries and previous firefights with the Monolith)
		4. DSA 58 (in limited numbers - captured from the Mercenaries and UNISG operators)
		5. TsKIB SOO ShAK-12 (in extremely limited numbers - both acquired [through unknown means] and captured from Russian forces)
			1. PKM: Some could be seen shoulder-firing it.
			2. PKP *Pecheneg* (in extremely limited numbers - captured from Russian forces): PKM but modernized and optimized for infantry use.
		2. LMGs:
			1. RPK-74: "We mainly use as a makeshift sniper."
			2. RPK-74M (in limited numbers - captured from Russian forces)
			3. Fort-401 (Ukrainian highly modified-licensed-produced Negev LMG)
	5. DMRs and Sniper Rifles:
		1. Fort-222 (Ukrainian licensed-produced STAR-21)
		2. Fort-301 (Ukrainian licensed-produced Galil Galatz)
		3. SVD: "Grandfather taught me how to shoot a Mosin on steroid."
		4. SVDS: "Grandfather didn't tell me that Mosin got a folding stock."
		5. SVDM (in extremely limited numbers - captured from Russian forces): "Grandfather didn't tell me that the Russians made this thing worse..."
* Submachineguns:
	1. HK MP5A5: Usually silenced and modded.
	2. Fort-224 9x19mm: "We love Israelis."
* Special weapons:
	1. VSS "Vintorez": Usually seen modded with attachments for improving ergonomics and accuracy. It's presumed that the army does internally modifies these rifles as well for improving durability and reliability.

#### Seconadaries

* Service pistol:
	1. 9x18mm
		1. 6P9 PB
		2. Fort-17
	2. 9x19mm
		1. Glock 17 - the only Western handgun to be widely used.
		2. Fort-21 (Ukrainian licensed-produced Jericho 941)
		3. Walther P99 (in limited numbers)
		4. SIG Sauer P226 (in limited numbers, is said to be well-liked)
		5. HK USP9
	3. 45 ACP
		1. SIG Sauer P220 - the only 45. pistol employed by the Ukrainian Spetnatz in the Zone. It's said to have earned a special place among operators for its' ergonomics, reliability and size.
* Machine pistol:
	+ APB: Stechkin's Automatic Pistol, silenced. An upgrade to the PB, for anyone who wants a compact automatic package. Usually comes with a lot of pre-installed modifications and a detachable stock.

### Equipment - Military Stalkers:

#### Helmets and gas masks:

* Helmets:
	1. Sphere-08
	2. Sphere-12M - standard issue
	3. Exohelm
	4. Apocalypse helmet
	5. Cz-M10 "Spartan" helmet
* Gas masks:
	1. Avon M50

#### Body armor:

* Heavy
	1. Skat-9 "Bulat"
	2. Skat-9M: Vastly improved version of the Skat-9. It is essentially the same as the Bulat, with the only major difference being the armor vest itself. Instead of an armored breastplate, it features a tactical bulletproof vest known as PSZ-12p, which provides even more protection in both physical and elemental threats. Formerly considered as the Military's response to the rising fielding of the exoskeleton among major factions such as Duty, Freedom and the Monolith, the sheer cost of production of just one unit was high, making it unfavorable among the eyes of the higher ups of the Military. However, a reasonably large stock was already produced and as such, the Military decided to field them regardless. Performance reports on the field indicated that the suit performed miles better than the Bulat and that a lot of Military Stalkers loved it. This was noted down and recently, in November 2018, an official was reached to resume the production line of the suit. Currently, the suit is strictly available to high-ranking Military Stalkers or selected field officials of the Military.
	3. Military stalker exoskeleton "PSZ-NP": The exoskeleton is well-known to have been made for the Military. Due to cost and flaws encountered during trials, it was ultimately rejected and instead, the Skat-9M was adopted as its' replacement. For some unknown and *perhaps destined* reasons, batches made into the Zone and into the hands of major factions. Local technicians started to work on the suits, and with the possible help from stalkers who survived hell entering and exiting from the underground labs with valuable schematics of the suit, eventually developed three generations of the exoskeletons. Starting all the way back from 2012, all exoskeletons in the Zone are 3rd-gen standard (Fun fact: When purchasing an exoskeleton from Nimble in **CoP - Call of Pripyat,** he would state that "the factories manufacturing them are all closed, leading to stalkers scavenging them off from bodies. I don't practice that.". This would lead **to two interpretations**: either Nimble have connections with those factories, *or the Military actually did restarted production of these mfs*. Either way, exoskeletons are still making their way into the Zone through unknown means today, and it's more than unlikely the Military is responsible for this). Recently, in 2018, exoskeletons with Ukrainian military camouflage have been reported to be fieled by senior Military Stalkers. Only one unit was recorded to have been successfully acquired by an unknown stalker. Said stalker later submitted to the suit to Duty for the reason being "I don't need a moneysink" and "walked away from our base, not even taking the payment we gave to him, which was a large fortune.". Trials shown that the Military exoskeleton performed exceptionally well, rivalling even the Mercenaries' and the Monolith's, both of which are widely considered to be the Zone's best exoskeletons. Officially, it's known as "PSZ-NP", which stands for *Personal System for Protection - Next gen* (Персональная система защиты — новое поколение -> **P**ersonal'naya **S**istema **Z**ashchity — **N**ovoye **p**okoleniye)
	4. Military Nosorog "PSZ-TP": An absolute beast. Formally designated as Personal System for Protection - Third gen (**T**ret'ye **p**okoleniye). Only issued to the most senior of all Military Stalkers, who are also on the top 20 and 30 on the PDA's leaderboard.

#### Weapons:

##### Primary firearms:

* Rifles
	1. Carbines:
		1. AK-104: Extensively modded
		2. Fort-224
	2. Assault rifles:
		1. AKS-74N
			1. Extensively modified both internally and externally. The simplest configuration would be a PSO-1 scope and GP-25 grenade launcher.
		2. AK-74M3: "Hear me out, boys..."
		3. AEK-971: Coated with a special anti-corrosive paint and tuned for better accuracy. Usually paired with a reflex sight and a GP-25.
		4. AEK-973: Same configuration as above.
		5. AS "Val": Extensively modded.
		6. AN-94 (in limited numbers)
		7. OTs-14 "Groza"
		8. Fort-228
		9. IPI Malyuk/Vulcan: Ukraine's successor to the Vepr, an attempt to bullpup the AK-74. Available in either 5.45x39mm or 7.62x39mm. Well-liked by operators.
	3. Batle rifles:
		1. Fort-229
		2. FNH SCAR-H (in limited numbers)
		3. TsKIB SOO ShAK-12 (in limited numbers)
			1. PKM
			2. PKP Pecheneg (in limited numbers)
		2. LMGs:
			1. RPK-74
			2. RPK-74M (in limited numbers)
			3. RPK-16 (in extremely limited numbers)
	5. DMRs and Sniper Rifles
		1. SVD with internals modified for better accuracy and recoil.
		2. VSS "Vintorez"
	6. Special weapons:
		1. RPG-7

##### Secondaries:

* Service pistols:
	+ 6P9 PB
	+ Fort-17
	+ Fort-21
	+ Glock 17
* Machine pistols:
	+ APB

### Vehicles:

* Light utility vehicles - LUVs:
	1. UAZ-469: Soviet light military utility vehicle. Has been in service since 1971. It's mostly employed as a VIP transporting cab. Back in 2011, Major Khaletskiy, the then military commander, was brutally captured with his UAZ being disabled. Today, it stands as some sort of a reminder of the Zone's brutality for the Military. It's located at the broken bridge, in the Cordon.
	2. Lada Niva: Legendary car of the Eastern European world. Like what Papa Boris said: "Best exercise in the morning is driving a Lada while running from them bandits!" or is it? Either way, this piece of automobile engineering has been in continuous production since 1977. Fun fact: Niva or Нива literally means "corn field". It's, however, also refers to "area of practice".
	3. UAZ-452 "Bukhanka": Piece of petrol-power hollow bread loaf. It's mainly used by security units to "invite a suspect inside for some highly civilized talks".
* Logistic trucks:
	1. GAZ-66: Used mainly for transporting cargo.
	2. GAZ-3308 (Sadko): Standard troop transporter
	3. ZIL-130
	4. ZIL-131
	5. ZIL-157
	6. Ural-375D
	7. Ural-4320
	8. Ural-5323
	9. KrAZ-255B
	10. KrAZ-5233
	11. KrAZ-6322
	12. and many more
		1. BTR-40: The very first of the BTR family. It's a four-wheel design with an open top. A certain group of Military Stalkers had once made use of this vehicle to travel around the Zone. It's unknown if the Military is still using these vehicles or not.
		2. BRDM-2: Also known as **BTR-40PB, BTR-40P-2** and **GAZ 41-08**, this amphibious scout and patrol car was used extensively by the Soviet Army and exported across the Eastern bloc as well as other communist countries such as Cuba and Grenada (People's Revolutionary Government). It's reported that the Military is considering fielding these vehicles into the Zone.
	+ APCs - Armored personnel carriers:
		1. BTR-60PB: One of the most iconic APC during the Cold war. It was the very first member of the 8-wheel BTR family.
		2. BTR-70: An improved BTR-60, featuring bottom triangular side doors and stronger armor. It's the most widely used BTR version in the Zone.
			1. BTR-70DI: Also known as BTR-7 "Defender", this variant feature improved armor, mobility due to the installation of new engines and BTR-80 hatches for ease of use. Can accept a variety of turrets (one of which has a 30mm). Currently used in limited numbers.
		3. BTR-80: Another evolution of the 8-wheel BTR family, this version now features revamped hatches for ease of use and safety and improved engines.
	+ MICVs/IFVs - Fnfantry fighting vehicles:
		1. BMP-1 (not yet seen used): Soviet's first IFV also doubles as the world's first mass produced IFV. Entered service in 1966.
			1. BMP-1U: Ukraine's 2001 modernization. It comes with a domestically designed weapons system that is similar to the BTR-3/4's armament systems.
		2. BMP-2 (same as above): Developed as a response to flaws encountered on the BMP-1 (they realized the thing wasn't designed for mountainous regions); this version now features a 30mm 2A42 autocannon instead of the 73mm low pressure 2A28 "Grom" cannon. It also comes with improved ATGMs (9K113 "Konkurs" instead of the 9M14 "Malyutka")
		3. BTR-4 "Bucephalus": Ukrainian's domestically designed IFV based on the 8-wheel BTR family. Currently in consideration for deployment.
	+ MBTs - Main battle tanks:
		1. T-55 (not yet used): Literally a modern T-34. This mf somehow got to become the most produced tank in history, with around 100,000 units built across the Eastern bloc. The AFU have twenty of these mfs.
		2. T-64: The pride of the Soviet Army. Designed by Alexander Morozov, a famed Ukrainian tank designer, it was the world's first ever tank to have composite armor, rendering it invulnerable to NATO and Western tanks and ATGMs for a good while. It was also the world's first ever tank to be armed with a smoothbore cannon, the 125mm 2A46, with an autoloader. The compact engine and transmission were another advanced feature, making the tank only weighing at around 38 tonnes, while armored like a fucking heavy tank!
			1. Most T-64s used in the Zone are of the "B-C" standard. **B** *means* "B" variant and **C** *means* **Chernobyl Modification Package.** Captain Karillov, however, operates a modernized variant called **T-64U-C.** Older models such as the T-64A are in consideration for deployment as well.
		3. T-72: A cheaper version of the T-64, basically. It's worse in every way possible, still a good tank, though. Around 25,000 were made, with the majority being export variants.
	+ SPGs - Self-propelled guns:
		1. SO-152: Also known as 2S3 "**Akatsiya**" (Acadia), this Soviet SPG has been in service in 1971. Entered development back in 1968, this 152.4mm monstrosity is the East's direct counterpart to the U.S. M109 - bearing a 105mm gun.
		2. 2S1: Nicknamed "**Gvozdika**" (Carnation), this SPG is based on the MT-LBu multi-purpose chassis. The vehicle is amphibious the BMP IFV series, with little preparation has to be done. It's armed with a 122mm howitzer. It is also native to Ukraine as well, just like the T-64.
	+ Aircrafts:
		- Helicopters
			1. Light:
				1. Mil Mi-2MSB "Hoplite": One of the first helicopters to be adopted by the Soviet Army. This variant combines the firepower needed for light fire support and transport in the Zone. One was recorded as being deployed to the Limansk-13 Hospital (or the deserted hospital as we know commonly) for a possible military operation there. It was shot down by an unknown party (it was Scar). The army is considering deploying more Mi-2 to keep the much valuable Mi-24 "Hind" in storage for usage in large and major operations.
			2. Medium:
				1. Mil Mi-8 "Hip": One of the most produced helicopters ever, the Hip has served a variety of roles in both the Soviet Army and armies of the now dissolved Soviet Union. In the State Security Service, the Hip is primarily used as a troop transporting vehicle, as well as logistics. One instance was when the army decided to airdrop a humanitarian aid package for the once friendly Monolith forces.
					1. Mi Mi-8M/17: Improved version of the Mi-8. It's generally more powerful. It's used in many countries across the globe.
			3. Heavy:
				1. Mil Mi-6 "Hook": Formerly the world's largest helicopter 'til 1980, when the even heavier Mil Mi-26 (the one that fucking towed an Airbus, *yes, an Airbus,* and flew around Moscow, showing the Airbus what it's like to be a helicopter for the Motherland), this thicc boi was used by both the Soviet military and civil airline organizations in the USSR. Today, the Military primarily uses it to deliver heavy cargo to the Zone. One such cargo can be found in the Red Forest in *Shadow of Chernobyl*, where you can find a wreck of a Hook with a container. Inside the container contains a Val with some rounds in it. (Fun fact: The description of this stash impiles that the Military was actually engaged in shady business with Duty. *Perhaps, Duty isn't so clean afterall...*)
			4. Attack:
				1. Mil Mi-24 "Hind" - *also known affectionately as* "**Galina/Galya"** *or* "**Krokodil",** *owning to its' camo pattern*: Soviet Union's epitome of air assault, it's the world's first and only "*assault helicopter"* for prosessing the capability to carry 8 troops or 3 stretchers while being a gunship. First introduced officially in 1972 with the Hind-A (Mi-24A with the iconic "drinking glass" cockpit", earning it a nickname "Stakan"), its' first ever combat operation was during the **Ogaden War** or the **Ethio-Somalian** **War** (1977-1978). Its' most major use, however, would be in *the Graveyard of Empires*, or **the Soviet-Afghan War** (1979-1989). During its' service there, it earned its' nickname as the "flying tank", a nickname which also belonged to another Soviet design, the **IL-2** *Sturmovik* (lit. "flying tank") and among the Mujahideens as the **Shaitan-Arba** (Satan's Chariot). Like any other helicopters and aircrafts involved during the conflict however, it wasn't safe from the still dreaded U.S. **FIM-148** "Stinger". Hinds suffered almost the highest loss during the conflict. At one point, the 40th Army lost up to 15 Hinds in a span of a single year. Today, in the Zone, the Hind remains a dreaded piece of military technology. Hearing its' engine' noises alone would be enough for even the toughest stalker to piss and possibly soil his pants. Back in 2012, the Military suffered severe losses of these birds as they weren't as well informed of the Electros in the Zone's atmosphere and the fact that anomalies switch their positions after every emission, as well as the Monolith's Gauss rifles, too. Nowadays, however, Hinds, while still remains the same in term of protection against Gausses, are now piloted by more experienced and trained personnel. As such, loss rate has witnessed a sharp decline.
					1. The Ukrainian Armed Forces operate the following variants:
						1. Mi-24V "Hind-E": Later development which entered production in 1976, fitted for utilizing the new 9M114 "Shturm V". Most produced variant with more than 1500 made.
						2. Mi-24P "Hind-F": Variant with a fixed side-mounted 30mm twin barrel autocannon (**Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30)**
						3. and a few more that isn't deployed in the Zone's perimeter.
		- Ground attack:
			* Su-25 "**Grach**" - NATO designation: "Frogfoot": One of the only armoured fast movers to still in active service, the Grach saw intensive service in the conflict between the Soviet forces and the Mujahideen in Afghanistan. The Military briefly had the AFU - Air Force of Ukraine to carry out strikes against Freedom's positions during **Operation Final Terminal.** Nowadays, it's unknown if the AFU is still willing to utilise their forces in the Zone due to concern of the Electros in the Zone's atmosphere.

### Note:

All Military vehicles, starting from 2017, are equipped with the **Active Anomaly Detection System "Kharyiv-1"** - which detect all types of anomalies within the equipped vehicle's radius of 500 meters. For helicopters, it's 1 kilometer and for fast movers, it's 600 meters.

## Trivia

* Considering the fact that all three STALKER games were made in the early 2000s (2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively) and the original STALKER universe being set in 2011 to 2012, the term "State Security Service" might had been selected to describe this as a joint military force between the now dissolved Militsiya (Ukraine's law enforcement agency dating back to 1917) and the Internal Troops of Ukraine (now disbanded and reformed into the National Guard of Ukraine). Even the patches bear an uncanny resemblance.Internal Troops of Ukraine's patchMilitsiya's patchFor comparison. The three patches almost the same...

## Gallery

PSZ-7 used by an army officer. The black beret is present instead of a black cap.Experienced Spetnatz operator. Notice how he uses the ballistic goggles instead of the XM40-styled gas mask.Veteran Spetnatz operatorMilitary Stalker with an AKS-74N and PSO-1Close up on their Skat-9 "Bulat". Notice how the XM40-styled gas mask is in place instead of the unusual face armor and goggles. This is because of GSC later abandoned that design in favour of this one instead. In this RP however, both are canon.Skat-9 and Skat-9M. The armored face cover is more commonly used by Skat-9M users since they want EXTRA PROTECTON.A Military Stalker using the Skat-9M. The "undersuit" he's using is also the current standard for all Skat-9Ms. This specific MS is none other than Senior Lieutenant Brewer.Another picture of the current Skat-9M.An expert Spetnatz operator, stationed at the Pripyat Outskirts' laundromat, 2012.Another example of a military stalker.
## Gallery of used vehicles

AFU (Armed Forces of Ukraine) Mi-24sMi-24V's possible armament setup. This picture is taken from a Mi-24W(V) of the Polish Land Forces.Mi-24P in U.S. service as OpFor training material. Notices the lack of a front-mounted 12.7mm Yak-B machinegun.Another picture of the Mi-24W.Russian Air Force (VVS)'s Mi-24P.BTR-70 in a parade, Donetsk, 2015. This acts as a sample for State Security Service's BTRs.T-64BT-64A, model of 1971.A Stingray helicopter downed at the southern plateau, Zaton, 2012.Brightened.A functional Mi-24V, acting as an extraction for the surviving Stingray crew.
## Sources

1. EN STALKER Wiki: *State Security Service*
2. EN STALKER Wiki: *Cordon*
3. EN STALKER Wiki: *Agroprom Research Institute*