The reconnaissance group, which received the task of conducting reconnaissance before the next breakthrough of the troops to Vedeno, as they say, was lucky. The weather turned out to be the most successful: fog, snow, alternating with rain. I can't see anything twenty meters away.

Captain Vladimir Karpushenko, who led the reconnaissance group, decided during the development of the operation that an unusual move should be used to achieve success in this area. Troops are marching on Vedeno, a separatist stronghold in southeastern Chechnya that the combined gangs will defend fiercely. And Gizchen-the main task of the group-will definitely be included in the defense system. What is in the area? What are the bandit forces? To answer these questions and prevent the loss of scouts, Karpushenko suggested going a very difficult route. A simple law of war: to become a winner, do what the enemy thinks is impossible. It was necessary to pass through such places that in peacetime any sane person bypasses.

Was the commander confident in his subordinates? The lead patrol, marching in a continuous fog, could easily lose its orientation on difficult rough terrain, and the rear patrol could fall behind, thereby splitting the group. How many other dangers, besides the risk of going astray, threaten scouts operating in enemy territory?! But Karpushenko knew that no one would let him down.

After all, it is no coincidence that the regiment's command then, long before the Marines ' business trip to the North Caucasus, more than once adjusted the plans of the reconnaissance company commander in the interests of guaranteed compliance with security requirements during exercises. It was a kind of struggle: the company officer, trying to eliminate the conventions of training battles and raids, constantly suggested introducing something new into the practice of combat training. The regimental commander and chief of staff "filtered" the scouts ' ideas to achieve the optimal combination of reasonable risk and effective training.

A special obstacle course created several years ago with the help of scouts, working out training tasks in difficult mountainous and wooded areas, complex tactical exercises, and a system of psychological training contributed to the achievement of one goal: when the intelligence service is assigned combat tasks, it will be ready to perform them in any conditions. Indeed, as part of the Marine task force participating in the counterterrorism operation in the Chechen Republic, Captain Karpushenko's scouts proved the advantage of their path in the science of winning in many combat operations.

The group reached the summit unnoticed. Observation and analysis of the current situation showed that the scouts were in the rear of a group of militants numbering up to 70 people. At the top of Gizcena, firing positions, shelters, and communication channels were pre-equipped.

A little more - and the gang will strengthen at the dominant height, put up combat guards, observers. Then try to knock them out!

Seventy men, mortars - in fact, this is a whole company, only without equipment. According to the canons of tactics against bandits in this case, at least a battalion should act. Understanding that taking this height in the future will inevitably entail

page 18

heavy losses, Captain Karpushenko made a decision: using the advantages of the moment and surprise, attack the bandits. The Marines used their advantages expertly. The minimal range, poor visibility, surprise, and proper distribution of forces turned an eight-man reconnaissance team into a battalion.

Simultaneous explosions of grenades, fused with long machine-gun bursts, dry pops of under-barrels, discordant voices of submachine guns... The daring attack left the bandits who thought they were safe in disarray. The momentary confusion with heavy losses and invisibility of the enemy turned into panic. The bandits mistook the scouting party's attack for a surprise attack by the main force.

Captain Karpushenko, directing the actions of his subordinates, personally destroyed a machine-gun crew and two more bandits. Several minutes of fierce fighting ended with the gang's disorderly retreat. Having taken up the defense, the scouts held the captured height until reinforcements arrived. Eight Marines completed the task of an entire battalion without even having any wounded!

Later it turned out that eight dead bandits were left lying on the battlefield. Russian soldiers also got trophies - an 82-mm mortar, a portable anti-aircraft missile system, 15 small arms, ammunition, and various equipment. But most importantly, thanks to the courage and determination of the scouts, our units managed to avoid an ambush of militants and a heavy battle to seize the dominant height.

For courage, professionalism and successful performance of the combat mission, the senior marine group of the Navy, the late Major General A. Otrakovsky, presented all the scouts from the reconnaissance group of Captain Karpushenko to state awards, and the reconnaissance company commander himself, who during the conduct of combat operations more than sixty times took part in conducting reconnaissance of strong points, firing points and militant bases. always demonstrating the best qualities of a Russian soldier, - to the title of Hero of Russia. During his visit to Sevastopol, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented Captain Vladimir Karpushenko with the Hero's Gold Star. It is worth noting that for the first time in post-war history, such an award was awarded to Chernomorets.

A high rank, of course, imposes a high responsibility on an officer. Moreover, not so long ago, Captain Vladimir Karpushenko was appointed to a new position - he became the head of intelligence of the Marine regiment and in a new capacity is responsible for training scouts in his entire unit.

Coincidentally, the Russian president's visit to Sevastopol took place on the eve of the gathering campaign of the Black Sea Fleet forces. The Marines also took part in these large-scale naval exercises. The Black Beret tactical group departed for the Caucasus coast, where it mastered a new training ground and conducted a test exercise there. In order to personally lead the training of intelligence officers and more widely introduce into combat training the experience born in the battles during the counter-terrorist operation in the Chechen Republic, Captain V. Karpushenko also left for the exercise area immediately after the award ceremony.

Working in the Marine Corps, I have often seen that scouts are particularly respected here. And the point, perhaps, is not only that they solve special tasks. In the first place in such cases, the sailors put the relationship of scouts among themselves. Intensive, specific training is also attractive, of course. But even more important - a sense of brotherhood, mutual assistance. And who is the main guardian of traditions in the division? Of course, Commander. Vladimir Karpushenko learned this axiom from the first weeks after his transfer to the intelligence unit. Lieutenant Colonel Vadim Klimenko, who was the commander of the scouts at that time, not only taught the young officer the subtleties of the specialty, but also helped his platoon lead individual work with people whose duty is to be the first where it is most dangerous and difficult.

Perhaps that is why any scout, as they say, is more likely to give a hand to cut off than to let down his commander. Although their company commander was never kind. Demanding, as well as to yourself-yes. Fair - yes.

- Perhaps, he can even be called a tough person, - says senior sailor Kirill Lavrentiev, who has been serving in the intelligence company since November 1998, and together with Captain V. Karpushenko participated in the counter-terrorist operation in Chechnya. - If the commander has made a decision, set a task - it must be completed at all costs, accurately and on time, - Kirill continues, - and this applies not only to combat training.

It turns out an interesting detail: it turns out that during the conduct of combat operations, the scouts had the most established way of life among all the units located in the base camp. And it was Karpushenko who insisted on taking standard army bunks from the point of permanent deployment. Perhaps, from the outside, the reconnaissance infantry fighting vehicles loaded with property looked strange, but in a combat situation, the company's decision was justified - a full rest after the reconnaissance exits was provided.

Perhaps it was the commander's example that confirmed the senior sailor K. Lavrentiev in his decision - after a year of service, Kirill signed a contract and continues to serve in the intelligence company. And how many letters do the company commander, officers, and warrant officers of the intelligence unit receive from their former subordinates who have left for the reserve!

Most often, when a sailor leaves, the thread connecting him with his colleagues breaks. In scouts, however, it is usually strong. It happens that former intelligence officers return to their native unit, like, for example, Sergeant Ruslan Valiev, and continue to serve under a contract.

Now Captain Vladimir Karpushenko faces a difficult task to meet the high title of Hero in everything. Combat experience helps him do this. And so, if the Marines go into battle again, they will be ready to win, following Suvorov's science - not by numbers, but by skill.

Lieutenant Commander Peter Shishkin. Russian Black Sea Fleet

When the number was created

According to ITAR-TASS, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Army General Anatoly Kvashnin, said that parts and units of the Russian Armed Forces are being withdrawn from Chechnya as their tasks are completed. Since the army phase of the counterterrorism operation in Chechnya has ended, the main burden falls on law enforcement agencies. "Where law enforcement agencies and local authorities fail, there are still separate regiments of the Armed Forces," the Chief of the General Staff stressed.

page 19