Black Death.

This is coolbert:

Presumably an intrinsic part of Russian participation in BALTOPS-2010 will be the incorporation of Russian Marines. Traditionally referred to by the Russians as "naval infantry". THE BLACK DEATH!! NOT naval infantry as the term is understood in the west. Marines and not mere sailors picking up small arms and going ashore to fight. Marines!!

Russian marines are called the "Black Death" because of their at-one-time all-black uniform complete with cape. Noted for their ferocity in combat, willingness to close with the enemy!

The Russian DOES have some sort of amphibious capability - - to include the world's largest military hovercraft. A fighting vehicle of unusual design and capability, without peer - - unique even? The designation of this hovercraft unknown to me!

A military hovercraft with turreted rapid-firing cannon and multiple rocket launchers.

Here "Black Death" coming ashore from the hovercraft. It all looks so easy when there is no one firing at you!

It is said of the Russian Marines: [according to Suvorov]

"Each Fleet [four fleets existed during Soviet times and I believe all four are still in existence!] has Marine Infantry contingents , consisting of regiments and brigades . . . these regiments are similar to the motor-rifle regiments of the Land Forces. They differ from the latter in receiving special training . . . and also in being allocated personnel of a higher calibre. Generals from the Land Forces who have watched exercises carried out by the marine infantry often say, with some envy, that a regiment of marine infantry, with the same equipment as that of the Land Forces, is the equivalent in its operations potential of one of the latter's motor-rifle divisions." [one marine infantry regiment is the equal of THREE conventional Russian ground force infantry regiments!!]

Black Death!

coolbert.