The Special Elite Police Unit SOBT (СОБТ or Специализиран отряд за борба с тероризма of Bulgaria was shrouded in secrecy for many years. They are the Anti-Terrorist Unit of the Country. They are charged with V.I.P. Protection, hostage rescue, and many more. If a regular police unit is not up for the task, SOBT takes over. S.O.B.T. is part of the Atlas European Network of Elite Police Units.

Established in: 1979

Usually, the candidates who show up for the pre-selection test are former members of the Bulgarian Military. Only 5 to 10% of the candidates will make it into the unit. Preference is given to candidates under 30 years of age.

Bulgarian SOBT Pre-Selection

Besides having to go through a hard physical fitness test, candidates will undergo a medical examination, memory tests, general knowledge tests, psychological testing, IQ testing an interview with team members. The Rope Climb is a 5-meter high rope climb. Over-Under Bar Swings is a gymnastic exercise where the candidate swings over the bar flip and finish back in the starting position. This counts as one rep.

S.O.B.T. Bulgaria Selection

Once a candidate is successfully selected, he will undergo a 9-month training course before being able to join one of the assault teams. They will learn how to master the art of capturing buildings, cars, buses, trains, planes, and ships. They will be trained in advanced driving, shooting while moving, and shooting out of various positions and in various scenarios. They will also be trained to a high level of skill set in Karate, Kickboxing, and Ju- Jutsu. The candidates will be trained to an extreme level, and will then be tested every 3 months to see if they can keep their level up. their training becomes even more specialized. They will also go through diving and parachute training, they will go through mountain school and operational combat technique school, and advanced marksmanship. They will become also expert snipers and will undergo specialized physical training.