This text provides an insider's account of life within the Soviet military intelligence agency, the GRU, offering insights into its rigorous training methods and clandestine operations. The narrative highlights the extreme secrecy surrounding the GRU, often referred to as the "Aquarium," contrasting it with the more visible KGB. Through personal experiences ranging from demanding physical and mental exercises to recruiting foreign agents and navigating bureaucratic challenges, the author illustrates the high-stakes and often brutal nature of intelligence work. The text also touches upon the internal politics and power struggles within the organization, revealing a world where survival depends on cunning, ruthlessness, and unwavering loyalty. Ultimately, it portrays the GRU as a powerful and unforgiving entity, demanding complete dedication from its members.
Briefing Document: Analysis of "Inside the Aquarium" by Viktor Suvorov
Date: October 26, 2023
Source: Excerpts from "Suvorov, Viktor - Inside the Aquarium · the making of a top Soviet spy (1985, Berkley)"
Subject: An insider's perspective on the Soviet military intelligence organization, the GRU (Chief Directorate of Intelligence of the General Staff), and its operational methods, training, and culture, as recounted by a former officer.
Key Themes and Important Ideas:
This document provides excerpts from a memoir offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the GRU during the Soviet era. The primary themes revolve around the organization's secretive nature, the rigorous and unconventional training of its personnel (particularly Spetsnaz and intelligence officers), the internal dynamics and rivalries within the Soviet security apparatus (primarily with the KGB), and the practicalities and psychological toll of intelligence work abroad.
1. The Esoteric Nature of the GRU:
A central theme is the extreme secrecy surrounding the GRU, in stark contrast to the more visible and widely known KGB.
Difficulty of Entry: Access to the GRU is presented as significantly more difficult and less public than joining the KGB. The author highlights the lack of a clear path or public recruitment process.
"It's by no means so easy to get into the GRU. Who do you apply to? Who do you ask for advice? Which door do you knock at? At the police station, maybe? But the police would only shrug their shoulders: never heard of it."
Public Ignorance: Even within Soviet society, the GRU is largely unknown or its designation holds no particular significance for the average citizen or even the police.
"For the honest citizen, as for the whole of the Soviet poHce force, those letters [GRU] mean nothing and have no special associations."
The "Aquarium": The central building of the GRU's Second Chief Directorate is referred to as the "Aquarium," suggesting a place where outsiders can only observe from a distance, unable to truly understand what goes on inside.
"The Aquarium is the central building of the 2nd Chief Directorate of the General Staff, that is, of the Chief Intelhgence Directorate, the GRU. Mihtary intelligence has existed under various names ever since October 21,1918."
2. Rigorous and Unconventional Training:
The training methods described for both Spetsnaz and intelligence officers are portrayed as demanding, psychologically manipulative, and focused on pushing individuals to their physical and mental limits.
Spetsnaz Training and Equipment: The description of Spetsnaz soldiers and their gear emphasizes self-sufficiency, endurance in harsh conditions, and practical skills for survival and sabotage.
"The most important item in the equipment oidiSpetsnaz soldier is his footwear. Apart from his parachute, of course." "Only one kind of sock is used with the Spetsnaz boots: a very thick sock madeof pure wool...Each Spetsnaz soldier has two pairs of socks. Whether for a day or a month, just two pairs. It's up to him to make do." "Apart from food, the Spetsnaz soldier carries in his back-pack four boxes ofspecial matches which are not affected by the wet, and will light in any wind orthe heaviest downpour. He has a hundred tablets of dry spirit...There are also twenty other tablets -medicinal ones to deal with every kind of illness and poisoning."
Psychological Conditioning (Spetsnaz): The author recounts a disturbing and ethically questionable method of desensitization to handling live creatures like frogs and snakes, suggesting a focus on overcoming natural revulsion for operational necessity.
"Never fear - we're not going to make you eat frogs. Snakes perhaps, but not frogs." "You could, for example, put a straw into it and blow it up...You could 'undress' the frog - do a sort of strip-tease...He made little slits in the comers of themouth and in one movement removed its skin."
GRU Intelligence Training and Examination: The examination process for aspiring intelligence officers is described as intense and designed to test not just knowledge but also quick thinking, composure under pressure, and the ability to handle unusual or stressful questions.
"There was no time to think up answers; at the slightest hesitation another question was set and then more and more...The last two days were completely taken up with answering." "You may as well know now that there is no safety belt. One mental error, and you're down the chute. This is the essence of the way we differ from the popular idea of a spy in dark glasses."
Training to the Limit: Effective training is defined as pushing individuals beyond their perceived capacity, where physical and mental exertion becomes torture, and progress is measured by exceeding previous personal bests.
"Training is effective only when it takes a man to the very limit of hiscapacity and he knows exactly where the limit is...And each new training session is effective only when it becomes a battle to exceed your own achievement on the previous day."
Practical Application of Training: Training involves actively participating in intelligence work, including recruiting potential informants within the Soviet system, even if the information gathered isn't for foreign intelligence purposes. This serves as a screening process.
"That means that if I recruit him he will be regarded as a real spy? Precisely...So what will he get? Article 64* of the Criminal Code."
3. Internal Dynamics and KGB-GRU Rivalry:
The excerpts highlight tensions and a sense of rivalry between the GRU and the KGB, with the GRU viewing the KGB with suspicion and distrust.
KGB's Visibility vs. GRU's Secrecy: The author explicitly contrasts the open nature of joining the KGB with the clandestine process of entering the GRU.
Mistrust of the KGB: There's a strong sentiment within the GRU that the KGB has historically harmed the military and military intelligence, and a determination not to let it happen again.
"Has the KGB spilled a lot of our blood? ...A lot. ...Because we were too naive. We were serving our country, but the Chekists were serving themselves." "Before the war the Chekists destroyed our generals andour military inteUigence and by so doing very nearly brought the Soviet state to its knees. For the sake of our motherland we have a duty not to permit it tohappen again!"
KGB Monitoring of GRU Personnel: The KGB's presence and monitoring are evident, even during training exercises.
"I did not know whether they were KGB officers or not, but I knew that they were from the Special Department of the KGB and that they were watching us."
Informal Communication Networks: The passage about the adjutant to the new Army Commander suggests the formation of powerful, connected groups within the military hierarchy, including GRU officers.
"The new generals on the Armystaff were Obaturov's people. The new heads of departments, includingKravtsov, were Obaturov's people. The new adjutants and the new staffofficers were all Obaturov's people. I felt for the first time that I was also amember of that group."
4. Operational Methods and Challenges:
The excerpts provide details about GRU operational procedures, from conducting military reconnaissance to intelligence gathering abroad.
Military Maneuvers as Realistic Drills: Tank maneuvers are described with vivid detail, emphasizing speed, aggression, and disregard for collateral damage, suggesting a focus on combat readiness and a willingness to push limits.
"There was a terrifying shock as the tank hit the brick wall...But my tank let out aroar and, wrapped in a web of barbed wire, burst its way out of a cloud of brickdust into the sleepy side street of a peaceful Ukrainian town."
Intelligence Gathering Focus: The importance of collecting information, even seemingly trivial details about foreign military units and bases, is highlighted.
"'Where is the 406th tactical fighter training wing of the United States AirForce?' 'In Saragossa, Spain.'" "We could study the 6th Fleet from the inside as well as from the outside. Our observation point would be the Austrian Alps...The 6th Fleet is a goldmine."
The Role of Spetsnaz in Wartime: Spetsnaz units are described as highly specialized and dangerous, trained for sabotage and reconnaissance by force, with a focus on attacking critical enemy targets.
"'In wartime they extract information by force ...and cunning,' he interjected. 'They are saboteurs and terrorists...It's called Spetsnaz. Special reconnaissance units. It's sabotage and recon-naissance by force.'"
Diplomatic Couriers as Intelligence Transporters: Diplomatic couriers are depicted as essential for transporting intelligence materials, including sensitive documents and physical components.
"The diplomatic couriers handle a lot of goods. A tremendous lot. Everythingthat we collect they transport in the containers: bullets and shells, optical andelectronic equipment, pieces of armour and parts of missiles, and documents,documents and ever more documents."
Agent Recruitment: The process of recruiting agents abroad is shown to be a mix of calculated observation, psychological analysis, and exploiting opportunities, with a preference for gaining trust rather than relying solely on blackmail.
"The way those muscles work is a mirror put to the person's soul. And all those details are much more important than a knowledge of his financial and official difficulties, even if these are useful too." "'Our meeting has been filmed, but I do not intend to blackmail you. Perhapsthat doesn't fit in with what is written in spy stories, but blackmail has neveryielded positive results and so it is not used. At any rate in my service.'"
Operational Autonomy (within limits): While adhering to strict protocols, officers are sometimes expected to make independent decisions in the field, with success rewarded and failure resulting in severe repercussions.
"'Listen, Suvorov, there's something you don't seem to under-stand. In this sort of business you must never ask permission...If you're sure of success, go ahead and recruit the chap. If you are not sure,then drop it for the moment.'"
5. Psychological Toll and Isolation:
The excerpts touch upon the psychological impact of GRU service, including isolation, the need for constant vigilance, and a cynical view of the world and even potential allies.
Isolation of Personnel: Service abroad, particularly for cipher clerks, can be extremely restrictive and isolating.
"Anyone who lands up in Vatutinki can rest assured that hewill be buried in that same cemetery and nowhere else." "Everybody realises that he has been very restricted in hismovements round the embassy, sometimes to only five rooms."
Internal Screening and Mistrust: There's a constant process of internal monitoring and screening, even among colleagues and potential recruits, highlighting an atmosphere of inherent distrust.
"Screening, screening, and yet more screening. We were sick and tired of thecontinual screening." "They were continually being monitored by the Information Service, without,of course, its knowing their names, histories or the jobs they had."
Cynicism and Moral Compromise: The author's internal monologue reveals a cynical perspective on the motivations of those who volunteer to help the Soviet system and the potential fate of collaborators.
"I wondered whether he understood the poetry of nature? Could helisten for hours to its faint sounds? Did he realise that he and I together weremaking preparations for the construction of a little concentration camp on thesloping bank of the lake?" "If the Communists didn'ttrick me up against a wall and shoot me...but put me in charge of aconcentration camp, I would set aside a special section for such volunteersupporters and forget to feed them."
Appearance vs. Reality: The author learns to maintain a facade of normality and friendliness while engaged in clandestine activities, demonstrating the need for deception in intelligence work.
"I drove slowly across the frontier, saluting them as I went. I was noenemy of theirs; I was almost a friend."
In Summary:
These excerpts from "Inside the Aquarium" paint a picture of the GRU as a highly secretive, demanding, and internally complex organization. The training is brutal, designed to create self-sufficient and ruthless operators. While a sense of camaraderie exists within certain groups, there's also a prevailing atmosphere of suspicion and constant scrutiny, both internally and from the rival KGB. The work is portrayed as requiring significant psychological resilience and a willingness to engage in morally ambiguous activities, with the potential for severe consequences for failure. The narrative underscores the dedication, often cynical, of GRU personnel to the Soviet state and its intelligence objectives, even as the author grapples with the ethical implications and personal toll of his profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GRU and how does one get recruited?
The GRU stands for the Chief Directorate of Intelligence of the General Staff, a Soviet secret brotherhood distinct from the more visible KGB. Getting into the GRU is presented as a difficult and mysterious process; there's no open application or known point of contact. Unlike the KGB, which is said to be open to nearly everyone, the GRU's recruitment path is obscure, requiring connections or being sought out. The protagonist's entry involves a series of examinations and psychological tests before being formally congratulated on joining.
What is the role and training of a Spetsnaz soldier?
Spetsnaz, or special reconnaissance units, are depicted as the third group within military intelligence, responsible for sabotage and reconnaissance by force, including extracting information through force and cunning. They are a "very tough lot" and are trained for extreme conditions and situations. Their training involves physical conditioning that pushes individuals to their limits, including confronting fears like handling snakes and frogs, and learning specialized skills like silent movement. Spetsnaz soldiers are equipped with specific gear like J-Bs (Jump-Boots) with thick wool socks for varying climates, and string vests for ventilation and protection against insects. They carry minimal but highly calorie-dense food and methods for purifying water, highlighting self-reliance and preparedness for extended, unsupported operations.
How does the GRU operate internationally?
The GRU operates through residencies, often within embassies, with a hierarchical structure including a Navigator (resident), deputies, and operational officers like Borzois and Vikings. They engage in intelligence gathering against various targets globally, using diplomatic couriers to transport vast quantities of collected materials, including military plans, technical documents, and equipment parts. Recruitment of foreign agents is a key activity, sometimes conducted directly and at other times by officers operating in different countries against a specific target nation. Contact with valuable agents often utilizes less easily monitored methods like communication via water bodies.
What is the relationship between the GRU and the KGB?
The relationship between the GRU and the KGB is presented as one of tension and historical conflict. The GRU views the KGB with suspicion and resentment, believing the KGB prioritizes its own power over serving the country. There's a sense of a past where the KGB undermined the military intelligence, almost bringing the Soviet state to its knees. The narrative suggests a rivalry for power and influence within the Soviet system, with GRU officers believing they must prevent the KGB from becoming "all-powerful" again for the sake of the country. The KGB is portrayed as more visible and accessible compared to the clandestine nature of the GRU.
How is authority and leadership demonstrated and maintained in the Soviet military, particularly within the GRU?
Authority in the Soviet military is shown through strict discipline, clear lines of command, and the commander's ability to project control over subordinates. A commander's authority is asserted through their demeanor and commands, with preliminary commands used to mentally prepare troops for execution. Within the GRU, the hierarchical structure is paramount, with strict protocols and consequences for failure or questioning authority. Superiors are shown testing and observing subordinates, using methods that push individuals to their limits and evaluate their capacity for independent action and loyalty. The system rewards those who climb the ranks through group affiliation and mutual support.
What are some of the unconventional training methods used by the GRU and Spetsnaz?
Training in the GRU goes beyond intellectual study and includes rigorous physical and psychological conditioning. This involves not only physical exercise to the point of exhaustion but also confronting and overcoming fears, such as handling snakes and frogs. The Spetsnaz training, in particular, focuses on building resilience and self-reliance for operating in harsh environments and engaging in combat. Recruitment in training involves officers being tasked with recruiting fellow trainees to assess their skills and loyalty, demonstrating a focus on practical application and testing under pressure.
What is the philosophy behind GRU recruitment and agent handling?
GRU recruitment is portrayed as a strategic and often manipulative process. Officers are trained to assess individuals for potential weaknesses or motivations to betray their country. Blackmail is explicitly stated as not being used, as it has "never yielded positive results." Instead, the focus appears to be on identifying and exploiting other vulnerabilities, such as financial difficulties or a desire for power or recognition. Agents are often compartmentalized, with no knowledge of other sources. The GRU also employs tactics of observing potential recruits over time to understand their character and habits before making a move. The process of recruitment is considered a high-stakes endeavor, with significant consequences for failure.
How does the Soviet system, as depicted, influence individuals and their motivations within the GRU?
The Soviet system is depicted as one that fosters a sense of being trapped and lacking freedom, even for those within powerful organizations like the GRU. The protagonist feels compelled to engage in disagreeable work to survive and avoid being "devoured" by the system. There is a sense of relative status and power being highly valued, with wealth being secondary to the prestige and authority granted by the system. Loyalty within the GRU is often based on group affiliation and mutual advancement. The constant screening and monitoring create an environment of suspicion and caution. Despite the harshness, there is also a sense of duty to the "motherland," although this ideal is sometimes contrasted with the perceived self-serving nature of organizations like the KGB.
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