At the base of military unit 6654 of the National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, located in the city of Alatau, Almaty region, the “Maroon Beret – 2025” qualification tests were held. About one hundred servicemen from the special forces unit “Burkit” took part in the trials. Following the results, 13 fighters successfully passed all stages and earned the coveted maroon beret. Among them were two brothers — a historic first for the National Guard.
The elder brother was attempting the test for the third time. After two unsuccessful attempts, he gathered all his willpower to finally achieve his goal. His younger brother was participating for the first time.
Although the maroon beret challenge has become an annual tradition, for each participant it remains one of the most important trials in life. This year’s test was particularly difficult: the servicemen completed a 65-kilometer endurance march with numerous obstacles. Each participant was tested not only for strength but also for endurance, mental resilience, and willpower. During the first stage, more than 30 candidates failed to meet the standards and were disqualified.
“For us, the maroon beret is not just a piece of uniform — it is a symbol of honor and pride. To earn the right to wear it, you must work on yourself day and night, giving everything you have. The second stage was especially tough, but I endured as much as I could. My brother and I were in different groups, and I tried to set an example for him,”
— shared the elder brother.
The main stages included demanding exercises such as crossing water and swampy areas, digging trenches, crawling under fire, carrying a wounded comrade, and passing through a smoke-filled zone. To earn the maroon beret, strength and agility alone are not enough — every movement, every second, every decision can mean the difference between success and failure.
On the final day, the fighters who endured the long journey completed additional standards: transporting ammunition, overcoming an obstacle course in pairs, and engaging in hand-to-hand combat. Under simulated combat conditions, they demonstrated the ultimate test of courage and endurance.
Following the results, 13 servicemen received their maroon berets from Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs – Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard, Major General Ansagan Baltabekov.
“Today my brother and I both received our maroon berets. This is a special moment for our family. For me, this beret is a symbol of brotherhood and unity,”
— said one of the special forces fighters who completed the challenge for the first time.
Today, the holders of the maroon beret are the elite and the backbone of the National Guard — those who stand on the front lines in ensuring the security and peace of Kazakhstan.
It is worth noting that this year marked the 25th anniversary of the maroon beret qualification in the National Guard.
Press Service of the National Guard
Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan