A woman has been accepted into Kazakhstan's National Guard Berkut

For the first time, a female service member has been accepted into Kazakhstan's National Guard Berkut special forces unit

The Berkut special unit of Kazakhstan's National Guard under the Ministry of Internal Affairs has for the first time accepted a woman into its ranks — service member Kymbat. She is now preparing to undergo the test for the maroon beret.

Service member Kymbat has become a new fighter in the Berkut special forces of Kazakhstan's National Guard under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to the agency's press service, she is currently preparing for the maroon beret test.

On her achievements and selection to the special unit

Special forces personnel noticed Kymbat during her performance at the international SWAT Challenge competition in Dubai. There she competed for the women's team Tomiris. In that competition, the team won in the women's category and took 18th place overall, beating several men's teams.

6victory at the Kazakhstan hand-to-hand combat championship

3victory at world jiu-jitsu championships

2victory at European jiu-jitsu championships

1bronze medalist at the world combat sambo championship

In addition, the athlete is a champion of Kazakhstan and Asia in mixed martial arts. At the World Police Games she won gold in judo and silver in jiu-jitsu. After Kymbat proved herself as a marksman, she was invited to join Berkut.

On the significance of the maroon beret

The maroon beret is considered the highest distinction for service members of Kazakhstan's National Guard special forces. This badge is awarded to military personnel who have successfully passed the qualification selection, proving their physical, psychological and combat endurance. The list of standards for receiving this badge includes a 65-kilometer forced march, shooting and the ability to repel an attack by a simulated enemy, as well as carrying a wounded person.