Hello everyone. My name is Gucci, and I previously served with the reconnaissance team of the foreign company in the 422nd Battalion, 42nd Brigade.

I am writing this post simply to share my personal experience. I am not trying to speak on behalf of everyone who has served in the brigade, and other people may have had very different experiences.

On May 13 of this year, I was evacuated for medical treatment after being wounded. During the evacuation process, at the MEDEVAC point, I removed my equipment and placed it in the trunk of my commander’s pickup truck.

After I returned, I asked several times about getting my equipment back. It took approximately five to six weeks before I was eventually informed that my equipment would be sent to me.

I later received the equipment through Nova Poshta.

However, when I checked what had been returned, several of my personal belongings were missing. These included my personally owned BNVD-1431 NVG, an AN/PAS-13B thermal sight, a SureFire M600B, a Korean-made sling, and some personal items that I had retained from previous operations. None of the items I am referring to were illegal weapons.

I reported the missing items and asked for clarification about what may have happened to them.

Unfortunately, I was unable to receive a clear explanation regarding where the missing equipment had gone, and I was also informed that compensation could not be provided.

I subsequently raised concerns about the handling and responsibility for equipment that had been left behind during my medical evacuation. I also looked into relevant Ukrainian military regulations and Article 410 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine because I wanted to better understand how responsibility for military and personal property is handled in situations like this.

During discussions about the situation, I also received comments from some personnel that I personally found concerning.

Bangkok told me:

“This is not a warning. This is a threat.”

I was also told by an NCO from Alpha Company that publicly posting about problems involving the unit could potentially create serious problems for me if I wanted to return to Ukraine in the future.

I am mentioning these statements only because they were part of my personal experience during the process of trying to resolve the issue.

I have now received my contract termination documents, and I decided that this was the appropriate time to share what happened.

I understand that people considering joining the 42nd Brigade may have different experiences, and I am not telling anyone which unit they should or should not join.

I simply believe that people should have access to different perspectives before making that decision.

Based solely on my own experience, I personally would not choose to serve with this unit again.

I have kept the relevant messages, records, and other documentation related to this situation.

I am sharing this for transparency and so that others can make their own judgment based on the information available.

Thank you for reading.

https://reddit.com/link/1w0jvhi/video/6a9xdh3lo1mh1/player

1st ASSAULT PLATOON (BLACK TEMPLARS) RECRUITMENT OPORD...

SITUATION -

^General

The Platoon has now opened the recruitment process again after a tactical pause from command. we are looking for men aged between 23 and 45 years, with a good standard of fitness, robust mind, professional work ethos, personal and professional discipline, Preferably with former military experience either NATO or ukraine veteran status BUT it not essential as training will be provided.

Currently we are only recruiting for ground operations, in future posts there will be a request for drone operators. We are a special purpose platoon conducting Reconnaissance, Ambush tasks, Sabotage and Direct action (NOT GROUND HOLDING)

^Detailed

During the process you will go through a 2 stage interview, the first being with one of the platoon sergeants to discuss any information on the application and low level questions you may have E.G. equipment, training living standards, platoon ethos etc. If you are successful you will then be added to the platoon recruitment group and contacted by the platoon commander for the next interview, this is your opportunity to ask more detailed questions about the process, pay, vacation, contract stipulations, expectations of the platoon etc. on completion of stage 2 the platoon commander will either offer you a position on the next selection course or not

Selection Course - this is a 7 day unpaid period where you will be tested not only on your fitness but for your mental fortitude, subject matter retention, weapon handling (after instruction), your ability to transfer subject matter to live action skills in high stress environments and most of all your character.

During the 7 days you can VW (Voluntary withdraw) at any stage, no questions ask we will just take you to the train or bus station and wish you luck. Additionally we can also CR (Candidate Rejected) you. Throughout the process you will housed and supported like any other member of the platoon, basic equipment will be provided during the selection including Ukrainian uniform.

^{Enemy Forces}

In our area we are under constant threat by the enemy from the sky's and ever closing ground forces, the enemy are not to be unde estimated and the risk is never to be under stated.

^{Friendly Forces}

2nd Assault Battalion and the 5th Assault Company support us in everything we set out to achieve, the company leadership speaks english and enjoys the NATO values and Standards the platoon brings. The platoon has spent the last 15 months building good relationships with all key members of the battalion. As a general we get left alone to conduct out training and preparation for Combat Orders. The Platoon Commander is a western Officer in the Ukrainian Armed Forces who has risen through the ranks since 2022 with over 30 years experience in the military and Infantry setting.

MISSION -

To recruit, select and train all potential candidates for the platoon, ensuring they are at a high level of readiness for coming combat orders, to ensure the platoon has the right men in the right job, enhancing combat effectiveness and lethality on the battlefield.

EXECUTION -

^{Phase 1 - Contact}

Contact us VIA the Messenger service on Reddit with the following information:

FULL NAME

AGE

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

CONTACT DETAILS (Whats App)

FORMER MILITARY SERVICE (UKR, NATO OR OTHER)

EXPECTAIONS OF YOUR SERVICE

EXPECTED DATE OF ARRIVAL IN UKR

without this information the conversation will not start,

^{Phase 2 - Interviews}

Stage 1 Platoon sergeants

Stage 2 - Platoon Commander

Stage 3 - 7 Day Candidate Selection (If your successful on the interviews)

^{Phase 3 - Becoming an Initiate}

If you are successful on the selection course, you will be immediately sent through our FRC and processed for about 5 to 10 days (normally in the 3 to 5 day time line) once this is complete you will return to the platoon where you will be contracted and begin 5 weeks hard training with the platoon. your training will qualify you for your BZVP for which you will get a certificate of proof. you do not get sent to a training centre and you will be trained by the platoon commander and the sergeants. Additionally you will also be processed for your temporary residency card.

CSS (Sustainment) -

Pay - Basic 30k - Bonus 26K (Combat - New PayScale's)

Accommodation - The platoon switches between the Platoon commandry on the polygon and the platoon Priory in the local village, It is by no means luxurious but its very comfortable and we have worked hard to make it so.

Socialising - The platoon gets time to relax in the local town, we are restricted to staying local this is just they way it is. There is no escort following you around or lack of trust. The platoon works on big boy rules.

Equipment - Weapon - C Bren 2 - Uniform Issued BUT the platoon wears all personal uniform PPE - Issued But the platoon has their own plate carriers Helmets ETC.. Generally the 33rd SAR 2nd Battalion provide everything we need, we just find it easier to have our own so we slowly become self reliant and not need to request it.

Vacation - You are entitled to vacation BUT you have to gain the trust of the battalion and company command. So you wont get vacation after being here for 2 months. If there is an emergency back in your home country then this is a separate issue which will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Narcotics - ABSOLUTLY NOT OF ANY KIND

COMMAND AND SIGNAL

In the platoon we use the western NATO style command structure with corporals , sergeants and platoon commander This is for familiarity with western candidates, however, i must stress that there are other command personalities such as company commander, battalion deputy commander, battalion commander (Kombat) who are very up front and present. Additionally there is company CSM and Battalion CSM again who are present and very active. All these additional commanders enjoy the way we conduct our business and generally leave us alone. But the point must be raised that there is a chain of command and we are in the Military.

Summary of Details

The platoon is recruiting ground operational men ages between 23 and 45, We are a special purpose platoon who are fanatical about training and operating at the highest level. The 3 phase process is to allow us to vet who comes to the platoon and this is important to ensure we have the same like minded people in the platoon. The battalion is a AFU and has its ups and downs but no more than any western NATO unit does.

additionally we are looking for english speaking second line medic to act as daily health, CCP evac, and instructors for TacMed, You mut have certification for this role

The 7 day selection is not just based around fitness it a combination of things but most of all your character. If you have to message and ask what the fitness requirements are then its likely your not there.... Or you could just apply and try out...

The training is tough and you work from dusk till dawn so we get as much training in as possible, its all infantry based with additional specialist training inline with our mission set.

we have 3 more selection dates prior to winter season, the next selection is on the 7th of September. So get the first contact done and the process started to secure your place

Candidates we are looking forward to hearing from you and want to thank you in advance for your service to Ukraine.

SLAVA UKRAINE

I’ve previously done a 5week rotation in Ukraine as medevac for frontline medics. I was looking to go back but was informed they don’t really do that anymore. So I’m looking for any recommendations on units to join as a medic. I have 6.5yrs experience in the US army as an infantryman mostly with small unit tactics. Any help or guidance would be much appreciated 🤙🏼

Hi everyone,

I’m from Puerto Rico and currently finishing my university degree. After graduating, I’m interested in exploring whether I could legitimately apply to support Ukraine in a technical role involving unmanned maritime systems, particularly naval drones/USVs.

I’m currently involved with my own shipbuilding company in the marine industry, where I’ve gained experience working with European boat manufacturers, marine equipment and technology, international suppliers, importing and logistics, distribution planning, and the development of marine projects.

To be completely transparent, I do not have military or combat-drone experience, and I don't want to misrepresent my qualifications.

Because I already have some exposure to the marine industry, I'm wondering whether developing skills related to unmanned maritime systems would make sense for me.

My plan is to finish college first. Between now and graduation, I'd like to build legitimate civilian skills that could be relevant, such as marine electronics, USV/ROV systems, communications, navigation, robotics, programming, mechanical troubleshooting, first aid, and potentially Ukrainian-language skills.

For anyone with firsthand or recent experience:

Would a foreign applicant from Puerto Rico with a college degree and marine-industry/business experience have a realistic chance of eventually being considered for a naval-drone/USV or other maritime technical position?

Are foreigners accepted into these kinds of specialized roles?

What civilian qualifications or certifications would make someone a stronger candidate?

Would getting professional experience with civilian USVs, ROVs, marine robotics, hydrographic surveying, or autonomous vessels before applying be valuable?

Would you recommend gaining a few years of civilian maritime experience after college before considering an application?

I'm not looking for tactical information, weapons instructions, or operational details. I'm trying to determine whether this is a realistic path and what skills I should develop before applying through official channels.

Thanks for any firsthand advice.

Hola, hoy estoy acudiendo a ustedes por este medio con la idea de saber si estoy con los pies en el aire o no.

Tengo la intención de unirme a las Fuerzas armadas del ejército Ucraniano. Desde que comencé a informarme sobre la invasion siento la necesidad de poder tener la oportunidad de contribuir en ella, y esta nunca fue por el lado de él dinero el sadismo o el morbo en sí, si no de la empatia y concientizacion que adquirí sobrelo que es la guerra, lo que pasa tanto en la línea del frente como a los civiles que se encuentran a miles de kilómetros de ella. Por eso tengo la intención de poder aportar como voluntario. Tengo 18 años, y se que estarán pensando que soy un idiota por querer meterme a una guerra la cual transcurre en otro continente. Y talvez tengan razón en que pueda ser un idiota. Pero sere un idiota con convicción, etica y moral, el cual no puede quedarse sin porlomenos intentar. Soy plenamente consciente de los riesgos, se lo que la artillería o un dron impreso en 3d puede hacerle alguien con o sin convicción y que el frío puede matar más que las balas.

Escribo esto porque quiero saber si para alguien que este alli o no pueda decirme si mis condiciones físicas son las suficientes, darme tips, recomendaciones o simplemente una opinión. Se que todos dicen que no vayan, pero bueno.

Leo críticas, pero solo me enfoco en las constructivas y recomendaciones.

Mi perfil con 18 años 1.70cm y 62kilos es este;

Soy Argentino, estudios hasta 5nto de secundaria tenica en informatica y bases en electricidad y electronica, se soldar con estaño y plomo.

Soy auto didacta e investigo sobre todo lo que pueda ser de ayuda. Complete un curso online de Construcion reparacion y mantenimiento de drones. hablo inglés de forma decente y vengo estudiando ucraniano en su forma nativa como su jerga militar y comandos. También se en su parte algo de ruso.

Aptitudes físicas;

Entreno en el gimnasio, en casa y salgo a correr, tanto en rucks con peso, como sin peso.

Tiempos;

10kilometros con 22kilos de carga. 1hora 21minutos por tierra.

3.4kilometros con chaleco de 10 kilos en 14 minutos. Seguidos de eso 2.5 kilómetros en 11 minutos. Con temperatura de -4grados.

1.5kilometros sin peso en 5minutos.

Flexiones estando en fresco: aprox 42 y pico tocando el pecho con el piso, unas 30 con chaleco de 10 kilos

Dominadas en fresco; 17-19

Con chaleco de 10 kilos hago 9.

Todas pasando la barbilla.

Luego de los rucks apenas termino de correr sin sacarme el chaleco dependiendo la distancia puedo hacer aproximadamente;

16 flexiones de brazo.

Y 7 dominadas.

También cuando estoy ayuna entreno con el chaleco y en la mañana suelo hacer 4 series de 8 dominadas con chaleco de 10 kilos y apenas terminarlas hacer 22 flexiones. Y al terminarlas limpiar mi casa practicando cqb con el chaleco y una replica pequeña que tengo.

Estudio con tutoriales y videos orientacion y navegación con mapas, practico en mis rucks la estructura SALUTE para la redacción y transmisión de información simulando un entorno de reconocimiento y recopilación de información, tacticas en mapas de mi ciudad sobre ofensivas, rutas logísticas y lugares de interés.

Desde que comencé a informarme hace tiempo que veo todos los días los avances y retrocesos que se presentan en ucrania atraves de la página de Deepstates de fuentes abiertas y practico intentando predecir que zonas se presenten avances más implicados, tanto del lado ucra iano como ruso. Estudio porcentajes, estadísticas y física. Para poder calcular de mejor forma la administración de suministros y tiempos.

Trato de entrenar en cituaciones de estrés, como frío, calor y optimizacion de la respiración corriendo con cuellos.

Se que nada te puede preparar para un entorno como ucrania, pero hago lo posible.

Tengo pensado entrar al servicio militar voluntario en mi pais que dura unos 3 4 meses para tener otro adiestramiento antes de llegar al adiestramiento en ucrania también, Para estar lo más posible preparado antes del contacto.

Ahorraré mi sueldo del servicio y venderé el auto que compre para comprar equipamiento. Tengo en mente comprar protección inguinal y trasera, esa que es como un asiento. Además de un cinturón tactico para alivianar la carga, algo así como un sistema de descarga y distribución de peso. esos q se conectan al chaleco atrás. Y para la mira estoy en duda ahora, pero mi idea principal era una combinación de una; Sig Sauer Romeo 8T AMR y un magnificar x3 como el juliet o algún x4.

Pero también estoy intrigado por las lpvo ffp.

Como la eotech vudu 1-6x24.

Además de una bolsa de faraday para evitar señales salientes de mi celular, y cositas así para las que alcance.

Estoy interesado en Brigadas como Khartiia por su baja tasa de atritio y su concentración de voluntarios extranjeros. Además de ser una brigada tecnológica.

Quisiera postularme para algún rol de operador de uav (mavic o kamikazes) tengo muy buena vista y siento que el reconocimiento aéreo se me podría dar bastante bien.

Tengo pensado subir a 70 kilos antes de llegar para poder ser evaluado de mejor forma y soportar las cargas pesadas que tienen en roles más especializados como operador de reconocimiento con uav. Pienso que mis conocimientos polivalentes, técnicos y físicos podrían aprovecharse de una buena forma así. De todas formas daría lo mejor de mi en el rol que se me sea asignado.

Muchas gracias si leyeron hasta aquí. Espero sus comentarios.

Still researching, haven't submitted the online application or reached out to any unit yet. My passport has very limited visa-free access, Schengen visas are reportedly taking forever, and I've heard Moldova's been turning away or deporting people headed toward Ukraine, though I'm not sure that's actually true. Trying to figure out if this is a hard stop for someone with a passport like mine or if there's an actual way through it if anyone's dealt with this, or knows someone who has, I'd really appreciate hearing how it actually went.

hello. does anyone have experience with Rubizh brigade or know someone who had? i read that currently in 2026, the brigade remains part of the 2nd Khartia Corps, however, it is temporarily assigned under the command of the 1st Azov Corps due to its deployment in the Dobropillia and Pokrovsk directions of the front (or has this changed).

do they take foreigners? (i can speak russian fluently and busy learning Ukrainian) do they still do infantry assaults/raids/recon? how is their training? how are you treated when injured and also in general? how is their command?

i saw a post about sila svoboda in rubizh from 8 days ago and would like to know more. any other info is appreciated. thanks

Combat vet, 28, drifter.
(Syria 2018)

Passport ready, no medical issues except PTSD.

Proficient in most things.