This edited video shows soldiers of the Ukrainian 3rd Assault Brigade in a firefight. The edits give the impression that all elements are working together in a coordinated fashion. A machine gun takes a position near a disabled (probably destroyed) tank and begins firing, supported by 60mm mortars, using a drone as an observation platform. The machine gun fires as a soldier with a shoulder-fired rocket takes his shot. Machine gunner seems to have some difficulty while reloading and takes some fire – rounds can be heard snapping past and at least one impacts the dirt near the machine gun barrel. A rifleman crawls forward and lays down fire as the machine gunner sorts himself out. The team throws out smoke and calls in a tank for support, which barrels past their position and fires at the threat.

It warms my heart to see machine guns, rockets, and mortars working together in harmony. This has all the appearances of a company-level combined arms action, supported by armor. It is possible that the editing gives the appearance of all systems being coordinated, but I would like to think that, by this point in the game, this is just another day at the office for the 3rd Assault Brigade. If this depiction is accurate, and not just slick editing, then the use of drones to identify targets and shift fires, and the integrations of direct fire systems is first rate. The use of pyro and smoke to signal and screen was also a nice touch.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through sailing.