This footage, provided by the Ukrainian Directorate of Intelligence (abbreviated as GUR or HUR), shows their "Revenge" group in several modes of defense in Chasiv Yar, from engineering firing positions to dropping drone strikes on targets. Although they are short, this video also contains clips from medical procedures and thus, viewer discretion is advised.

Alongside other Special Forces units under the Directorate of Intelligence's umbrella, the Revenge group could be considered commensurate to the United States' rarely-discussed Defense Clandestine Service. Therefore, the soldiers shown here have their faces and identities concealed, in a similar vein to the "Terror" group shown here.

Along with the fun stuff, such as raining down mortar fire and writing little notes on the rounds, this video also shows a more somber side, including troops having dinner via Sterno can in an otherwise unlit room or simply sitting by themselves. Religious iconography is also shown, along with a casualty being worked on by medics. Notably, the music stops in these moments. The "Revenge" group, under all the bravado and ass-kickery, is showing some of the mental and physical "cost of doing business." It's a lot of food for thought in a minute and a half.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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