SPG Commander
Requirements
- Experience commanding artillery units, preferably in combat conditions
- Knowledge of the technical characteristics and tactical employment of SPGs
- A high level of responsibility, leadership qualities, stress resilience
- Ability to make quick tactical decisions in difficult conditions
Responsibilities
- Organising and directing the combat work of an SPG unit
- Planning and coordinating fire missions, monitoring the accuracy and effectiveness of fire
- Ensuring the combat readiness of equipment and personnel
- Coordination with command and adjacent units
- Maintaining discipline and the fighting spirit of personnel
Terms
- Mobilisation until the end of martial law, or contract service
- Basic and specialist training as required
- Pay: base pay of UAH 21,000 + an additional bonus of up to UAH 100,000 for carrying out tasks in the combat zone — up to UAH 121,000 per month in total, depending on the duration and area of the tasks
- Full social package
- Full provision of protective equipment and military property
- Opportunity to obtain combatant status (UBD)
Vacancy: SPG Commander
A self-propelled howitzer does not fire on its own. Someone decides exactly where, when and how much — and answers for the result to those on the ground waiting for fire support.
An SPG commander directs the crew's combat work: communicates with reconnaissance and command, receives fire missions and leads the crew through carrying them out.
This is a position for those who have already come up through the artillery and are ready to answer not only for their own shot, but for the whole crew.
Who can become an SPG commander
Artillery experience is required. This is not an entry-level position — people come here with experience as a gunner or crew member, in their own unit or an adjacent one.
What really matters:
- Knowledge of SPG tactics and the technical characteristics of the vehicle
- Ability to make quick decisions in constantly changing conditions
- Leadership qualities and authority within the crew
- Stress resilience — the commander keeps the crew together under fire
- Medical fitness — determined by the military medical board (VLK)
How a commander differs from a gunner: the commander decides where and when to fire and is responsible for the crew as a whole. The gunner handles the technical part — precise laying and adjustment.
What an SPG commander does in the 141st SMB
In addition to what is described in the requirements above:
- Receiving fire missions from command and reconnaissance
- Planning and coordinating the crew's fire missions
- Monitoring the accuracy and effectiveness of fire
- Ensuring the combat readiness of the vehicle and the crew
- Maintaining the discipline and morale of subordinates
How you will be trained
The path is the same for everyone: 51 days of basic military training, then the brigade adaptation course — 14–15 days with instructors who have combat experience.
People come to the SPG commander position with artillery experience — their own or in a related role. Then comes training in crew management and SPG tactics, often as a move within the brigade from a gunner or crew member position.
Tactical medicine is drilled until it becomes automatic. Our instructors' principle is short: the priority is to survive.
What you will be provided with
You will be fully kitted out: gear, protective equipment, the vehicle and ammunition.
You will not be alone. The commander always relies on the crew — the gunner and crew members they work with every day.
What the terms include:
- Pay: base pay of UAH 21,000 + an additional bonus of up to UAH 100,000 for carrying out tasks in the combat zone — up to UAH 121,000 per month in total, depending on the duration and area of the tasks
- Full provision of gear, protective equipment and military property
- The social package provided for service members
- Opportunity to obtain combatant status (UBD)
Where you can grow
- Battery commander — the next level of artillery command
- Instructor training artillery crews
- Artillery staff positions
- Fire planning at unit level
In the 141st, competence and results count — not length of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Logic and process: we answer the key questions about enlistment, training and status.
Apply for this positionCan I become an SPG commander without artillery experience?
+No, this is not an entry-level position. People come here with experience as a gunner or crew member — in their own or an adjacent unit.
Does the SPG commander lay the gun personally?
+No. The gunner is responsible for laying and adjustment; the commander makes decisions and directs the crew as a whole.
How do I become an SPG commander within the brigade?
+The typical path is crew member → gunner → commander, gaining experience at each stage.
I have no military experience. Can I still join you?
+Yes. Most of our best specialists were civilians yesterday. What matters to us is your motivation. We’ll match a role to your skills: if you understand machinery — you’ll go to the mechanics; if you know electronics — to UAVs or communications. Everything military — we’ll teach you.
How long does training take before deployment to the unit?
+Every recruit completes Basic General Military Training (BGMT) at a training center. After that — additional specialized training depending on the chosen role. We send only the prepared to the line of contact — that is our core principle.
What happens after I fill out the form?
+Your application goes to the recruiting center. Within 24 hours our specialist will call — it’s not an interrogation, just an introduction and answers to your questions. If we’re a match, the brigade issues an official request and our liaison helps you get through the TRC and MMB as fast as possible.
Can I transfer to the 141st SMB from another unit?
+Yes, we consider transfers — including via the Army+ app. Fill out the form and select the status “Active service member” — a recruiter will advise on your real chances and the steps involved.
I am AWOL (SZCh). Can I join?
+The law allows a return to service. If you’re motivated to fight in a sound team — fill out the form and state your status honestly. Our specialists will advise you individually on legal ways to return. Confidentially.
Do you provide uniform and equipment?
+Yes. The brigade fully provides basic kit, body armor, helmets and weapons. Plus — thanks to a strong volunteer network, we have additional technological support: drones, EW, transport.
Similar positions
Didn’t find your role?
The brigade has more specialities than the site describes, and some roles are not written up yet. If yours is missing, fill in the form and tell us which position you are looking for. A recruiter will check what is open right now and answer straight.
Tell us which role you wantWhat happens after you apply
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01
A call within 24 hours
Your application goes to the recruiting centre and a specialist calls within a day. It is not an interrogation — just an introduction and answers to your questions.
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02
Interview and choosing a role
Together we look at what you can do and where it is most useful. If we are a match, the brigade issues an official request for your transfer.
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03
Enlistment office and medical board — with support
Our liaison helps you get through the enlistment office and the military medical board as fast as possible. You do not navigate the queues alone.
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04
Training first, then the unit
Basic general military training takes 51 days, followed by the brigade’s 14–15 day adaptation course with instructors who have combat experience. We send only prepared soldiers to the front line.