Squad Leader
Requirements
- Rank of junior sergeant or above
- Fitness for service in terms of health and moral qualities
- Willingness to learn
- Age 18 to 45
- Physical endurance and no contraindications to performing military service
- Ability to work as part of a team and carry out the combat orders of command
- Ability to make decisions in stressful situations
Responsibilities
- Leading the squad
- Conducting the unit's combat training
- Ensuring safety and discipline in the unit
- Carrying out combat tasks as part of a unit, including in the combat zone
- Compliance with military regulations and discipline
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: Squad Leader
A squad in combat is not a sum of armed people but a team acting on a single plan. The person who turns orders into concrete action on the ground is the squad leader.
The squad leader leads people in combat: assigns tasks to the grenadier, the machine gunner, the riflemen and the ATGM operator, coordinates fire and movement, and is responsible for accomplishing the task and for the lives of subordinates.
This is not "a rifleman with his own people" — it is a command role, where your own weapon is secondary to the decisions the leader makes.
Who can become a squad leader
Command experience is an advantage, but we also take people without it if they have leadership qualities and are ready to take responsibility for others.
What really matters:
- The ability to make decisions quickly and keep them in your head throughout the battle
- Authority among people — not given by position, but earned
- Tactical thinking: seeing the battlefield as a problem to solve, not as chaos
- Responsibility for the lives of subordinates — this is harder than answering only for yourself
- Medical fitness — determined by the military medical board (VLK)
How a squad leader differs from the other positions in the group: they are not a "number" tied to their own weapon. Their weapon is coordinating the grenadier, the ATGM operator, the machine gunner and the riflemen into a single action.
What a squad leader does in the 141st SMB
In addition to what is described in the requirements above:
- Assigning tasks to subordinates in line with the orders of command
- Organising the squad's fire and movement during combat
- Assigning roles: who works the grenade launcher, who the ATGM, who provides cover
- Monitoring the discipline and the morale and psychological state of personnel
- Reporting to command on the progress of the task and the condition of the people
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.
Next comes training in squad leadership: small-unit tactics, assigning tasks, fire coordination. A significant share of squad leaders grow within the brigade — from those who have proven themselves as a rifleman, grenadier or in another combat role.
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, weapons and the equipment you need for the job.
You won't be alone. A squad leader can always rely on a deputy and on the leaders of neighbouring squads — decisions are not made in a vacuum.
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
- Platoon commander — the natural next step
- Tactical training instructor for newcomers
- Staff positions that require combat experience of leading people
- Specialist development in the field you came from before taking command
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 positionDo I need command experience to apply?
+It is an advantage, not a mandatory requirement. A significant share of squad leaders grow within the brigade from combat positions.
Does the squad leader do the shooting in combat?
+They have a personal weapon, but the main task is leading the squad, not personal marksmanship.
How are people appointed to this position?
+Based on their service record and tactical training; the decision is made by command, taking into account the candidate's experience and qualities.
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.