SPG Crew Member
Requirements
- Medical fitness for service — determined by the military medical board (VLK)
- Physical endurance: the ammunition is heavy and the work is intensive
- Ability to act on command quickly and precisely, including under pressure
- Attention to the technical condition of the howitzer
- Readiness to work as part of a crew
- Experience with artillery or heavy machinery is an advantage, but not a requirement
Responsibilities
- Loading the gun and supplying ammunition
- Preparing the howitzer for firing together with the gunner, checking the mechanisms
- Keeping track of the ammunition load and replenishing it in good time
- SPG maintenance: cleaning, lubrication, fixing minor faults
- Preparing and camouflaging the position, observing safety rules
- Communication within the crew as required
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)
SPG Crew Member in the AFU: what the position involves
An SPG crew member is a soldier in the artillery crew of a self-propelled howitzer. They prepare the howitzer for firing, load the gun, supply ammunition and keep the vehicle in working order between shots.
An SPG is a gun on a self-propelled chassis: it takes up a position quickly, opens fire and moves on just as quickly. For this to work, everyone in the crew has their own role. The commander directs, the gunner aims, the crew members keep up the pace — without them the howitzer will not fire a single shot.
An SPG crew member vacancy in the AFU is an entry-level position in the artillery. No experience is needed, training starts from scratch, and from here the path opens up to gunner and SPG commander.
Who can become an SPG crew member
Experience with artillery is an advantage, but we also take people without it.
What really matters:
- Physical endurance — the ammunition is heavy and the pace of work is high
- Precision. Commands are carried out quickly and accurately: both the result and the crew's safety depend on it
- Attention to the equipment — a minor fault can stop the whole howitzer
- Teamwork — the crew works as a single mechanism
- Medical fitness — determined by the military medical board (VLK)
Who will find it easier: those who have worked with heavy machinery, in repairs or manufacturing, or who have done strength sports.
How a crew member differs from a gunner: the crew member handles loading, the ammunition load and technical readiness; the gunner is responsible for accurate aiming and fire adjustment; the SPG commander is responsible for the whole crew and for accomplishing the task.
SPG crew member duties in the 141st SMB
The crew's work consists of several stages, and the crew member is involved in each of them:
- Moving out and deployment. Preparing and camouflaging the position
- Preparing to fire. Checking the mechanisms, preparing ammunition together with the gunner
- Combat operation. Loading and supplying ammunition at the pace set by the commander
- Packing up. A quick change of position is a matter of the crew's survival
- Maintenance. Cleaning, lubrication, fixing minor faults, keeping track of and replenishing the ammunition load
In many artillery systems loading is separate: the projectile and the propellant charge go in separately. So the coordination of the crew members directly determines how quickly the crew completes its fire mission and leaves the position.
Today, camouflage and a quick change of position are no less important for artillery than accuracy: the enemy hunts howitzers with drones.
How crew members are trained
The path is the same for everyone:
- Basic military training — 51 days
- 141st SMB adaptation course — 14–15 days with instructors who have combat experience
- Specialist training within the crew: loading, handling ammunition, maintenance, working with the gunner and commander
Crew members are trained on the spot by experienced artillerymen. This is the position you start from in order to become a gunner later on.
Tactical medicine is drilled until it becomes automatic. The instructors' principle: the priority is to survive.
What you will be provided with
You will be fully kitted out: gear and protective equipment.
A crew member always works as part of a crew — alongside the gunner and commander, who guide and train you on the spot.
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
- 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 in the artillery
The typical path in an artillery crew:
- SPG Gunner — the natural next step
- SPG Commander — for those who have gone through both stages
- Related artillery specialities
- Instructor training new crew members
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 experience to become an SPG crew member?
+No. Experience is an advantage, but training starts from scratch: this is an entry-level position in the crew.
Is this hard physical work?
+Yes. The ammunition is heavy and the pace is high, so endurance matters. You will be taught the rest within the crew.
How does a crew member differ from an SPG gunner?
+The crew member loads the gun, supplies ammunition and keeps the howitzer in working order. The gunner aims the gun at the target and adjusts fire. The typical path is from crew member to gunner, and then to SPG commander.
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.