Three factors distinguish an elite (or special) unit from a regular one:
Selection and Training. Ukrainian elite combat units, like the paratroopers, do not accept just anyone. Even after nearly three years of brutal war, their criteria remain strict. Applicants must pass interviews and fitness tests, and out of hundreds of candidates, only a small number are accepted. Training for these units is significantly longer and far more demanding than that of regular units. Needless to say, all paratroopers are volunteers, and they tend to be younger than the average Ukrainian soldier. By contrast, regular units—especially the infantry—struggle to fill their ranks.
Absolute elite: Paratroopers of Ukraine’s crack 82nd Airborne Assault Brigade on the obstacle course. (Picture 82nd Airborne Assault Brigade)
Role and equipment. The elite units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) ground forces are the assault brigades (in Ukrainian, “shturm brigada”). These are the breaching troops—the ones sent into hell. Other elite units fall under the Special Operations Forces (the so-called special-purpose units) or the intelligence community (for example, the excellent SBU Alfa units). Naturally, these units are also equipped with the best gear available. A brigade operating Leopard 2 tanks or M2 Bradley vehicles, for instance, is considered elite.
Combat record. Most importantly, elite status is earned through a proven combat record. Units are considered elite because of their stellar performance in previous operations. Many combat brigades within the AFU have achieved outstanding results, which has allowed them to recruit more and better volunteers. Consequently, army command has assigned these brigades to more difficult missions and provided them with superior equipment. Success breeds success. A unit with an average or subpar combat record, on the other hand, will continue performing the same roles it did in 2022 or 2023, only with fewer resources.
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