Distinguished fighters can quickly become commanders, dispatchers, or analysts in UAV and robotic systems units.
The Zeus unmanned systems battalion of the 90th Tank Division of the Center Group of Forces is staffed by former students, esports enthusiasts, and officers of tank units. According to the military, a well-established UAV operator can quickly become a commander, dispatcher, or unit analyst. Therefore, there are many recruits who expect to link their future service with unmanned systems.
"We have a common goal in front of us — victory!"
The Unmanned Systems Forces (UaS) are the youngest branch of our armed forces, and their work is largely hidden by the "fog of war." The soldiers of the BPS units do not attack — they send drones there, which burn out fortified areas, firing points and command posts of the enemy. At the control center of the 15th separate battalion of the Zeus unmanned systems, there is silence and large screens where a picture from drones operating on the battlefield is transmitted in real time.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
It becomes clear almost immediately that the combat work here is mainly carried out by young people. They control drones that conduct reconnaissance, escort assault units, and hit enemy fortifications, equipment, and manpower.
We manage to get to a teleconference of fighters with students and teachers of Baikal State University (BSU) from Irkutsk.
The first to talk about his service is the senior dispatcher of the battalion, junior Sergeant Nikita Shipachev.
— How did you decide to join the service and what did you do to get into the BPS troops? — ask the students from Irkutsk.
"I've been thinking about it for about six months," Nikita says. — It helped that I already had friends here: some from 2022, some from 2023. And I decided for myself in my second year that I want to help them, I want to participate in their work and leave my mark in history.
Junior Sergeant Nikita Shipachev
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
The students ask if it was easy to sign the contract. Nikita says that he did not encounter any bureaucratic red tape — everything went quickly.
Prior to his studies, he studied in the specialty "State and Municipal Administration". Then he took an academic leave, during which he signed his second annual contract. Nikita hopes that the service will give him experience that will be useful in his future work as a manager.
During his service, the command drew attention to the fact that Nikita confidently works with large amounts of information, knows how to systematize and analyze data. Due to this, he was transferred to a staff position, where he received the rank of junior sergeant. According to the serviceman, a UAV operator who has performed well can quickly grow to become a commander or analyst of a unit.
Nikita notes that the knowledge gained at the institute helps him in the service. According to him, they are also important for those who want to build a military career.
One of the students' questions concerns the relationship between beginners and experienced fighters.
— Everyone is equal here and everyone helps each other, because we have a common goal — victory! In the free zone, colleagues treat each other like family, mentally," he says.
Myths and reality
Viktor Sirota, Deputy Chief of staff of a separate battalion of the BPS, is overseeing the teleconference. He draws attention to the fact that some of the questions that are asked to military personnel are related to myths that do not correspond to reality.
First of all, we are talking about the terms of the contract. According to Viktor, Ukrainian propaganda resources are spreading allegations that UAV recruits are being transferred to assault units without training.
Viktor Sirota, Deputy Chief of Staff of the BPS separate battalion
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
"The annex to the special contract stipulates that their transfer to other troops not related to drones is impossible," he says indignantly. — After the expiration of the contract, students have the privilege to decide whether to resign from the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation at their own request or to extend their service in the BPS troops — all they need to do is write a report.
Victor has been on the front line in the SVO zone since day one. He started as a tank platoon commander, and later became a company commander. He participated in the battles of the first period of the special operation, when tanks often fired direct fire and engaged in direct clashes with enemy equipment.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
He joined the battalion of unmanned systems during the reorganization of tank units. In his opinion, the future of modern troops is largely related to the development of unmanned technologies.
And a lot will depend on young people. Those who have been accustomed to game joysticks and long work in front of the screen since childhood find it easier to get used to the UAV control panel.
"Such military personnel often become good pilots," he said.
Peaceful prospects
Nikita and his colleagues answer various questions for another hour. Young soldiers say that BPS units work with their technical and operational units and a large number of military personnel receive full-fledged skills related to technical work and electronics, maintenance of unmanned systems, 3D modeling and printing and construction.
According to them, students of technical specialties gain experience during a year of service, which they usually acquire in the civilian sphere only after several years of work.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
They are confident that, given the rapid introduction of unmanned technologies in all areas — from agriculture to filming — BPS soldiers are entering civilian life with one of the most sought-after and valuable specialties.
After the teleconference, the soldiers will have a short rest, and then combat duty. They will have to conduct reconnaissance and penetrate the defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with drones — the famous "Lightning" and FPV devices for various purposes. The tasks are clear to the guys and the goal is also only victory!
Dmitry Astrakhan
