FPV GoPro footage of a Russian mechanized assault of a Ukrainian position northwest of Artemovsk. The camera operator has the camera attached to his gear rather than his helmet, so some of the footage is obscured by his weapon. The video opens with the squad dismounting their APC. The engagement can be heard raging in the background, and the crew on the APC provides support with their HMG as the infantry dismount. The crunchies take some time to gather themselves, and the camera operator returns fire as his comrades sort themselves out. The squad advances at a deliberate pace, and as our camera operator moves forward, a magazine and a discarded rocket case can be seen on the ground. He struggles with his weapon, his rifle sling, and with the weapon bag he carries, though the contents of the bag are unknown. The camera operator continues to advance slowly and stops to change magazines, though he struggles to reach his magazine and takes about seventeen seconds to reload. With a fresh magazine inserted, the camera operator continues his advance, firing on the move.

The outcome of this engagement is unknown, though the source channel stated that the assault was a success. The portion seen in the video was at least not an abject failure like many of the other Russian assaults we have viewed recently. Though we did not witness full fledged disaster, certain aspects of the footage indicate that these troops may not be in a top-tier unit and do not have extensive training. Their equipment does not appear first rate, and the camera operator appears to carry an older AK-variant which has seen better days. Rather than dismounting and moving smoothly into the assault, the squad spends time outside of the vehicle sorting out their gear, never the best choice while in contact. While there is some covering fire provided by the APC, I do not see too many indications of true support by fire or coordinate fire and movement. Many of the camera operator's actions indicate in individual who has not been extensively trained and who has not drilled these tasks. He is encumbered by his weapon, sling, and additional gear, his magazines were not placed with accessibility in mind, and reloading his weapon does not appear to appear to be a well-drilled action.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing just completed its big yearly event, an offshore race in the Gulf of Mexico with an all veteran crew. You can support the mission and next year's sailing season at Tri-Sail.Org.