This GoPro-style footage, provided by the “Omega” Team of the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, shows the team conducting an assault into Chasiv Yar, using man-portable launchers and small arms. While the specific date is unknown, it is believed to have occurred this Spring. The Legion members’ faces are occluded in order to protect their identities.

The “Omega” team begins their foray by slamming a recoilless launcher round into a building at 0:55, following up with rifle fire and grenades. They press the buildings, suppressing the Russian defenders by firing continually as they move forward. At 0:25, a Legionnaire gets eyes inside the building, clearing the lower floor. As they move on to clear other small buildings, the team continually preps them by firing into the windows and walls- a point of similarity between IDF and Ukrainian forces and tactics. At 03:49, the cameraman tosses a grenade into a lower floor and his partner fires into the side of the building, pinning any occupants.

Many people in the shooter-job-type community assume that SWAT and military skills are interchangeable- indeed, there are tons of contractor and government jobs that list both as relevant, required experience. But this video provides a case study in how the thought processes and techniques between the two differ when “clearing a building” is the objective. While the logic in wall-banging every flat surface in a building potentially full of enemies is of course self-evident, it’s not exactly second-nature to those with a primary background in law enforcement (at least, one would hope).

 

About the Author

 

       

     

Cole Simms

     

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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