151st Separate Mechanized Brigade
151 окрема механізована бригада
Shoulder sleeve insignia[1]
ActiveOctober 2023 – present
Country Ukraine
Branch Ukrainian Ground Forces
RoleMechanized infantry
Part ofOperational Command East
Motto(s)"Our honor is the most sacred"
Engagements
WebsiteOfficial Facebook page
Commanders
Current
commander		V. Samoilenko

The 151st Separate Mechanized Brigade (Ukrainian: 151 окрема механізована бригада, romanized: 151 okrema mekhanizovana bryhada)[1] is a formation of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.[2] The brigade was announced alongside the 150th, 152nd, 153rd, and the 154th Mechanized Brigade's in October 2023. [2][3]

The 151st Mechanized Brigade's insignia, motto, and creation were officialy publicized and revealed on 30 October 2023 in anticipation for a potential Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2024.[4] The unit is known to have been in heavy training since the beginning of its existence, with the unit utilising various weapon systems.[5][6][7] It is presumed that the brigade has participated in combat operations in eastern Ukraine - due to publications by the unit on social media.[8][9]

History

Formation

The brigade undergoing an obstacle course.

According to several articles that drew upon information published by Militaryland.net, the brigade was announced in mid-October 2023, alongside the creation of five new mechanized brigades as part of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.[4] By at least 17 October 2023, it was confirmed by allegedly several sources discovered by Militaryland.net that the brigade was being formed at a reapid pace, and was expected to soon be sent to the frontline in Ukraine. It was also noted that a possible military number designation was found for the unit - A4941.[3]

On 30 October 2023, information regarding the creation of the 151st Mechanized Brigade was publicized; with the brigade receiving its insignia, and its motto. The brigade was reported to be staffed with soldiers that were conscripted throughout 2023, with some officers and sergeants assigned from other mechanized brigades. Similarly, majority of the officer brigades announced alongside the unit were expected to draw its cadre from experienced officers and non-commissioned officers.[2]

Allegedly on 31 October 2023, a video surfaced online displaying the oath of the soldiers of the 151st Mechanized Brigade - where the emblem of the newly created formation was also shown for the first time. According to preliminary data, the brigade was formed in Poltava Oblast, which was also indirectly indicated by its symbols on its shoulder sleeve insignia.

Posts on social media by the brigade show that there are several women amongst the ranks of the unit.[10]

It can be presumed from several social media publications by the unit that they have been actively training, as well as fighting in eastern Ukraine.[5][6][7][8][9] Publications by the brigade also showcase that at least one battalion of the brigade has a BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle in its vehicle arsenal. This was also reported by Forbes, acknowledging that it is unclear how this particular brigade as well as many others created alongside it - would acquire its equipment and vehicles that would designate it as a mechanized brigade; rather than a light infantry brigade.[3] It is also notable that the article mentioned that these brigade's were not expected to receive modern fighting vehicles from foreign aid - such as KTO Rosomak "Wolverine's" from Poland. Instead, it was reported that the unit would most probably have to make do with old, vulnerable, and plentinful vehicles stockpiled in the Ukrainian Armed Force's arsenal - composed of BMPs or MT-LB armored tractors and trucks.[2]

Russo-Ukrainian War

Soldier of the brigade undergoing small arms practice.

2022 Russian invasion

The 151st Mechanized Brigade was reported to be formed in anticipation of a potential Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2024, as well as to bolster Ukrainian defenses in eastern Ukraine to relieve depleted units deployed there.[2][3]

The brigade has undergone extensive training in eastern Ukraine.[5][6][7] It is presumed that some elements of the unit is involved in combat in Ukraine,[8][9] however there is no official confirmation.

As indicated by the title of the DAILY KOS article, the brigade is in need of modernizing its equipment with American surplus armor.[5] The brigade, according to an article by Forbes drawing information from Militaryland.net - has old stockpiles of equipment such as BMPs and MT-LBs.[2] The unit is most likely expected to receive or be donated modern weapons from supporters, or the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In a publication by the 151st Mechanized Brigade on social media on 5 December 2023, it was stated that cars, drones, generators, thermometers, foods, and other essentials were made possible by the Dnipro City Council and the head of the city Boris Filatov - who donated a significant amount of effort and money to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The post also ended with the unit thanking the Dnipro City Council, and Boris Filatov personally.[11]

Similarly on 13 December 2023, the unit published several photographs of them receiving camouflaged uniform pieces such as ghillie suits.[12]

On 18 December 2023, prior to Christmas, fighters of the brigade published photographs of providing humanitarian aid to reidents and children from Novomoskovsk, Ukraine. It was mentioned that food, medicine, hygiene and other items needed were provided.[13]

Structure

As of October 2023, the brigade's structure is as follows:

  • 151st Mechanized Brigade
    • Brigade's Headquarters
    • 1st Mechanized Battalion
    • 2nd Mechanized Battalion
    • 3rd Mechanized Battalion
    • Tank Battalion
    • Reconnaissance Company
    • Artillery Group
    • Anti-Aircraft Defense Battalion
    • Engineer Battalion
    • Logistic Battalion
    • Maintenance Battalion
    • CBRN Protection Company
    • Medical Company
    • Radar Company
    • Signal Company

References

  1. 1 2 "Brigade insignia". Facebook. December 26, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Ukraine Is Forming Five New Mechanized Brigades. Now They Need Vehicles". Forbes. December 7, 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Українська армія формує нові бригади". republic.com.ua. October 24, 2023.
  4. 1 2 ""Ксена-воїн кличе": в ЗСУ з'явилася нова бригада, що відомо (фото, відео)". focus.ua. December 30, 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Ukraine Update: The Ukrainian Army is expanding—they need American surplus armor". DAILY KOS. December 10, 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 "Вдале проходження «обкатки» бійцями 151 омбр". Facebook. October 29, 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 "«Гвоздик» безпосередньої підтримки". Facebook. December 1, 2023.
  8. 1 2 3 "Комбат Кучеренко". Facebook. December 29, 2023.
  9. 1 2 3 "Непереможний народ". Facebook. December 5, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Без курсу стрільби зі стрілецької зброї на полі бою нічого буде робити". Facebook. November 6, 2023.
  11. ↑ "Дніпро – перший в Україні помічник ЗСУ". Facebook. December 5, 2023.
  12. ↑ "Народ і армія – єдині". Facebook. December 13, 2023.
  13. ↑ "Чужих дітей не буває". Facebook. December 18, 2023.
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