33rd Mechanized Brigade (Ukraine)

The 33rd Mechanized Brigade (Ukrainian: 33-тя окрема механізована бригада) is a brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces formed in 2016.^[3]

33rd Mechanized Brigade
33-тя окрема механізована бригада
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia
Active	April 1, 2016 - present
Country	Ukraine
Branch	Ukrainian Ground Forces
Role	Mechanized Infantry
Motto(s)	Forward to Victory
Engagements	Russo-Ukrainian War Russian Invasion of Ukraine[1] 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive[2] Battle of Mala Tokmachka
Website	https://www.facebook.com/33OMBr
Commanders
Current commander	Col. Ivan Voitenko
Insignia
Old sleeve patch of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade (Pre September 2023)

History

The 33rd Mechanized Brigade, which was originally formed in April 2016 as a part of the Ukrainian Reserve Corps, had been demobilized and essentially existed only on paper for a period of time.^[4] However, the brigade has been reactivated and is making a comeback.^[5] As a symbol of this reactivation, the unit has been given new insignia that features a wolf, which is said to represent the Brigade.^[3] Later they received a new insignia that features a sword with a skull on it.^[6]

Structure

As of 2023 the brigade's structure is as follows:^[4]

• 33rd Mechanized Brigade,
  • Headquarters & Headquarters Company
  • 1st Mechanized Battalion
  • 2nd Mechanized Battalion
  • 3rd Mechanized Battalion
  • Tank Battalion (Leopard 2A4)
  • Artillery Group
  • Anti-Aircraft Defense Battalion
  • Reconnaissance Company
  • "Sky Monsters" UAV Company. FPV drops and kamikaze drones.
  • Engineer Battalion
  • Logistic Battalion
  • Signal Company
  • Maintenance Battalion
  • Radar Company
  • Medical Company
  • Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) Protection Company

References

1. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/06/15/one-of-ukraines-meanest-mechanized-brigades-just-joined-the-southern-counteroffensive/?sh=5eb9fd714b36
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/06/15/one-of-ukraines-meanest-mechanized-brigades-just-joined-the-southern-counteroffensive/?sh=5eb9fd714b36
3. "Новостворена бригада ЗСУ завершує вишкіл на Рівненщині — 5 канал". 2016-10-31. Archived from the original on 2016-10-31. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
4. "прапори шеврони 33-тя окрема механізована бригада 33 ОМБр". kapterka.com.ua (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2023-03-28.
5. "Новостворена бригада ЗСУ завершує вишкіл на Рівненщині". 5.ua. 4 April 2016.
6. Axe, David. "Ukraine's 33rd Mechanized Brigade Has Some Of The Country's Best Tanks—But No Fighting Vehicles To Support Them". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-06-13.