About the Brigade
The brigade was formed in the city of Kharkiv at the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2014. The soldiers participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation, and later in the Joint Forces Operation, fighting in the Mariupol, Debaltseve, Popasna, and Krymske areas.
The brigade's sleeve insignia combines history and modernity: it features the talisman Ruievit — the god-warrior of inevitable victory — bringing strength and success to the soldiers of 'Spartan'.
October 14, 2020
By decree of the President of Ukraine, the brigade was awarded the honorary name 'named after Colonel Petro Bolbochan.'
July 27, 2022
By decree of the President of Ukraine, the brigade was awarded the honorary distinction 'For Courage and Bravery.'
2023
The 3rd Operational Brigade became one of the assault brigades of the 'Offensive Guard' and received the name — 'Spartan.'
12 Heroes
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, 12 servicemen of the brigade have been awarded the title Hero of Ukraine with the Gold Star Order.
About the Brigade About the Brigade About the Brigade About the Brigade
Become
a Spartan
[1]
Take the first step
Fill out the form on our website or call the recruitment center - our specialists are in touch and ready to answer all your questions
[2]
Interview with a unit representative
We want to know who you are, why you chose the path of a warrior, and what motivates you to join us. This is a short but important conversation
[3]
Document preparation
After a successful interview, you will receive a referral to the recruitment center. There you submit the first package of documents and receive a referral for a military medical commission (MMC)
[4]
Passing the MMC
After passing the medical examination, you will arrive directly at our military unit to complete all the necessary documents
[5]
Basic training
After all the formalities are completed, you will undergo a basic recruit course - an intensive 5-6 week training that will shape you into a true SPARTAN.
How are Spartan soldiers trained?
The key to success
High-quality training is one of Spartan's main principles. That's why we devote a lot of attention to training both new soldiers and those already serving in the brigade.
[1]
Basic Training (64 days)
As soon as you join Spartan (either by mobilization or contract), you'll be sent to undergo the basic general military training course (BGMT) at the National Guard training centers (Kyiv, Lviv, or Ivano-Frankivsk region).
[2]
Full equipment and First Salary
The brigade provides uniform, boots, bulletproof vest, helmet, medical kit, and other necessary equipment. From the first day of service, monetary support is paid — from 24,500 UAH.
[3]
Practice and Combat Skills
During basic training, you will acquire key knowledge and skills for service: tactics, firearms training (99+ hours of shooting), engineering, tactical medicine (TCCC, MARCH), physical training, EW, CBRN defense, and basic military theory.
[4]
Adaptation and Specialization
Combat tasks are not immediate. After 64 days of BGMT, there are another 14 days of adaptation in the unit where you will serve. At the military unit, you'll be offered positions like rifleman, machine gunner, grenadier, scout, sniper, driver, or medic. Specialists in artillery, mortars, air defense, UAVs, and ATGMs must complete additional training.
Combat Chronicle of the 3rd NGU Brigade
Iron Guard
From the first hours of the full-scale invasion, the soldiers of the 3rd Operational Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine stood up to defend the country. In this bloody war, they do not seek glory, but fight for life. For the right of our state to be free, and our people — to exist. Their combat path is a chronicle of valor, courage, and self-sacrifice.
Kharkiv Region
Baptism by fire and resilience in the northeast
Since February 24, 2022, the brigade has held the defense as part of the Kharkiv Operational-Tactical Group. The first baptism by fire took place in the settlements of Velyki Prokhody, Hoptivka, Kozacha Lopan, Zolochiv, Udy, and Dementiivka. Here, the guardsmen repelled enemy advances, demonstrating endurance and coordination. As part of the Kupiansk Task Group, the 3rd Battalion participated in battles in Kharkiv region — in Kruhlenivka, Zahryzove, Bohuslavka. In May 2024, the brigade again deployed to the Kharkiv direction. This time — defending Lyptsi, Sotnytskyi Kozachok, Starytsia, and Hoptivka. All these points became symbols of struggle and victory of spirit.
Donetsk Region
Fierce fighting for Bakhmut and defense of the industrial east
In early 2023, the brigade joined the Lyman Operational-Tactical Group and moved to Bakhmut, where they fought in the hottest combat — under intense shelling and street fighting. In November-December 2022, the 2nd Battalion defended positions near Maiorske, and in January 2023, the 3rd Battalion was deployed to reinforce the burning Soledar. Over six months, the 1st Battalion marched a difficult route through Hrodivka, Novohrodivka, Katerynivka, Kostiantynivka, Yelyzavetivka, Nelipivka, and the settlement of New York. Each settlement was a position that the guardsmen defended despite superhuman conditions. At the beginning of 2025, the brigade holds the defense near Udachne, which has become a new test and chapter of the combat chronicle.
Luhansk Region
Frontline endurance on the Starobilsk direction
The 1st Battalion of the brigade held positions in Pryvillia, Kreminna, showing exemplary coordination in the most difficult conditions. At the same time, soldiers from the same battalion distinguished themselves in the defense of Katerynivka — one of the key points of the Starobilsk direction.
Zaporizhzhia
Fierce fighting for Bakhmut and defense of the industrial east
From May 2023 to May 2024, the 3rd NGU Brigade fought on the Zaporizhzhia front. In Robotyne, Orikhiv, and Mala Danylivka, the guardsmen fought literally for every meter of land, showing resilience even in the hottest spots. In September-October 2024, the brigade returned to these positions and fought for Orikhiv and Novoandriivka, holding the front line under constant attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
All questionsYou can join the brigade from the age of 18.
Currently, you can sign a contract until the end of martial law (mobilization) as well as for 3 years (for soldiers and sergeants) or 5 years (for officers).
Yes. When signing the first contract, a one-time monetary assistance is provided:
- enlisted personnel – 8 living wages for able-bodied persons (as of 2025, one living wage is 3,028 UAH);
- sergeants and senior ranks – 9 living wages;
- officers – 10 living wages.
Basic training lasts 64 days.
At the National Guard of Ukraine training centers in Kyiv, Lviv, or Ivano-Frankivsk regions.
- uniform and footwear (according to season);
- body armor, helmet;
- IFAK;
- additional equipment.
- tactical training;
- firearms training (at least 99 hours of shooting practice);
- engineering training;
- tactical medicine (TCCC, MARCH algorithm);
- physical training;
- basics of electronic warfare;
- CBRN defense;
- theory: legal basics, cyber hygiene, Armed Forces regulations, humanitarian law, psychological training.