“It’s scary, but necessary”: how the crew of the 2C1 self-propelled guns works on the front line – the story of the soldiers of the 92nd brigade

The crew of the 2C1 “Gvozdyk” self-propelled artillery installation from the 92nd separate assault brigade talked about their daily combat routines, the support of their comrades and the importance of coordinated work in the conditions of intense battles.

The video with the story of the gunners was published on the official page of the brigade.

“The composition of the crew of the 2C1 self-propelled gun practically did not change since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. And the one who joined the team adapts quite quickly. The main secret is mutual support and humor,” the message reads.

One of the soldiers, responsible for the technical condition of the machine, talks about his duties: “My task is to maintain, to see that everything is clear, so that the machine does not fail. Oil check, filter replacement, engine, gearbox, levels. To see if there are no trains, nothing. Look at the air system. And the goose must be pulled out there. One stroke to tighten, and she was more stretched, and so that, suddenly, she did not swell.” He adds that the Gvozdyka engine is reliable and easy to maintain: “The Yandzor engine is good. There is nothing complicated.”

According to the fighter, the biggest test is entering the position under fire: “Entering under fire is the most difficult thing. Very scary. Well, I have to.” Before the war, he worked as a miner and electrician, and in 2019 he signed a contract and entered the service of this self-propelled gun.

Another gunner, mobilized in the summer, talks about the PG-2 sighting device, designed to guide the gun on the target: “I think anyone with hands and a head can do this job.” It also demonstrates the process of loading the gun and sending the gunpowder.

The third member of the crew acts as a signalman and is responsible for orienting the machine for firing using a compass.

Fighters emphasize the importance of mutual aid and cohesion in the crew. “If the machine broke down, or there were any problems in the machine, then we all tried to solve this problem. The sooner the better. Our guys are very kind and everyone can help. If something is not clear, they will tell you right away. Everyone stands for each other, as if without it,” they say.

Despite fatigue and difficult conditions, the gunners maintain optimism and faith in victory. “There are moments when morally, honestly, it is difficult. We are motivated by the fact that your family is here. We just do our job and hope it benefits our state and we win. Either you are wanted and hiding, or you come and work together with everyone, protecting and fighting for your country,” the fighters conclude.

As reported by ArmiyaInform, Roman is a junior sergeant of the 45th separate artillery brigade named after General Myron Tarnavsky, who, despite the risks to his life, delivers ammunition to firing positions.