Although the Russians appear to be having difficulties, this structural change was likely envisioned from the beginning of the operation, as the scale of the conflict is unsuitable for the sole use of independent BTGs. Larger formations have apparently deployed only with their BTGs, leaving their other manoeuvre battalions in garrisons.

Though understanding of the invasion is still in its infancy, this article intends to shed some light on what a BTG is, and how it is used in a Russian military context.Īt the time of writing, details are still sketchy, but based upon media reports and a few captured Russian maps, it appears that Russia has conducted a partial mobilisation, deploying only partial divisions/regiments, brigades, and independent BTGs. Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has made the term ‘Battalion Tactical Group’ commonplace beyond the expert community, from the mass media to YouTube and a plethora of blog sites. Traditionally, Russia’s lowest echelons capable of performing combined arms tasks were the regiment or brigade, but experimentation in the 1980s led to a semi-permanent combined arms formation at the battalion level, the Battalion Tactical Group (BTG). The execution of these tasks depends upon the enemy’s composition, position and probable course of action the position and condition of one’s own subordinate, attached and supporting units the conditions of the area on which the assigned tasks will occur and weather. Only these units, in cooperation with other branches of arms and other military services, can perform the full spectrum of defensive and offensive tasks. However, the most important determinants of victory are the actions of combined arms units. Success in modern conventional warfare is determined by a combination of effort, environment and – to an extent – luck.

Military tank company size