1.0 Introduction 

Tempest Group is a small, highly experienced foreign volunteer contingent operating as part of the Reconnaissance Battalion within Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Assault Brigade and the recently formed Third Army Corps. It was formed by veterans from the international volunteer unit, the Chosen Company, and brings together fighters from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Germany and elsewhere. The group functions as an English speaking unit and specialises in high-risk frontline reconnaissance, particularly night deployments and direct-action missions. It serves not only as a force multiplier but also a symbol of international solidarity, reinforcing Ukraine’s global support against Russian aggression. [source, source]

2.0 Motto and Symbols

2.1 Motto 

“Raise Hell – Then Vanish”

Unofficial sources cite this phrase as the Tempest Group’s motto, and the unit references it on its official Reddit page. It underscores the unit’s aggressive, high impact operational style. 

2.2 Symbols 

2.21 Tempest Group

Their insignia underwent a significant redesign in early 2025. Their earlier insignia used a classic Ground forces-style chevron, with a grey shield over a purple-blue background. Clouds and lightning at the top referenced the Tempest’s name, with a large yellow abbreviation of the group’s name in the centre. 

The updated logo showcases three grey hawks locked in a circular formation at the centre on a black backdrop. The design mirrors a stylised tornado, aligning with the Tempest Group name. 

2.22 Third Separate Assault Brigade

There is limited information that shows the Tempest insignia worn as a patch, however the insignia of their subordinate brigade has been observed on Tempest personnel. It typically features a trident integrated with angular elements, reflecting its Azov lineage. The symbol appears most often in dark green, aligning with its field deployment and tactical use. However, alternate versions in yellow and dark blue/black also commonly appear, likely reflecting the colours of the Ukrainian flag. [source, source]

2.23 Third Army Corps 

The insignia of the Third Army Corps closely resembles that of the Third Assault Brigade, reflecting the corps’ direct formation around the brigade. It features three parallel black diagonal bars on an orange backdrop, effectively reversing the brigade’s black and orange colour theme. 

2.24 Reconnaissance Battalion

The insignia of the Reconnaissance Battalion, to which Tempest is subordinate, is a dark shield with a prominent orange border reflecting its connection to its line of command. A single diagonal bar cuts across the shield.

3.1 Place within Ukrainian Forces

Tempest Group is a volunteer-based team embedded in the Reconnaissance Battalion of the Third Assault Brigade, which is part of the Third Army Corps. The Tempest Group was founded in 2024 by former members of the Chosen Company, an assault element of foreign volunteers. [source]

The 3rd Assault Brigade’s rapid growth, large personnel and reputation enabled the establishment of the 3rd Army Corps in March 2025. It was thus established by building directly on the foundation of the 3rd Assault Brigade, bringing that brigade’s seasoned personnel and structure into a larger formation. However, the brigade continues to exist as a distinct formation. Ongoing reforms within the Corps have expanded to include additional formations such as the 53rd and 63rd Mechanised Brigades.  [source, source, source]

3.3 Funding

The Tempest Group sustains its operations largely through private channels. Tempest has also gained support through donations and sponsorships from international supporters, veteran networks, and affiliated NGOs. Due to legal restrictions, the Tempest Group relies on private donors and specialised nonprofits, such as Protect a Volunteer, to obtain certain military equipment that they cannot receive through many charities or formal military channels.

In one case, a donor personally delivered supplies worth $11,543, which included tactical gear and field equipment. The NGO Protect A Volunteer also appears to be a regular contributor, providing gear such as ponchos, food, tech equipment and others. Additionally, the NGO Ukraine Front Line donates food to members. In addition to NGO support, Tempest benefits from other donation channels like by individuals or small networks. For example, individuals organised a fundraiser to fund a car for the group. [source, source, source, source, source]

3.4 Key Figures 

Andriy Biletskyi 

Since March 2025, Biletskyi has served as the commander of the 3rd Army Corps. He has been instrumental in shaping Ukraine’s specialised units, founding both the “Azov” regiment and the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, guiding their operational doctrine. Furthermore, Biletskyi commanded the liberation of Mariupol in 2014 as well as commanding Tactical Group “A” in the defense of Bakhmut. [source, source]

He further led operations to liberate Shyrokyne and other settlements in Donetsk in 2015, and actively participated in battles for the liberation of the Kyiv region. Additionally, the civilian preparedness campaign “Don’t Panic! Prepare!” was organised under his name. [source]

Many know Biletskyi also for his political ambitions, having founded the National Corps in 2016 on a platform of Ukrainian nationalism, military strengthening, and resistance to Russian influence. While the party has achieved limited national electoral success, it maintains a loyal base in areas with strong nationalist sentiment. [source]

Biletskyi has also been a victim of weaponised AI in the realm of information warfare and Russian propaganda. In March 2025, Russian sources circulated a doctored video falsely attributing statements to the commander, claiming the Ukrainian government was avoiding identification of fallen soldiers to evade compensation. Furthermore, fact-checkers from the outlet Ukrinform confirmed the video used 99% AI-generated audio. The incident illustrates the ongoing use of deepfake and disinformation techniques to undermine Ukrainian military figures. [source]

3.5 Recruitment 

Methods 

Tempest Group recruits foreign volunteers through two primary channels. The first is via the Third Assault Brigade’s official website, where applicants can specify “Tempest Group” in the unit preference field, routing their information directly to the unit. Alternatively, candidates can contact Tempest directly, a reflection of their level of autonomy. In both cases, applicants must submit a form, passport, and proof of military service. The unit then conducts an interview, and leadership periodically reviews all candidates before coordinating travel through the brigade for those accepted. [source]

Requirements

Tempest Group, and the broader structure, is known for undertaking some of Ukraine’s most demanding frontline missions, a reputation that reflects in the unit’s relatively strict requirements and operational standards. Their Reddit page lists the general requirements, which included the following: [source]

• Languages: Fluent English required. Ukrainian (preferred) or Russian.
• Age: 24-45.
• Military background: Prior military service required. The unit prefers combat experience but it is not mandatory.
• Education: College degree not required. 
• Service commitment: Minimum six months, 12 months preferred. 
• Criminal history: No convictions for violent crimes. Minor infractions are acceptable. 
• Health: Physically fit and able to perform full duties. Prior injuries are acceptable only if they do not impair physical function. 
• Vision: Vision must allow normal operational performance. Severe visual impairment or legal blindness is disqualifying, although correctable vision is acceptable within reason. 
• Hearing: Functional hearing in both ears required. 
• Drugs and alcohol: Zero tolerance policy. 

Fitness Training: 

The Tempest Group’s Reddit included the details of the selection process and the multi-stage fitness assessments. Effective from 1 May 2025, applicants must pass a total of three separate fitness evaluations. Candidates have up to four weeks to successfully complete all stages of the assessment. [source]

The first test is the standard fitness test used by the rest of the brigade, which is modelled on the old U.S. Army Physical Fitness Readiness (APFR) test (with the addition of pull-ups). Evaluators grade all applicants according to the standards for the age bracket of 27-31 year old candidates. Candidates must first achieve a minimum total score of 300 points, with at least 60 points per event, to proceed. Furthermore, the initial fitness evaluation allows up to four weeks to meet a total of 351 points and 60 points minimum per event. [source]

In the next stage, participants take the Cooper Test and must score at least in the above-average category for the 20–29 age group. [source]

Candidates must complete the final stage, a 12 mile ruck march, within 3 hours. [source]

Possible Foreign Recruitment 

Being a foreign volunteer unit, Tempest indeed recruits combat experienced individuals from around the world. Their social media presence confirms members from the U.S. and the U.K. Moreover, one frequent donor, Protect a Volunteer, notes that members come from Canada, France, Argentina, Germany, Australia, and Ukraine, and that the unit primarily comprises veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan, and conflicts in Syria and Burma. [source]

3.6 Connections to other important organisations 

Chosen Company 

Tempest Group traces its origins to former members of the Chosen Company, originally a multinational volunteer formation in the Ukrainian service, previously known as the 312th Swedish Volunteer Company. The Chosen Company fought under the Ukrainian Armed Forces and was attached to the 59th Brigade. This lineage carries forward personnel, combat experience, and likely their operational culture. Group commander Ryan O’Leary in May reported that the Chosen Company disbanded after a “good 39 month run.” [source, source, source]

The Company conducted one notable operation, Operation “Pervo,” during the summer 2023 counter-offensive in eastern Ukraine. The target was the village of Pervomaiske, located just outside Russian-held Donetsk. The assault was designed to strike at an unexpected flank in the Donbas region, diverting attention from the heavily publicised southern front and exploiting the enemy’s unpreparedness for action so close to one of their strongholds. [source]

3rd Separate Assault Brigade

The 3rd Separate Assault Brigade hosts the Tempest Group, embedding it within its Reconnaissance Battalion. The homepage of International Legionnaires refers to the brigade as hosting the highest number of international legionnaires, and is further known for its “tough training, carefully planned operations, [and] strong support both on and off the battlefield.” [source, source, source]

3rd Army Corps

Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps is the newly established mechanised formation that consolidates its elite units under centralised command. Biletskyi emphasised that the brigade had modernised its technological capability among others, and stated it was time for the unit to expand the scope. As of late 2025, it controls approximately 150km of the front — roughly 12% of Ukraine’s total combat line — across key sectors like Borova and Lyman. Biletskyi stated the Corps would be based on the core principles of the “Troika.” Troika emphasises management, technology, and intensive combat training. [source]

4.0 Equipment 

4.1 Weapons 

Weaponry is task-selected according to mission and scenario. As the group is relatively new and maintains high levels of operational security, the details on specific equipment, numbers, and configurations are limited. Their status as a foreign volunteer unit indicates a reliance on privately sourced equipment to meet operational needs. 

Their Instagram page provides images that reveal some of their arsenal. They include the IWI X95 (Micro Tavor), various AR-15/M4-style rifles, CZ Bren 2, and multiple AK-74 variants, some with tactical modifications. Additionally, light machine guns such as the PKM or the RPK are present. Furthermore, one operator in a ghillie suit carries a suppressed bolt-action sniper rifle, likely a Sako TRG or Accuracy International AW. The mix reflects both NATO and Eastern bloc systems commonly seen in Ukrainian and allied units. Notably, a July Reddit vacancies post listed openings for 60mm mortar teams and AGS/MK19 gun teams. [source, source, source]

4.2 Optics

Tempest Group operators have been observed using a mix of Western optics, primarily EOTech holographic sights, confirmed through both imagery and a public fundraising campaign to procure them. Some rifles also appear to be fitted with scope-style optics resembling LPVO’s, often paired with offset red dots, suggesting setups tailored for engagements at various distances. On the group’s reddit, they sought to acquire EOTECH HWS 552 optics through a public fundraising campaign, and highlighted the reliability of holographic sights citing its efficacy in longer ranges when partnered with a magnifier. [source, source]

Their armor setups include Western-style plate carriers with MOLLE webbing, and high-cut ballistic helmets fitted with NVG mounts. Additionally, night vision devices are visible in some photos, suggesting access to monocular systems like the PVS-14. [source, source]

4.3 Other Important Gear 

Tempest Group standardises its combat attire around multicam/Operational Camouflage Pattern and Multi-Terrain Patterns. The unit mandates that personnel should purchase a minimum of two uniform sets despite acquiring a default set. These patterns feature a blend of tan, brown, green and muted grey tones designed for woodland, arid and transitional terrains. Additionally, reflecting the informal uniform procurement, operatives also wear the Pea Dot 44 camouflage. Furthermore, we observed on their social media operatives in specialised roles wearing ghillie suits tailored to season terrain for effective concealment. [source, source, source]

5.0 Tactical-Operational Information 

5.1 Operational Methods 

Given the group’s recent formation and operational security, there is extremely limited open-source information on the group’s specific missions. However, the unit operates from Ukraine, embeds within reconnaissance and frontline assault formations, and employs experienced personnel trained for demanding tasks. From this profile, we can infer that its main operational methods are grouped as follows:

• Reconnaissance: Focused information-gathering to map terrain, enemy dispositions and patterns that inform higher-level targeting. [source]
• Intelligence role: As a tactical intelligence node within the Reconnaissance Battalion, Tempest likely collects, validates and disseminates frontline battlefield information. [source]
• Night-time deployments: Often deployed during hours of darkness to reduce detection. [source]
• Direct action capability: Integration into the Third Assault Brigade likely entails the Tempest Group specialises in close-quatre-combat and direct action. [source]
• Infiltration: deep infiltration into hostile areas. [source]

5.2 Core Purpose 

The Tempest Group serves its purpose as a highly trained volunteer force capable of conducting reconnaissance, night deployment operations and targeted offensive operations. As an international contingent, it also serves as a channel for volunteers from around the world who join to support Ukraine and oppose Russian aggression, bringing diverse combat experience, language skills and foreign-theatre expertise. [source, source]

5.3 Personnel size 

The Tempest Group operates as a small, tightly organised unit, typically at squad level. Although no available sources disclose exact numbers, the unit’s structure suggests it comprises roughly 15-50 personnel. This combat footprint supports its specialisation in reconnaissance missions and allows for agility, discretion and rapid deployment.  

6.0 The Future 

Tempest Group is embedded within a growing corps that has recently seen significant advancements in organisation, capability, and public profile. As a result, the unit is well positioned to benefit from this momentum, with its future likely including measured expansion, professional refinement, and access to improved equipment and support. Therefore, Tempest could evolve by expanding its specialised roles and capabilities, while still likely retaining their primary character of reconnaissance and low profile posture. Additionally, the unit’s capabilities are also likely to evolve under the rapidly growing integration of advanced technology and AI within the forces, particularly given the widespread use of drones and priority of high-tech systems in the 3rd Assault Brigade. [source, source, source, source]

7.0 Conclusion 

Tempest Group represents a compact, highly trained international volunteer unit that performs reconnaissance, night operations and low signature infiltration. The group fits into the broader network of international volunteer units, serving as a key player in Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. We can expect Tempest Group’s role to remain key as the war continues, with its capabilities likely to grow in line with the broader development and sophistication of the international volunteer formations.