In the Ukrainian army, not just infantry, air defense crews, and paratroopers do essential work. The accuracy of Ukrainian artillery strikes depends heavily on this invisible unit, ArmyInform reports.
A unique meteorological platoon from the 148th Separate Artillery Zhytomyr Brigade of the Air Assault Forces helps air assault troops calculate wind, pressure, and humidity indicators.
A former gas worker, an office employee, and a construction worker now conduct these measurements, which determine the flight path of shells and missiles.
“Weather significantly affects the ballistics of shells and rockets,” the brigade explains.
Data from several kilometers above ground is vital for artillery, and when it exceeds 20 kilometers in altitude, it becomes essential for HIMARS systems.
Their data is also used by unmanned aerial vehicle units. Several times a day, soldiers launch a radiosonde that climbs up to 40 kilometers high, collecting information on wind speed and direction, temperature, pressure, and humidity.
Taras, the acting platoon commander who previously worked in the gas industry and began his military service as a technician filling weather balloons, says: “Those who work and develop their skills reach more in a relatively short time than those who just wait for a promotion.”
His comrade Dmytro, who six months ago was an office worker in Kyiv, adds: “Overall, I’m satisfied with where I’m serving. I’m happy to work in a friendly team… It’s hard being separated from family and familiar life. But I’m holding on.”
Oleksii Hryhorovych, a platoon operator who used to work in construction, says: “Of course, I miss my family and peaceful life, but I understand that right now, each of us is part of something bigger. I’m proud to be useful to my country.”