Chosen Company (previously 312. VOLUNTEER COMPANY)

Chosen Company is a formerly Swedish unit that today is made up of a multinational volunteer unit serving under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

current

The 312th Volunteer Company has reorganised, as well as relocated to a new unit and undergone a name change since the start of 2023. We are today the Chosen Company and are serving within the Armed Forces of Ukraine (ZSU) attached to the 59th Brigade.
The team currently does not have the administrative resources to update this page, but you can follow our Instagram and  Youtube.

 Heroes

These men have made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom and democracy. Their unwavering dedication to these ideals serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice knows no boundaries. In a world often divided by differences, these men demonstrated the power of unity through their selfless actions. To leave the comforts of familiarity, driven by a profound sense of duty and a belief in the fundamental rights of all people, is what defines a hero. Men amongst men. While our loss is immense, we must remember that the families of these brave men bear an even greater burden. Their grief is a reminder of the deep love and connection that existed beyond the battlefield. Let us stand together in supporting and comforting them, honoring their strength and resilience during this difficult time. Their sacrifice serves as a testament to the universal values that bind us together, transcending borders and languages. As we mourn their loss, let us also celebrate the legacy they leave behind. Their courage in the face of adversity echoes through the ages, inspiring us to continue the fight for a world where every individual can live in dignity, free from oppression. While the pain of their absence is profound, we must draw strength from their example. Let their sacrifice remind us that the struggle for freedom is ongoing, and that each of us has a role to play in upholding the values they held dear. They where and will always remain members of the international brotherhood made up by volunteers coming from all over the world to fight tyranny and the evil of fascism. As we say our final farewell to our dear friends, know that their spirits lives on in the hearts of those they touched. May they rest in peace, knowing that their sacrifice and the sacrifices of their comrades will be remembered as a beacon of hope. Their memory will forever inspire a world that seeks to be better.
Until we meet again in the halls of Valhalla.

Johan Fredriksson
KILLED IN ACTION OCT 10/2023

Johan was a squad leader for 1st Recon squad as well as a sniper.
His courage, will power and humbleness was what defined him. His sense for details was second to none, and he always went above and beyond. He shall forever be remembered as one of the best.

News Article

Dalton J. Medlin
Killed in action Sep 27/2023

Dalton was a rifleman in 1st Platoon and served with distinction. He never complained and was known to help his brothers in arms stay calm and focused. He was always polite and humble.

News Article

Lance Lawrence
Killed in action july 29/2023

Lance was a rifleman in 2nd Platoon and was the definition of a professional soldier. Brave, calm and knowledgeable, he supported his comrades whenever he could and would always put the mission first.

News Article

Andrew Webber
Killed in action july 29/2023

Andrew was relatively new in the unit but was quickly assigned as a squad leader in 2nd Platoon. A former student at Westpoint, he was to be assigned as the leader of 2nd Platoon. He was always professional.

News Article

Edvard Selander
KIlled in action Jul 18/2022

Edvard was CO for what was the 312th Swedish Volunteer Company. He was instrumental in raising and organising the unit, and without his leadership and commitment it would not have been possible.
A true representation of what it means to be a Swedish Officer.

News Article

Media

The aspect of information warfare in combination with traditional OSINT (open source intelligence) makes it difficult to share the units daily life, but we also realise that we have to make ourselves known for us to be able to receive support. That's why we have decided to share a limited amount of images and videos. If you wan't to follow us for more frequent updates, then you can find us on Instagram and Youtube.

Unit coposition

The company is a "Special Purpose Company" (not to be confused with Special Forces) and is comprised of five specialised units, including a support team.

1. Rifle Platoon

First Rifle Platoon (Special Assault Platoon) are specialised in assaulting and clearing terrain, with emphasis on clearing.

2. Rifle platoon

Second Rifle Platoon Second Platoon (Heavy Weapons Platoon) are specialised in the use of heavy weapons to provide fire support.

3. Recon Platoon

Third Recon Platoon (Special Reconnaisance Platoon) are specialised in infiltration and sniper ops.

4. Drone Squad

Fourth Drone Squad (Drone Team) are specalised in the use of drones for tactical deployment.

5. Pioneer Squad

Fifth Pioneer Squad (Assault Pioneer Team) are specalised in fabricating, arming and detonating explosives.

6. Support Platoon

Sixth Support Platoon (Combat Support Platoon) consist of medics, EOD, mechanics and instructors. Parts of these directly support company operations whilst some are operating in other locations.


THE COMPANY

The Chosen Company was raised and organised in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is a multinational force of veterans. The purpose is to organise and operate a NATO-standardised unit entirely composed of Armed Forces veterans.
The company is fully autonomous and is in charge of its own recruitment, selection, training, operational planning and execution (in coordination with the Armed Forces of Ukraine).
This is all in order to lighten the burden administratively and to maintain a high standard within the unit as well as streamline the selection process.

Chosen company has so far been represented by 31 separate nationalities.


Managment of personal information

Any data that is submitted on the application form is managed and stored on encrypted GDPR certified servers. These can only be accessed by administrators after dual-verification processes. For more information click this link.


Requirements and physical standards

In order to ensure that all applicants are up to standard for service we have a list of minimum requirements. It is vital that you thoroughly read through the expectations and demands and that you are honest in your application. For more information, scroll down on this page.


FAQ

For the most common questions we have established an FAQ further down on this page. For any further inquires beyond the scope of the FAQ, please contact us.


Purpose of the company

The primary function of the company is in a combat role, with frontline rotations. This means that you'll see frontline service for a few weeks, followed by a rest and recoup further behind the lines before rotating back in. Besides combat troops, the company also deploy instructors and medical personnel for service.


Donations

The unit has had serious issues with getting a bank account due to the swedish bank system. Currently we are asking for any donation to be sent to the PayPal of the Company Commander. If this sounds suspicious to you, or if you wish to donate supplies, please contact us.


Code of Conduct

Volunteer servicemembers are expected to adhere to the regulations and behaviour as expected within the military profession.

Your ethnicity, creed or sexual orientation is not relevant in the line of duty.


Rotations

We are no longer conducting organised rotations. These are now carried out on an individual basis.

Should you be interested in joining up, please make sure to mention it on your application form when you fill it in. We will get in touch with you in order.

  • UA Individual rotaion

    UA is henceforth only by individual rotation.

  • UA01-08

    Rotations UA01-08 were conducted between April of 2022 to February 2023.

  • UA00

    UA00 was primarily a rotation to find an appropriate unit to deploy with and was conducted between March 2022 to June 2022.


APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

Below 45 years of age

The maximum age for applicants is 45 years. This will most likely not be reviewed in the near future.

No felony charges

The Armed Forces of Ukraine do not accept anyone who has committed any felonies that carry prison sentences. We will request a copy of your criminal record before rotation.

physical condition

You will be expected to conduct heavy physical labour and combat in both an offensive and defensive role. Be honest with yourself.

Full vaccination

You need to have received a vaccination against COVID-19 (minimum two shots) and Cholera (Dukoral).

Valid Passport

You are required to have a valid passport. Temporary passports have had varied success, so a full passport is preferred to ensure a smooth crossing.

Relevant experience

You need to have prior military experience.
-What does this entail?
A preference for veterans with combat experience, with overseas tours an added advantage. If you just got out of basic training your application will still be taken under consideration.

Physically healthy

No serious or chronic injury that can flare up at inopportune times. In conjunction with your application a fully filled out medical form will be requested.


Equipment

One of the most commonly occurring questions is in regards to equipment. The basic personal equipment is of good quality but may vary in make and style. You will receive the most basic of necessities, but may have to complement some things on your own. For instance, you will be provided with ear protection, but not of the active ComTac type, thus it may be worth looking into on your own to ensure that you come as prepared as possible.
Below is an example of gear provided.

Blue/Yellow

Blue/Yellow is a Lithuanian NGO who support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They have helped us with cars, drones, optics, computers, phones, radio equipment, helmets, body armor, earpro, chainsaws, generators, sewing machines, MREs, etc.

Hemsida

NORDCELL

Nordcell is a swedish company that offer logistics and trade solutions for businesses, dealing in the pulp and cellulose industry.
They have supported us with NVGs for our medics, as well as vehicles, money and helmet adapters.

Hemsida

PROTECT A VOLUNTEER

Protect a volunteer is a so called "donor matching platform". Volunteers reach out to them fir syport and they will then get the volunteer in direct contact with a sponsor. They have helped us with medical equipment, money and transportation of injured.

Hemsida

SVENSK EMBALLAGETEKNIK AB

Svensk Emballageteknik AB is a Swedish company which specializes in shock-proof packaging. They have supported us with shockproof bags for sensitive equipment and optics. They have also supported us financially to be able to directly purchase equipment and pay for transport and expenses such as vehicle armour, diesel, etc.

Hemsida

SNIGEL

Snigel is a Swedish company that makes military equipment. They make some of the best equipment that money can buy together with Tardigrade and Norarm. They are one of the best platform designers out there and their products are of supreme quality! They have supported us with backpacks, chestrigs, mag pouches, dump pouches, etc.

Hemsida

TARDIGRADE

Tardigrade is a Danish company that makes military equipment. They make some of the best equipment that money can buy together with Snigel and Norarm.  Their products are some of the lightest you can find without losing quality and yhey have provided us with chestrigs, grenade pouches, weapon slings, radio pouches, etc.

Hemsida

NORAM

Norarm is a Norwegian company that makes military equipment. They some of the best equipment that money can buy together with Tardigrade and Snigel. They are one of the best designers of uniforms out there. They are of high qulity, comfortable and extremely durable. They have provided us with uniforms, even though these are almost always out of stock.

Hemsida

Would you like to be here?

If you would like to support us, you're more than welcome to get in touch with us!

You can do that by writing to us at HR@312e.se.

SWEOD

SWEOD is made up by two former NCOs from Sweden. They instruct Ukrainians in mine awareness and demining. It's possible to support them directly on Paypal.

FAQ

In this FAQ we will answer the most common questions

Who are behind Chosern company?

The Chosen Company (former 312th Volunteer Company) has been raised in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The purpose is to ease coordination and tactical readiness.

What will my Legal status be?

By signing the documents presented upon arrival, you will be classified as a combatant within the framework of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

How long must I serve?

The contract will be actively renewed on a monthly basis, or until martial law is lifted.

Does this mean that I can return after just a month of service?

Yes, however our planned rotations are between 2-3 months in length, with the ability to extend your term of service.

What's the compensation?

Compensation is the same as for all personnel serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine; 1000€/month. We are aware of that while this is wholly underwhelming to support a living situation in Sweden, we are currently looking at options to assist in coverage. We currently have a legal team investigating this prospect further.

Do I need to be vaccinated?

No, but if you die of some preventable disease because you didn't, that's on you.

What does "Good Physical Condition" mean?

We will conduct tests for all applicants. You need to evaluate yourself before you go. You must be able to conduct combat through both defense and offense. It is reasonable to assume situations that require tremendous explosiveness and endurance. Also expect that there will occasionally be longer foot marches, and that some defenses will be dug and a number of sandbags will be carried.

What does "Prior military experience" mean?


A preference for veterans with combat experience and overseas tours an added advantage. If you just got out of basic training your application will still be taken under consideration.

Must I be declared fully medically fit?

Yes and no. If you cannot carry your own combat load due to a previous injury, then we must decline your application. However if you have a rare disease that doesn't impair you in the short-term (6-12 months) and want to add your efforts to our cause, then you are welcome to apply.

No serious or chronic injury that can flare up at inopportune times. In conjunction with your application a fully filled out medical form will be requested.

Can I apply even if I'm above the age of 45?

We are currently not accepting anyone above the age of 45 for service, with the exception of experienced officers and instructors for training and exercise purposes.

I'm previously convicted, can I still apply?

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have specified that: "No crimes that carry the penalty of prison sentences". We have chosen to strictly adhere to these guidelines, and the Ukrainian recruitment office will do a background check.

I don't have the option to travel myself, but still want to do something. What can I do to help?

As of now we are primarily in need of monetary aid. Any donated funds will be used as coverage for our personnel, to cover transit and fuel costs. If you are interested in helping us, then please contact us at HR@312e.se

Do I need to have a Passport?

Yes, you need to have a valid passport. Provisional or short-term passports have had varied levels of success, therefor we advise that you get a regular passport.