There were two different types of these units: the "battalions of death" were formed using many civilian volunteers recruited across Russia and given a short training in stormtrooper tactics with grenades.

All of the shock unit members were able to wear red and black chevrons and the death's head skull insignia.

Brusilov formally made a call on 5 June 1917 for volunteers to join "revolutionary shock battalions" in order to "show the army that all free Russian people are going with it into the struggle for freedom and a quick peace.

The shock detachments were recruited from front line troops as well as civilian volunteers, and they also included several all-female Women's Battalions,[1] which had a total strength of about 6,000.

[4] The shock battalions were credited for the initial success of the Kerensky offensive during its first few days in July 1917.