The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
The 38th Separate Marine Brigade named after Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi shared the story of Svitlana, callsign “Strela” — a tactical medicine instructor of the 3rd Battalion, who in civilian life is a student at the Faculty of Physical Education of the M. Drahomanov University.
This was reported on the brigade’s official page.
FROM SIGNING THE CONTRACT — TO THE UK AND THE 503RD BATTALION
Svitlana joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in July 2023: on July 1, she signed a contract and just a few days later departed for basic general military training in the United Kingdom.
After returning, she served in the 503rd Separate Marine Battalion. She began as a medic at a medical post and took part in the evacuation of the wounded. Later, she became interested in teaching tactical medicine, combining her instructional work with evacuation missions. She worked in the Donetsk and Kherson regions.
THE MARINE BERET, AN AWARD, AND “MEDICINE FROM SCRATCH”
In 2024, Svitlana successfully completed the obstacle course and earned the Marine beret. That same year, she received the “For Saved Life” award.
In December 2024, “Strela” transferred to the newly established 3rd Battalion of the 38th Separate Marine Brigade, taking the position of medical instructor.
“Together with her colleagues, they literally created the battalion’s medical post from scratch: organized medical support for training, conducted shooting and tactical medicine classes, and are constantly preparing personnel”, — the brigade reported.
Svitlana also underwent training abroad, where she earned a certificate as a combat medic instructor.
“THE WORK IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, BUT I’M IN MY PLACE”
Currently, Svitlana is serving as the acting head of the medical post.
“This work is extremely difficult — you must find an approach to everyone, because the quality of training determines the lives of your comrades”, — the brigade noted.
“Every day they deal not only with bodies but also with hearts, emotions, and fears. Each wounded person is an entire universe,” the soldiers added.
And “Strela” herself admits: “When you see the smile of someone who has just fought for their life — it’s priceless. That’s when you understand: I’m where I’m meant to be”.
The 38th Brigade emphasized: “Strela is an example of dedication, professionalism, and humanity. We are grateful for every life she has saved”.
