The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
A serviceman with the call sign “Petrovych”, who has been working for four years in the fuel and lubricants service of the 63rd Mechanized Brigade, commented on the stereotypes about military service.
The video of the conversation with him was published on the channel of the 63rd Brigade.
“A Home Must Be Defended”
He commented on the common myth: “This state has given us nothing for us to fight for it”.
“In society, you can’t just build a fence around yourself and be done with people. The state exists. This is our country, this is our home. And a home must be defended”.
Fear Dulls When Common Sense Kicks In
“Petrovych” explained how he overcame fear:
“Danger is everywhere, but we are at a distance. The risk is lower — many times lower — than for our combat units working on the zero line. As for me personally, that natural fear present in every person has dulled, it has moved somewhat to the background. If you approach everything with common sense — where to go, what is happening — this danger is minimized”.
“I Had Normal Commanders”
He also dispelled the myth: “I’ll end up with an inadequate commander”.
“When I got here, into the army, I had normal, adequate commanders who helped me a lot. If you find yourself and see yourself in another unit where you can be more useful, they will always meet you halfway. The result is what matters to us”.
“No One Has Ever Been Transferred Somewhere Without Reason”
Regarding the stereotype “they will transfer me to the infantry,” the serviceman said:
“No, there has never been a case where someone was transferred somewhere without reason. The only situation is if you misbehave, don’t fulfil your duties, don’t match your position, if your results are not just low but minimal — then such a possibility exists. They may move you somewhere else, because you’re not useful where you are. But this is not a rule”.
“Going on Leave Is Not a Problem”
“Petrovych” shared that he goes on leave twice a year:
“There was a problem in 2022 when everything was so spontaneous. Later it all settled down, regular transport resumed, and you could calmly go home. Going on leave twice a year is absolutely not a problem. I also travelled abroad—to Poland with my sister. There are absolutely no issues. You write a request, explain where you’re going. They let you cross the border and give extra travel days. There were cases when no one could replace me, so my wife came to me instead”.
“In a Rear Unit I Receive 55,000 Per Month”
He also refuted the myth: “I won’t be able to support my family”.
“The monetary allowance is completely normal, as much as the state can currently provide. I am in a rear unit. 27 plus 28, so I receive 55,000 per month. Plus, all my needs are fully covered by the state. I don’t need to buy anything special… I have everything I need. They fully equip us as well. So I send most of my salary home. I have three children — I need to make sure everything is good there, at least in some way I can help them”.
