Ukrainian Air Assault Forces' training center helps recruits overcome fear of weapons

Captain Uliana Dovbysh, deputy commander of a training company for psychological support at the center, said this in an interview with Ukrinform.

"There were people who were very afraid to take a weapon in their hands. And it's not because of religious beliefs, but because they fear killing someone. In such cases, we emphasize that weapons are necessary for self-defense. You cannot force this – you have to explain it, and commanders and instructors are involved in this work. […] This fear can be overcome," Dovbysh said.

According to her, such recruits are approached "like small children": they are encouraged to hold a weapon, examine it, and study it together step by step.

Uliana Dovbysh Photo: Iryna Chyrytsia, Ukrinform

"I always tell those who arrive that this is like a small school where we will teach them. Of course, everyone fears for their life and health. I explain that fear of death is normal – only a foolish person is not afraid of death. When I speak with recruits, I cite the example of young men who voluntarily joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces at the start of the full-scale war and are no longer alive. Many of them didn't even have children. Many adult men understand this and say that it should have been them, not 18- to 20-year-old boys," Dovbysh said.

The training center also assists recruits in resolving various issues. Most commonly, they seek help with blocked bank cards and medical commission conclusions. As Dovbysh explained, if a person has documents confirming health problems and prior treatment, they should provide them, and the recruit will be referred to a relevant specialist, who will determine whether treatment is currently needed.

People with disabilities that have not been properly renewed, or those with other serious health conditions, are not forcibly retained at the training center.

First photo: 199th Training Center of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces