[AMA] I am an infantryman serving with 23rd separate Special Forces battalion. Before the invasion I had almost no military experience. Ask me anything.

by IvanSokolets

24 comments

  1. Is this AMA a government/unit sanctioned thing? Did you get a 5-hour long OPSEC and PERSEC briefing before you were allowed to do this?

  2. What was your life like before Ukraine was invaded by Russia?

  3. Did you get counter-IED training or were you mostly trained on threats of conventional explosives? Do the Russians use a lot of IED’s, or mostly conventional stuff like land mines?

  4. Clearing the ruzzian trenches/bunkers with grenades and rifles looks to be exceptionally difficult. USMC used back-pack flame throwers vs. similar Japanese defense lines in 1945. Could this be a viable alternative for Ukranian troops storming these trench/bunker locations?

  5. It feels like everything I’d really want to know would horrifically break opsec, soooo… uhhh… what’s the longest you’ve gone without a shower?

  6. In your opinion, what is the minimum number of days in order to be fully trained to be an infantry soldier for a typical healthy civilian?

  7. How is the vibe and mood among the soldiers in the midst of a counter offensive? Some medias say it’s slow, others say it was expected and that it’s ok to be cautious.. that it’s an attrition war after all.

    But no one knows better than those on the field. How’s to moral? Discouraged for the size of the task? Cheerful? Scared? Pressure?

  8. What’s the best tips for surviving on the battlefield?

    Have you met any foreign volunteers?

    What are your plans once the fight is over and the war is won?

    Anyways, good luck on your future operations and your brothers in arms safe and sound. Fuck up those RuZZians. Also, remember to keep your mental health in check.

    Sincerely supporting you, Ukraine and Ukrainians from Vietnam.

    Слава Україні 🇺🇦

    Героям слава

    o7

  9. How tough would it be for a middle aged man with a dad gut to become a useful infantry member?

  10. Hello from r/Fins4UA , we provide fins for M430, VOG17 and of course special projects… So if your unit is in need of something related to help you in the fight please get in contact with me so we can assist asap.

    For the rest, stay safe and keep up the good fight!

  12. No question from me. Just a giant thank you and big respects!

  13. What are the first requests from Russian POWs? e.g. to phone family? food and water? deworming medicine?

  14. Hi

    Thank you for helping us!

    ​

    My brother is being called and is going through the medical right now. He has never served and doesn’t know much about weapons or appropriate gear. I would like to help him and his unit (when he gets assigned) to ensure they are well equipped and protected. I don’t know where he will be assigned.

    Can you share a list or point me in the right direction of what safety gear to get?

    – good plate carrier

    – type of armor (lvl of protection, coverage type, ceramic, steel,etc)

    – helmet with muffs

    – quality boots, etc

    Thank you!

  15. I don’t have a question, I just wanted to say: Good work. I’m sorry this happened to you and your country. We all support you. Ukraine will win!

  16. What was something in war you had to get used to that you didn’t expect at all?

  17. I don’t want to ask you anything, but as a European citizen, and a democrat I would like to say thank you.

  18. How long did it take you to feel effective in combat?

    Also, good luck!

  19. Thank you for your bravery in setting the standard for Europe. We are with you!

    Can I ask, do you as a soldier get a genuine feel that Russia is ill equipped and lacking appropriate gear and vehicles? We see a lot of claims in media that RU is running out of shells and doesn’t have equipment to keep up the fight against a Western backed Ukraine, but do you see that in your experience of the enemy?

    Have you had any close calls that made you regret signing up to fight? If so, what were they?

    Are you optimistic for a Ukrainian victory this year?

    I hope this questions are appropriate and sensible!

    Slava Ukraini! Heroiam Slava!

    All of you are Heroes of Europe and heroes of Ukraine, and heroes to the free world! 🇺🇦🇬🇧

  20. What do you think is the best way for those without combat training to give support? Preferred organizations and networks to donate to?

    Героям слава.

  22. How accurate is the western media in portraying the war? Are the invaders really as incompetent as they seem?

  23. What one thing do you wish you could have told your pre-invasion self?

    sideplates, yes or no?

    stay strong brother. May you continue to fight well.

  24. how do you get into special forces when you have no experience

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