Psychologist's advice for recruits at the front
Perhaps the most disturbing for recruits is the belief that immediately after military training in military units, they will be sent to the trenches at the so-called “zero” without proper psychological adaptation. The fear of the new reality encourages Ukrainians not to rush to join combat units. However, we talked to the military psychologist of the National Guard Brigade “Stormy” how this actually happens.
From the first day, Alexander, along with his unit, tells about this:
“First, mobilized soldiers are brought to the area of execution of tasks in the zone of less active combat activity, or in their absence at all, subsequently, they are put in positions closer to the front. And only after that to the fighting positions. But even there, they will have enough time to understand what is happening before the first contact with the enemy.”
This is the classic scheme of work of the psychologists “Storm”, which has become perfect, says the psychologist. According to him, today there are no more than 5% of recruits in their units on rotation, all the rest are trained soldiers who have had experience either since 2014 or with the beginning of a full-scale invasion. In addition, Alexander notes that the first three days are the most critical for recruits.
But the actual addiction is formed gradually for 5-22 days.
In addition, the task of Alexander, as a psychologist, is to lay the right motivational messages for them so that they can effectively apply all the skills and abilities that were transferred in the military unit in harmony, before going to the front. If you can not master yourself in various ways The psychologist of the team “Storm” gives several tips: Breathing exercises: slowing breathing and controlling the heartbeat.
Self-massage: tactile touch to one's body returns the person to reality.
Motivation: Convince yourself that you survived once and therefore have experience in combat actions. And the chance to survive is only increasing every time.
Control your thoughts: do not exaggerate the value of the flow of your thoughts. If you exaggerate the meaning of your thoughts, the warrior will not proceed to action.
Control your emotions: avoid conflicts. Do not compete for leadership and control the words spoken to your brother. Remember, we have only one enemy.
Do not let harmful emotions and fears fill the thirst for victory!
National Guard of Ukraine
