HOW NOT TO HARM THE MILITARY?
Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have been supporting our defenders on the volunteer front since the very first days of the full-scale invasion. A solid rear is an essential contribution toward victory. However, our efforts can sometimes harm the military if we do not have the necessary knowledge and skills. In this guide, we have compiled tips for those supporting our defenders every day.
1. Choose something you are good at
During the early days of the full-scale war, we were involved in every opportunity to help. Now, as we begin to get used to the new reality, we should choose one area of expertise. If you have been helping IDPs for a month, then deepen your knowledge in this field. If you have been purchasing ammunition from the very first days and have trusted contacts, keep it up.
Why does it matter? Here are some examples:
- Tourniquets for the military
Tourniquets are used in critical situations, so they must be of high quality. Don’t make your own tourniquets from improvised materials, as they will not be reliable and can cost a soldier his life. If you purchase military supplies, choose only quality tourniquets (like CAT) from proven manufacturers such as SICH or SPAS. These companies are constantly improving their products and guaranteeing safety, while other producers, particularly those making “handmade” supplies, cannot guarantee reliability.
- Bulletproof vests and plates
First and foremost, you should not buy bulletproof vests without knowing full information about their classes and types. Every type of bulletproof vest has its purpose, so it is important to understand the nuances of the business and the procurement of military supplies. Moreover, sellers often trick inexperienced volunteers by raising prices, selling low-quality bulletproof vests, etc. It is also important not to make bulletproof plates on your own, as each vest must be tested with a special weapon. It is almost impossible to produce reliable armor on your own without experience. One mistake can cost defenders their lives.
2. Learn about relevant needs
It often happens that volunteers look for supplies for one soldier, while people in charge have made a request to a large organization. In this case, the volunteer’s help becomes irrelevant and it leads to misunderstandings. Military unit commanders cooperate directly with large foundations, such as the Come Back Alive, Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation, etc. Before you accept a request, check the details and make sure it is relevant.
3. Focus on the quality of assistance
We all want to help as many people as possible. While defenders appreciate such support, quality should always be a priority. It is impossible to help everyone, but you can choose a particular area of expertise or work with a specific group of defenders and provide them with quality assistance that will save lives. It is important to deepen your knowledge, talk to experts, and learn about the needs of the military. In other words, you have to become an expert in your field. It is better to help fewer people but be sure that this help is effective.
4. Set priorities
Sometimes, volunteers receive very urgent requests that require a quick response and immediate support. Such requests should always be put first, while others should be sorted by priority. If the defenders on the forefront need equipment immediately, it is important to realize that they are in the “hot area” of hostilities, so this request should be prioritized.
5. Be careful
Even though hundreds of thousands of people do the impossible every day and make efforts to help the army, scammers also take advantage of the situation. Remember to review every request you receive carefully. Also, when purchasing supplies, learn detailed information about the seller and their contacts. It is important to be watchful and think critically to avoid falling victim to fraudsters who overcharge or even steal money.
6. Take care of yourself
Most importantly, we need to take care of ourselves to be able to help our soldiers. Remember to eat and have a good sleep. Filter the news and rely only on trusted sources. And most importantly, believe in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The whole world has witnessed the resilience and unity of Ukrainians. The victory will be ours, and each of us is contributing to Ukraine’s bright future.
We encourage you to subscribe to charitable foundations that provide professional assistance to the military: Come Back Alive, Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation, Soloma Cats, Riy, the Pryncyp Human Rights Center, the Frontline Care NGO, the Zemliachky NGO, and the Azov One platform.
Finally, check out some useful resources for those who help our military:
- Things to include in a tactical first aid kit
- How to choose a quality tourniquet
- How the largest military support fund, the Come Back Alive charity foundation, works
- Requirements for the purchase of bulletproof vests
- Learn about the needs of the local territorial defense center
- How to choose a bulletproof vest, plate carrier, plates, and a helmet for war – instructions
- A hotline for the families of veterans and military personnel: 067 348 28 68 (daily from 8:00 to 22:00)