To be or not to be in the military?

Especially for you, “Miller’s Daughter” conducted an anonymous survey among active-duty servicewomen and veterans to understand the circumstances in which it might be better not to enlist in the armed forces. We emphasize that there is no mandatory conscription for women in Ukraine, even if your civilian profession is subject to registration in territorial recruitment and social support centers. If you have still decided to pursue military service, consider whether it is voluntary, fully informed, and carefully considered, as you must be prepared to steadfastly bear all the burdens and challenges of military duty.

Before signing a contract or mobilizing into the military, it is worth obtaining all the information about the specialization (duties, rights, and level of responsibility) and whether it aligns with your civilian education – only then can an informed choice be made. Our psychics diminish feelings of anxiety when the brain receives more information about something new or unfamiliar.

Ask yourself: “Am I capable of taking on a reasonably justified risk?” “Will I be able to make decisions quickly in complex situations?” “Do I understand the significance of the words COURAGE and BRAVERY?” If the answer is affirmative, then we proceed, as it is widely known that WILLPOWER is one of the most crucial qualities in a person when it comes to military affairs.

If you are considering joining the army for the sake of hypothetical financial stability, it’s worth reflecting on whether this price is equivalent to a human life. You need to realize that you will face situations marked by a high risk to a person’s life or health. Additionally, orient yourself within the timeframes. After all, a contract or mobilization is not a short period extracted from civilian life (and there won’t be an easy return after a document is signed and stamped for several years).

How will these years spent in the armed forces impact your life and spiritual values in 5 or 10 years?

Have you not reconsidered the adopted decision yet?

If you are determined to find the love of your life and build a strong family while in the military, signing an agreement with the armed forces may not be the best choice (romantic relationships in the army are also not encouraged). Concealing pregnancy is also not advisable. Over 80% of surveyed women emphasized that joining the military is not advisable if you have preschool or elementary school-aged children. A full-scale deployment paints a clear picture regarding the issue of child protection. That’s why, before making the decision to don a uniform, it’s crucial to address all family matters related to caring for children, elderly or ill relatives, managing an apartment or house (constant relocation and changing stations won’t allow for frequent visits home), and tending to pets, and so forth.

Additionally, it’s advisable to inform your employer of your decision to enlist in military service in order to ensure the preservation of your civilian job position (for the entire duration of voluntary service in the ranks of the Armed Forces during a state of war).

Must have! Improve your physical fitness and endurance. Take tactical medicine courses. Visit the shooting range at least a few times. Spend a significant stretch in the mountains or woods in camping conditions to try to adapt to field conditions (comfortable apartments won’t be provided here).

Resolving most social issues and preparing for service will alleviate your anxiety and help you gain a certain inner peace for your loved ones, which in turn will affect the quality of your duty performance.

You’ll acquire the most important skills at military training centers, but you won’t be able to change your decision, as the paperwork for military service will already be in progress.

If you have harmful habits like alcohol or substance abuse, severe chronic illnesses, or any medical contraindications listed during your medical examination, don’t conceal them. In the army, there won’t be an opportunity to recover in hospitals or sanatoriums and receive treatment (your service will end very quickly with a discharge). Be sure to consult with a gynecologist and mammologist before reporting for duty, as there is still a shortage of “female” specialists in the army.

Still haven’t changed your mind about military service?

Then let’s discuss the psychological aspects that most women encounter in military formations:

• Men don’t always support women’s choice to serve and they won’t hesitate to emphasize it!;
• Gender imbalance may surface (despite gender equality and equal rights, our physical condition differs from that of men);
• Prepare yourself for systematic military training and serious physical exertion;
• Your professional performance will be constantly evaluated, analyzed, and monitored. Respond appropriately to criticism, develop self-assessment, a certain flexibility, and quick adaptability in uncertain conditions;
• Forget about your usual self-care routine (hair will need to be tied up constantly, makeup and manicures will be on rare occasions, dresses and heels will stay in the closet at home for a long time, if these are important aspects in your civilian life);
• Prepare yourself and your loved one for the fact that a significant portion of the collective will be men, hence jealousies may arise (learn to resolve these conflicts, as otherwise they will become constant);
• Be communicative. Show empathy, support those who are also serving (it’s normal to ask for help and to help others);
• Be prepared to give up “TikTok” and other social media (although some military personnel are currently flourishing as bloggers) or become inactive followers;
• You’ll have a father and mother in one person, whom you won’t argue with (now you’re constantly subject to the unit commander);
• Do what’s within your control, but don’t try to change what’s beyond your influence;
• Find the opportunity to “switch off” and allocate time for yourself;
• Don’t hesitate to talk about your “female” needs (women’s hygiene and underwear are not provided in the army. The uniform is tailored only based on male patterns).

Service in the Armed Forces is particularly demanding and tough for women, which significantly affects their emotional well-being. If you experience emotional burnout, seek out a psychologist or a combat stress control group for advice and assistance.

The final decision to join the Armed Forces or not is entirely up to you! The female contingent in the military, much like in civilian structures, is highly diverse. However, disciplined, conscious, professionally trained, and victory-driven women are always warmly welcomed in the military community!

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This publication is part of the UN Women project “Transformational Approaches to Achieving Gender Equality in Ukraine,” supported by the Office of the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine and funded by the Government of Sweden.