Taiwan volunteer soldier describes his experience fighting for Ukraine
Soldier's unit suffered 50% casualties, 20% killed in action, platoon 'annihilated twice'
By Keoni Everington, Taiwan News, Staff Writer
2023/06/06 18:28
Taiwanese volunteer soldier describes his experience fighting for Ukraine
A Taiwanese volunteer soldier in Ukraine's foreign legion on Sunday (June 4) uploaded a detailed account of the realities of fighting in the Russo-Ukrainian War.
The Taiwanese soldier, who goes by the handle "I don't know Mount Lushan" (不識廬山), has recently returned from duty in Ukraine and Sunday uploaded an extremely detailed thread with advice to would-be volunteers considering joining the fight. Topics he covered were the expenses, physical demands, necessary language skills, combat training needed, and the mentality one should possess.
The soldier pointed out that major expenses include airfare, including a flight back home, as he pointed out that not everyone will make the cut for the legion. He then strongly advised that soldiers bring as much personal equipment as possible, including a helmet, undershirts, boots, scopes, gun accessories, flashlights, headphones, extra magazines, night vision goggles, and thermal imaging equipment.
He said his initial outlay of funds was NT$101,000 (US$3,300). All told, he estimated that he spent US$10,000 of his own money, with much of it spent on personal accessories and tactical gear.
The volunteer advised that the lack of sleep and intense physical exertion caused by long missions are taxing. Worse, the soldier warned that the life and death situations on the battlefield, shellshock from constant bombardments, and death of team members can easily "destroy a person's mind."
He said that even experienced soldiers can panic and lose their judgment and ability to fight due to fear. The veteran noted that his unit had a casualty rate of 50% and 20% of his teammates were killed in action.
According to the volunteer, his platoon was "annihilated twice" and he was the only member to come out unscathed. Furthermore, he observed that his unit did not fight in the "deadliest war zone."
There are also long periods of monotony when there is a stalemate. In such situations, soldiers may have to stay in trenches for extended periods of time.
He wrote that many who wanted to experience the excitement of war had their "enthusiasm extinguished." For those expecting a first-world military, he said "This is not a modern NATO army with strong logistics and support."
Far from a movie, he said it's all about "an infantryman struggling in the m&d of the battlefield. All you have is full of chaos, dirt, sadness, exhaustion, pain, etc." He said that many experienced soldiers from the West would break down and quit due to the many hardships and, unlike Ukrainian soldiers, the legion's members are not protecting their homelands, and are therefore more prone to desertion.
He stressed that the battlefield is not the place to achieve glory or become a hero, but rather is "only about hurting others and being hurt. In return, there is only endless pain and suffering." The soldier argued that the odds of losing are a great deal more than what can be gained.
The volunteer closed by saying, that war is only for people with high ideals and beliefs who are ready to dedicate themselves fully. For such individuals, "I only sincerely offer my respects and wish you good luck."
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4911497
