the American military magazine Task & Purpose. “The others don’t know what they are getting themselves into – and when they find out, they want to go home.”about the practical utility of volunteers who can’t speak the local language, or have argued“If I can help one Ukrainian, it’s worth it,” multiple American volunteers told me.
The volunteer pipelines, Tay has heard from other ex-soldiers arriving, are still in chaos. Part of the problem is that few Americans are willing to join the official Ukrainian Legion – they’re expected to, which no one wants to do, and they’ve heard that your passport is taken to prevent you from leaving. Some of the militias are rumored to take an even less kindly view of short-termers.
Rick is less talkative than Scott and Tay, but has a penchant for dry wisecracks. He is a firefighter and EMT in rural Texas, where he’s also qualified as a firearms instructor. Unlike the other two, Rick has a return flight; he’s planning to go to Ukraine for a week or so and hopefully help out as a medic or in training others. If he’s of use, he may come back.
Everyone is adamant about not joining the Ukrainian Legion or any of the outfits that require signing a contract, and instead, if possible, working with other Americans in ad hoc groups – both prospects with individual as well as geopolitical risks. Rick is resistant. He gets Tay’s room number from the hotel receptionist then pounds on the room until Tay, naked and hungover, peers around the door. He admits that he went on a bender the night before with another ex-soldier, and lost his phone.
hasta siempre commandante che guvarra ,the revolution salutes commrades of all nations ,avante muchachos
Where has the Guardian of the Iraq War era gone? Y'know, the one that questioned the dominant 'narrative' from government? The one that didn't manufacture consent for war? Or breach Geneva Ctns? How utterly disappointing. This path makes you utterly irrelevant (and loathsome).