Solutions to win: Ukrainian volunteers launch women’s unit to operate UAVs

In Ukraine, there was an initiative to establish a female volunteer unit that would work closely and collaboratively with the Defense Forces to operate drones.

Ihor Lutsenko, a military serviceman, founder of the Air Intelligence Support Center, and most recently commander of the "Order of Santiago" strike drone company, shared this information on his Facebook page.

What is the problem?

Lutsenko states, "The fact that initiatives are emerging to create the most comfortable conditions for military service for all categories of volunteers is a good thing."

"Unfortunately, the enemy has a great advantage in human power, so we should not neglect any ideas that allow us to reduce this gap," the commander of the "Order of Santiago" company emphasized.

The fighter remembered that the first unit of Ukrainian women was formed within the ranks of the Ukrainian Riflemen before the First World War. The Women's Royal Air Force of Great Britain is one of the most renowned female units in the world.

What is the solution?

The military states that the initiative involves a small team of volunteers handling unmanned aircraft systems, working closely with the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Lutsenko stresses that whether or not this unit will be successful will ultimately depend on the level of interest and demand from potential participants.

"Working with (relatively) complex systems requires technical literacy, attentiveness and accuracy, basic engineering skills, and creative tactical thinking," the soldier said.

How does it work?

The "Order of Santiago" company commander announced the following criteria for recruiting new members to the unit:

•  Evaluation of skills for combat tasks, particularly regarding female candidates.
•  Training, which will be used as a method of selection.
•  Inspection by the Security Service of Ukraine.
• Final determination of enrollment into the unit.

Women over the age of 18 can fill out a resume form.

"Knowledge and experience in piloting, operating, repairing, and maintaining UAVs or similar systems would be beneficial. Of course, having military skills, from being a sapper to a medic or gunner, would also be advantageous. Experience in programming and technical specialties such as electronics and radio would also be a plus. However, the most important factor is having a desire to learn and collaborate with the team," the message reads.

To become a unit member, applicants must complete a brief questionnaire and submit their resume using the following link: https://forms.gle/NYUSsaBPQtFczpbf9.