I’ve been waiting for my boys to return from patrols just like parents wait for their sons to return from war…
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The mission in the Republic of Iraq stands out from the rest of the peacekeeping operations under the aegis of various international organizations that Ukraine participated in. Ukrainian contingent’s deployment and operation in Iraq went in extremely difficult environment: hot climate, armed confrontation between various ethnic, religious groups of Iraqi population, complicated epidemiologic situation, and densely-mined areas etc. Peacekeeping brigade sent to carry out the mission in Iraq became the largest Ukrainian contingent since our nation regained its independence. We spoke with COL (Ret.) Volodymyr Bilyuk, Ukrainian peacekeeping brigade’s first intelligence officer. Background: Volodymyr Bilyuk was born in 1966. He graduated from Ryazan Airborne Higher Command School in 1990. Served in Special Forces units, reconnaissance units in Western Group of Forces, Moscow and Carpathian military districts, Northern Operational Command as field, staff officer and rose from SOP group leader to army corps intelligence officer. Participated in the PKO in Iraq in 2003-2004. |
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- In 1992, special operations group which I was in charge of at the time was deployed to Tajikistan. The situation was very complicated there and seemed to be getting worse. The fire of a civil war was growing, well-trained and equipped insurgent groups were operating freely, conflicting parties were using mines extensively, humanitarian crisis was spreading. My group was assigned with various tasks, from eliminating insurgent groups to escorting refugee convoys. Defending one such convoy during assault I sustained a contused wound.
And I participated in the PKO in Iraq in 2003-2004.
- This was Ukraine’s first contingent in Iraq. Could you please tell about how it was formed and what challenges you faced as first intelligence officer of the Ukrainian peacekeeping brigade?
5th separate mechanized brigade was formed from units of the 8th Army corps, Ukrainian Land Forces, although members of all branches and services were included into the brigade. Personnel morale and training was quite high. We took time to prepare for the mission in Iraq and ran through all necessary preliminary training. We paid much attention to the preparation of weapons and material lest they fail in hot and dusty environment.
We faced additional challenges upon our arrival to Iraq – we had to build everything from scratch. And we had to learn everything about the military and political situation in the country as soon as possible. We had to learn the alignment of political, religious forces and their policies; we had to find out the feelings of the local population about us; we had to analyze the style of armed opposition groups and much more. Language barrier created even more problems. There was a lack of experienced interpreters proficient in local dialects. On top of all that was an overwhelming information input. Therefore we had to carry out combat missions during the day, and work with documents during the night. There was little time for sleep. But once we got used to it, it became easier.
Initially, other contingents from the Multinational forces in Iraq, especially Americans, provided us much assistance. They briefed us, provided information on the situation in populated areas and shared critical intelligence on the condition of roads and the security situation around them.
- What was your and your colleagues’ first impression once you arrived to Iraq?
- One thing that influenced our boys the most was the sudden change of climate. Heat was intolerable even in air-conditioned tents. Many suffered from long and painful acclimation. Eventually we proved once again that the Slavs are strong and can adapt to any environment. So after a few months nobody cared about the heat any more.
- What episodes you remember best?
I feel like I can remember each day spent in Iraq. It’s impossible to forget missions that put your and your comrades’ lives at risk every time, not to mention those endless minutes when I waited for my boys to return from patrol without a radio contact…
- We would like to ask you our traditional question: what characteristics must one possess for you to go on patrol with him?
- First of all, this person must have officer’s honor and dignity, and be proud of being a member of the intelligence corps. Second, this person must be a professional always ready to undertake any mission. And finally, this person must be decent, sincere, and strong-willed. I feel lucky because my brothers-in-arms are exactly that kind of people. And I thank destiny for it has brought me close to such people.
- Finally, what would you wish to Ukrainian peacekeepers?
- Sound health above all. I wish them as much attention from the command as possible, especially when it comes to support. Good luck! I had a chance to see how important luck could be. Let there be no room for any tragic episodes. As someone who believes in God, may there be God’s blessing on all our boys currently in missions.
