The Journey from Drone Pilot to Company Commander: The Story of Taras from Kyiv Region

Taras, a junior lieutenant and commander of the drone systems company in the 2nd Airborne Battalion of the 77th Separate Airborne Dnipro Brigade of the 7th Rapid Reaction Corps of the Air Assault Forces, hails from Kagarlyk. At 32 years old, he has been serving in the military since 2023. By profession, he is a food equipment design engineer who joined the army through mobilization.

Initially, Tarik was assigned to an infantry unit, but immediately after completing basic military training (BMT) and adaptation, he became a drone pilot. 'I chose UAVs because I understood that this is our future. UAVs are our main striking force. This is the future of warfare,' explains the soldier, emphasizing the importance of unmanned technologies in modern combat conditions.

Tarik's military career progressed rapidly. When a drone systems platoon was established in the battalion, he became the chief sergeant, responsible for training subordinates and teaching them how to operate drones. Eventually, the former engineer received an officer's rank and officially took on the role of platoon commander. 'As an ordinary soldier and a regular UAV operator, I now lead a company that consists of 86 people,' says Tarik, expressing pride in his unit.

In the fall of 2024, while Tarik's unit was undergoing recovery, they were suddenly redeployed to the Vuhledar direction. 'Everything was relatively stable there, but at one moment, the Russians unexpectedly launched a wave of assaults. We were sent there as reinforcements. I had never encountered such a quantity of Russian equipment anywhere else. Every day, 8 to 9 units were advancing,' recalls the officer, highlighting the tension of the situation.

Tarik's unit held the defense near Vuhledar for four months, during which time the fighters neutralized over 30 units of enemy equipment and eliminated around 200 Russians. However, Taras's team also suffered losses: one of his comrades was killed by a mine, and another sustained fatal injuries from an enemy UAV while preparing his drone for launch. Additionally, five other fighters were wounded, underscoring the risks faced by Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines.

For his participation in the Vuhledar campaign, Taras received two presidential awards 'For the Defense of Ukraine.' The officer also holds accolades from the Commander of the Air Assault Forces and the Commander of the Joint Forces 'Unity Prevails.' The first was awarded for 'good work,' as the hero modestly clarified, while the second recognized his efforts in transforming the company into a cohesive unit.

Tarik strives to create conditions similar to civilian life, as every recruit pulled from civilian life is often frightened by the misconception that the army is a prison with limited freedom and that they will be sent to the front lines as 'meat.' 'Yes, the conditions here are combat-ready — you can die defending your country. But if you create adequate conditions for being in the unit, where there are no stupid tasks like 'carry a square box, not a round one,' and there is a clear understanding of the combat mission, their perception changes, and they work to protect their country and families,' reflects Tarik, emphasizing the importance of the psychological climate in the military environment.

A fighter with the call sign Drone, a sergeant in charge of the company’s logistics, assured NV that he is proud to serve under such an officer. 'From the first days in the Armed Forces, Taras was my direct commander. An honest, selfless, and highly organized person who possesses powerful leadership skills,' said this soldier. 'Under his command, you clearly understand the tasks set before you and the way to accomplish them.' This story of Taras is a vivid example of how ordinary people become heroes in difficult times, demonstrating courage, professionalism, and leadership.