Ukraine begins forming brigade going to Iraq

BBC Monitoring ^ | July 03 2003

[knighthawk]

Kiev, 3 July: The Ukrainian Defence Ministry has started forming the 5th Detached Mechanized Brigade which is to join a multinational stabilizing force in Iraq.

At present, there are 1,647 servicemen in the Ukrainian peacekeeping contingent, the press service of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry has told Interfax-Ukraine, adding that the number could be increased to 1,800 as the strength of the contingent is being adjusted.

The Ukrainian contingent will be subordinate to the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces and will operate under the aegis of the joint command (administration) for the implementation of a UN Security Council's resolution.

The 5th Detached Mechanized Brigade consists of the brigade management with supply sub-units and three battalions. All contingent's officers have higher special military education and the command personnel - academic education. The peacekeeping contingent has been formed exclusively on a voluntary basis. It does not include female soldiers or conscripts. About a quarter of the servicemen have taken part in military campaigns and participated in the missions under the auspices of various international organizations, and eliminated the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster.

The brigade is equipped with 2,161 pieces of small-arms, 60 armoured personnel carriers BTR-80, 11 armoured reconnaissance patrol vehicles BRDM-2, six chemical reconnaissance vehicles and 217 vehicles of different types.

The redeployment of Ukrainian peacekeepers to Iraq and technical supplies in their zone of responsibility will be financed by the US government. Ukrainian servicemen will be paid 100-per cent of their salaries for military rank in hryvnyas, plus bonuses for long service and others payments. They will be also paid monthly wages in US dollars for carrying out their duties outside Ukraine. Officers will receive 960-1,200 dollars, warrant officers - 890-920 dollars, soldiers, sergeants and sergeants-majors - 600-650 dollars.

[knighthawk]

Ping

[Loyal Buckeye]

Thanks to the Ukranians and other countries which are helping the effort in Iraq.

[BrooklynGOP]

They will be also paid monthly wages in US dollars for carrying out their duties outside Ukraine. Officers will receive 960-1,200 dollars, warrant officers - 890-920 dollars, soldiers, sergeants and sergeants-majors - 600-650 dollars.

That's a fortune! They only make $20-50 a month in Ukraine, I believe.