Doc – A South African Doctor in Ukraine’s 60th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Pt. 1

Doc came to Ukraine from South Africa, a country thousands of kilometres away from the war Russia is waging here. A qualified doctor with no previous military experience, he decided to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2025. Today, the South African volunteer serves as a platoon medic in the 60th Separate Mechanized Brigade, putting his medical training to use where it is needed most — on the battlefield.

In the first part of our interview, Doc talks about his path to joining the military, his training as a combat medic, the challenges of serving in forward positions, and moments when even a cup of sweet tea and a piece of chocolate can feel like a real luxury. He also shares advice for those considering joining the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

From South Africa to Ukraine

After studying medicine and qualifying as a doctor, Doc moved to Ukraine and spent about two years teaching English online. Although he had wanted to join the military for a long time, uncertainty about the risks initially held him back:

“Eventually, after gaining a better understanding of what was happening here, I decided to join in 2025. I already had medical knowledge, and I wanted to put it to use because I wasn't using it at the time. I knew there was a need for people with medical skills, and I thought I could contribute.”

Medical Knowledge on the Battlefield

Doc's medical education helped him understand the principles of providing medical care to soldiers in wartime:

“When it came to going to the front lines, I didn't have to complete a special medical course beforehand. I just had to go through basic training. After that, I was already serving as a platoon medic.”

He later asked his commander for permission to attend a combat medic course, and the request was approved:

“I went through a month and a half of training, although it was all in Ukrainian. Luckily, I know some Ukrainian, so I was able to get through it.”

Enjoying the Little Things

One of Doc's most memorable experiences came after an operation to clear an area, when supplying the positions became increasingly difficult.

Logistics was a constant challenge, particularly when it came to food and water. In the two days before his unit was due to leave the position, no supplies arrived:

“We had only a little water and maybe four or five chocolate bars left.”

One morning, when they were finally told they would be leaving, Doc woke up at five and went through his usual routine. There was only one chocolate bar left for the four soldiers:

“So I made everyone a cup of tea, with lots of sugar because we had plenty of that, and divided the chocolate bar into four pieces. Then I walked down the tunnel carrying the tea and chocolate for the commander.”

After days of limited supplies, a cup of tea and a piece of chocolate had become something worth celebrating:

“When I woke him up, he was so excited. He thought it was just tea, but there was also a little piece of chocolate.”

For Doc, that moment is a reminder that even when hunger and difficult conditions become part of everyday life, small comforts can still bring moments of enjoyment:

“It was a really funny moment. You're really hungry, but you still find ways to enjoy these little things. That moment has stayed with me.”

Advice for Future Volunteers

For those considering military service in Ukraine, the South African volunteer identifies two important things to work on before coming here:

“The first, and the easier one, is physical fitness. Sometimes you have to run quite a lot, so being physically fit is really important.

The second is your mindset. It's going to be difficult, so prepare yourself mentally to get through it and keep going.”

Doc warns prospective volunteers against arriving with unrealistic expectations about war. Instead, he recommends learning from people who have been serving for a long time, have practical experience, and understand what the job requires:

“My advice is not to come here with grand fantasies about what war is or what you think you're going to do. Don't imagine that you're going to be some kind of super soldier.

Instead, listen to people who have been here for a long time, who have experience and know what they're doing. Look for someone who has the respect of their subordinates and whose commanders also respect them.

Follow that kind of person. They'll make sure you get the best training, the best equipment, and the best chance of doing your job well. They'll care about you, and then you can care about them.”

Learn more about the 60th Separate Mechanized "Inhulets" Brigade and join the brigade on its official website: https://60brigade.mil.gov.ua/

Text: Dmytro Tolkachov

Video, Photos: Dmytro Tolkachov, Oleksandr Bekker

Editing: Oleksandr Bekker