National Guard Captain Marija Kraule: It's Important to Find Inner Peace and Know Your Role in a Crisis

Captain Marija Kraule, the chief medical officer of the command group of the 4th Kurzeme Brigade's medical company, spoke to the publication "Kurzemnieks" about daily life in the medical unit and her passion for mountain and trail running.

Regarding the current global situation, she notes that it is unstable and causes anxiety. Therefore, it is essential for every person to find inner peace and understand their contribution in a crisis. Knowing one's role and action plan helps maintain calm. She also emphasizes the importance of a sense of belonging.

When asked about the qualities needed to join the medical company, Kraule mentions psychological resilience, the ability to make quick and complex decisions under stress, and working with limited resources. Physical endurance is crucial, as the work can be long and intense, sometimes requiring many hours without rest. She adds that soldiers must learn to use every opportunity to rest: if there is a moment, eat; if there is a chance, sleep, even if it means sleeping sitting up or for a short period between tasks.

The medical company is a separate subunit that provides medical support to military units. It plans and organizes medical matters both in peacetime and during crises or military threats. Daily tasks include organizing healthcare for national guard members and soldiers, providing medical support for training in the area of responsibility, and conducting various levels of medical training. The unit trains basic-level soldiers, combat lifesavers, and professional medical personnel in military medicine. Simultaneously, it plans how medical aid would be provided in the event of a military conflict or war.

The most important skill every soldier must learn is the ability to stop life-threatening bleeding, as this remains the leading cause of death on the battlefield. Soldiers must know how to properly use a tactical tourniquet, pack wounds, and apply a pressure bandage. All soldiers are trained in how to handle bleeding wounds and how to stop bleeding.