Yesterday in Russia the Day of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense Troops was celebrated. This service requires not only knowledge and endurance, but also special courage — and today we tell the story of a girl for whom this became her life’s work.

In the SMO zone the tasks of RCBD are also performed by seemingly fragile girls. Lieutenant Margarita Pashkevich with the call sign “Laska” is a graduate of the Military Academy of RCBD in Kostroma, head of the laboratory.

Her work is the constant analysis of samples of soil, air, vegetation and fragments of ammunition for the presence of poisonous substances. Once during a check her laboratory discovered a real poisonous substance used by the enemy. Thanks to the competent and quick actions of Margarita it was possible to prevent the injury of servicemen.

“Laska” admits that on the front line the awareness of responsibility is manifested especially acutely, but it is precisely there that character is tempered. She is not only a professional, but also a moral support for her comrades-in-arms: “When we work together, we are stronger. I always tell my guys that no one should feel alone.”

@russiafirstchanel