Headline: Ukrainian Commander: Army Reforms Crucial as War Persists or Ends by 2025
In a recent interview and an authoritarian column for Pravda, Andriy Biletskyi, commander of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF), emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the Ukrainian military, regardless of whether the war with Russia ends by 2025 or continues. Biletskyi, a prominent figure in the war effort, highlighted several critical areas that require immediate attention to keep pace with the evolving technological landscape of modern warfare.
The New Wave of Warfare
As we approach 2025, both Ukraine and Russia are on the cusp of a new revolution in military affairs, characterized by the widespread use of ground-based robotic unmanned systems. Biletskyi predicts that these systems will become as common as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are today. To prepare for this shift, the UAF must undertake rigorous structural and personnel changes.
Reforms on the Horizon
Biletskyi suggests several pivotal reforms to ensure the UAF stays ahead of the curve:
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Targeted Recruitment: The UAF should actively seek individuals whose skills align with the functional requirements of specific roles in the force.
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Enhanced Training: Both new recruits and existing personnel require continuous professional development to meet the demands of modern warfare. Outdated training methods must be replaced with NATO standards and integrated with the combat experience of elite UAF units.
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Professional Serjeant Corps: Mirroring Western models, serjeants should play a more significant role in the UAF, and their professional development should be prioritized given their vital function in military operations.
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Revolution in Military Thinking: The UAF’s approach to staff work must evolve to prioritize intellect and motivation over rank. Highly qualified specialists must be recruited and trained based on standardized protocols, such as Mission-Dispatch, Receive, Prepare, and Execute (MDMP), to ensure effective decision-making and execution.
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Preservation of Cohesive Units: UAF commanders should fight with their own units rather than relying on a patchwork of disparate forces. Forming larger operational and tactical structures, like divisions and corps, will enhance combat effectiveness and facilitate the execution of complex operations.
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Integration of Robotic Systems: The UAF must Invest in ground-based robotic systems to expand reconnaissance and firepower capabilities of frontline units. Biletskyi envisions establishing permanent bases for unmanned aerial systems alongside as reserves of kamikaze drones, heavy bombers, and other essential military hardware.
- Tax Incentives for Defense Industry: To foster innovation and competition, the UAF should provide tax breaks and export permissions to private defense companies. This will encourage them to invest in research and development, ultimately leading to a more resilient and advanced Ukrainian defense industry.
A Call to Action
In his piece, Biletskyi expresses optimism about the incoming new year while acknowledging the grim reality of the conflict. He urges the UAF and the remainder of Ukrainian society to embrace these reforms, as they are essential to Ukraine’s future in the face of an ever-evolving threat.
