Headline: Ukraine‘s "Achilles" Commander: Long-Term Military Training Key to Preventing Future Conflicts
Article:
Ukraine’s military leaders are looking to the future, emphasizing the importance of long-term military training to prevent future conflicts. In an interview with Ukrainian Radio, Yuri Fedorenko, commander of the 92nd Mechanized Brigade’s Strike Drone Battalion "Achilles," stressed the need for comprehensive military preparation to ensure the country’s security.
Fedorenko believes that to maintain a high level of combat readiness and increase the chances of survival in potential future conflicts, military training should begin at 18 and continue for 5-6 years. He suggests that all Ukrainians, both men and women, should undergo military training from the age of 18 to 23.
"Currently, we’re transforming civilians into soldiers in just two months. But with 5-6 years of training, we could achieve a much higher level of preparation and increase our chances of survival and mission accomplishment," Fedorenko said.
The commander praised the recent decision to extend the training period for mobilized personnel to two months, describing it as "absolutely correct and balanced." He explained that this measure will allow Ukraine to enhance the capabilities of its personnel and better prepare them for combat.
Fedorenko also highlighted the importance of adaptation and familiarization periods after the initial training. Upon joining a combat brigade, soldiers spend an additional 20 days adapting to their new environment and learning about their specific combat tasks and teammates.
Ukraine’s military leadership has been vocal about the need for comprehensive preparation and training. Earlier, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Alexander Syrskiy, emphasized that quality training is crucial for the preservation of lives and health among Ukrainian servicemen.
Meanwhile, international figures like former U.S. European Command chief Ben Hodges have urged Ukrainian authorities to address the issue of manpower shortages by engaging with Ukrainian citizens of draft age who have not yet joined the military.
In a passionate appeal, a Ukrainian military woman from the Azov Regiment addressed fellow citizens who evade mobilization, stressing that Ukrainian defenders are not invincible and that their lives are at risk in the ongoing conflict.
As Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty, the focus on long-term military training and preparation underscores the country’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its people in the face of ongoing threats.
