Can there be a successful crash military training course in just thirty days, four weeks? Attempts to answer this question contain much debate from several sides. Ukrainian civilians are being recruited to fight, given a crash course in military training and sent directly onto the battlefield. To help decide an answer to this question, a comparison to regular military training is necessary. This article is a brief view of what is involved in regular military training. It will compare the first thirty days (four weeks) of regular military training with the training received in the current US and NATO crash course for the Ukrainian military. The first thirty days of military training only cover part of the Basic Training (BCT) period. While reviewing the complete training and requirements for military recruits, it will be asked if that amount of training can be compacted into a thirty day time period. Given the conflict in Ukraine is very much its proxy war against Russia, focus will be on military training within the United States.
The US and NATO began training military instructors and troops in Ukraine after Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014. The amount of training and size of the Ukraine military accelerated near the end of 2021. DEEP Ukraine was initiated by the Ukrainian Minister of Defence's letter dated 29 October 2012 requesting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to assist in improving Ukraine's professional military education system. Defense Education Enhancement Program (DEEP) is a NATO initiative dating back ten years. Specifics of the program were agreed upon in March 2013, and implementation started in July 2013. Estimates have the Ukrainian military going from around 130,000 troops in 2014 to over 200K troops (around 49K support personnel) in late 2021. All supposedly receiving some or all their training from US and NATO military instructors. The training continues as replacement troops are needed to offset the fallen in battle.
Some media clippings on the training of the Ukrainian military by the US and NATO members:
About 1,300 troops from 15 countries - including the US and other Nato members - have begun a military exercise near Lviv in western Ukraine. BBC 9/15/2014.
For more than two years, some 300 American soldiers have been quietly helping train an enormous partner military in western Ukraine. defenseone 10/5/2017
From lawyers to bricklayers, they are flown in from across Ukraine. The aim is to turn the new recruits into soldiers in just five weeks. 9/16/2022 Politico
Everyday Ukrainians, from accountants to cooks, have fought off Russian troops despite having no military training to form human blockades, ... airforce times 12/3/2022
Following the 30 day training the Ukrainian troops receive, they are deployed directly to the battlefield. Some of the newly Ukrainian troops speak of never handling a firearm prior to their current forced conscription. Compare that to what normally follows the 10 to 13 weeks period of Basic Training before a recruit is even considered for the military let alone being sent into battle.
Boot Camp - Basic Training (BCT)
Basic Training for recruits, also referred to as Boot Camp, is 6 to 13 weeks of extremely intense military training. It gives potential service members the basic tools necessary to perform the roles that will be assigned to them for the duration of their tour. In Basic Training, recruits will learn teamwork, discipline, how to handle a weapon, rappel and march. The work is physically and mentally demanding. Recruits experience stress and test their limits. Boot Camp is a military training of recruits. This training doesn't count as active duty. Active duty begins when a military member reports to a duty station after completion of training (basic, advanced, officer training or tech school). Boot Camp is a tough process, but a rewarding one that many service members value for life.
Just in preparation for Basic Training it is recommended that to succeed in Boot Camp, one should prepare themselves physically and mentally. Daily cardio, weight training, pushups and situps are a must. You should also practice arriving early on a regular basis and sticking to a strict schedule. Ukrainian troops are just taken from their homes, the streets and other locations without any foreknowledge of going into the military. There is no preparation for military training.
Why do they scream at recruits in Boot Camp? What is extremely important to know is that just as quickly as the instructors start yelling, they can turn it off just as quickly. It has eased since the days where it was called "shark attacks." It is mostly an act by the drill instructors to instill aggression and help military people cope with combat stress without actually experiencing combat. This is another tool in preparation for the stress on the battlefield.
Basic Training is done in several phrases, usually three. Each phrase has its own goals and accomplishments which build and are carried to the next phase. For an understanding a brief overview of the phases of the Army's Basic Training is presented.
The Three Basic Training Cycles, Phases
The complete Army Basic Training cycle is at least 10 weeks. The number of weeks vary among the different branches of the military including the National Guard. Marine Basic Training is about 13 weeks and the Navy 10 weeks. Basic Training is divided into phases, usually three: Phase I or Red; Phase II or White and Phase III or Blue. They last about three weeks each. Length varies depending on the branch of service. After passing the final tests of the Blue Phase, the next step is the graduation ceremony. I will cover the Army and Marines as they make up much of the ground forces.
Prior to beginning the three phases of training there is what is called “Zero Week." At this point, recruits are given immunizations, physical exams, complete necessary paperwork for the enlisting process and other in-processing tasks.
What is the hardest thing recruits do in Basic Training? Red phase is the starting phase and is typically considered the hardest part of training.
Red or Phase I is the starting phase and is typically considered the hardest part of training. The entire phase, which is 3 weeks long, is devoted to constant calisthenic exercise. Recruits will be spending much of their time in the push-up position. The final week of Phase Red will feature more combat training. They will learn how to use a bayonet, which is a useful weapon in close quarter attacks. After learning those skills, they will go through the assault course using the bayonet. Recruits will also take part in nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) training. During the Red Phase, recruits are trained to handle weapons and equipment, as well as learn other hands-on aspects of being a Soldier. These three weeks include: Weaponry: Begin training with their assigned weapon. Combat Skills: Learn hand-to-hand combat skills.
The White (Anvil) or Phase II: Is the second phase and is usually weeks 4 through 7. Phase II (also known as the Rifleman or Gunfighter Phase) focuses on developing combat skills, with special emphasis on weapons and physical fitness training. Recruits will demonstrate the basics of rifle marksmanship, maintenance, and engaging targets at varying distances. Recruits will learn how to identify, track, target and engage targets with a rifle. That includes hand-to-hand training and learning how to prioritize multiple targets. Once completed, recruits will earn the Marksmanship Qualification Badge. It's all about marksmanship.
During the White Phase there is continued building of individual and team skills and adding to the values training learned throughout BCT. Along with the marksmanship training, highlights in Anvil Phase include training on land navigation.
Note during this second BCT phase which is weeks 4 to 7, the Ukrainian military is already deployed and is on the battlefield.
The Blue or Phase lll is the last phase. Recruits, trainees will refine and apply everything they've learned so far, as well as complete their final rite of passage from civilian to Soldier. The final weeks will include: Advanced Weaponry which is learning how to handle more advanced weaponry, like machine guns and grenades. Weeks 8-10 will be the hardest part of training as recruits will have to give everything they have and more to keep pushing forward. At the end of phase three recruits will go through The Crucible, the final event of training that will test them on everything. The final phase of BCT—the Blue, or Warrior, Phase—will build their individual tactical training, increase their leadership skills and self-discipline, and improve their understanding of teamwork. It will also include challenges and tests the recruits will have to pass in order to graduate from BCT.
The final challenge before earning the title of a United States Marine is called the Crucible. It's a 54-hour event that tests physical stamina, mental toughness, and the ability to think critically while under multiple levels of stress including hunger, sleep deprivation, and physical exhaustion. The events consist of a day movement resupply, a combat assault course, a casualty evacuation, a reaction course, an enhanced confidence course, an unknown distance firing course, a night infiltration course and a night march. Those who complete the final challenge are awarded their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, symbolizing their transformation from recruits to Marines.
What happens if recruits fail Boot Camp? Every year, there is a 15% failure rate among recruits who attempt to join the military. If a recruit has been recycled and still cannot pass the assessment, then they will be given an Entry-Level Separation (ELS). An ELS is given at the leadership's discretion. Processing an ELS can take weeks or months, and those awaiting processing are usually given some form of manual labor to pass the time. Recycling simply means being moved to a different military Basic Training unit that is in an earlier part of Basic Training than they are currently in, which means they have to repeat training and spend additional time in basic.
Failing Physical Tests - Boot Camp makes large physical demands of recruits and those who are unable to complete the basic physical tasks are more likely to be sent home. That said, they will be given more than one opportunity to pass certain tests. Failing the test is no guarantee of being sent home. The most common reason why people fail Basic Training is that medical issues prevent them from doing so safely.
Do recruits get deployed after Boot Camp? Following the 10 to 13 week training in Boot Camp, most Service branches allow new service members a short break to spend time at home. After that, service members generally spend another six months to a year in advanced training for their occupational specialty before deploying overseas or stateside.
Brief on Post Boot Camp, Basic Training (BCT) - AIT and MOS
Following Boot Camp training, most Service branches allow new service members a short break to spend time at home. After that, service members generally spend another six months to a year in advanced training for their occupational specialty before deploying overseas or stateside. Once recruits have finished BCT, life in the military begins.
Following the Army basic combat training, new enlistments (privates) take one of two paths, Advanced Individual Training (AIT) or Officer Candidate School to advance in their military career. The Advanced Individual Training applies more to training of the Ukrainian troops and their foreign mercenary legions. They will learn what to do with their paperwork, move into Advanced Individual Training and begin studying their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). During AIT, they learn the necessary skills, discipline and work ethic they need to perform their specific Army job. Depending on the MOS, Advanced Individual Training can be anywhere from three weeks to nearly two years. After Marine Boot Camp, training will continue for five to nine weeks at the School of Infantry (SOI). SOI training includes training for Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) which is a 59 day course and Marine Combat Training (MCT) which is a 29 day course. After SOI training, Marines report to their assigned Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) School. It is here where they will become proficient in a selected specialty in the collective fight for their country. After successfully completing the requirements of AIT, they will graduate from their school and be given a short break, typically ten days, before they join their unit and officially begin work.
Advanced Individual Training, AIT prepares new enlistments to become an expert in their MOS. A Military Occupational Specialty, MOS is the role or job someone has while in the military. There are over 10,000 different occupational specialties across the military that cover a whole range of skill sets and levels of responsibility. Perhaps the best way to think of an MOS is the same way you would think about someone's college major. After MOS, soldiers are assigned to a unit with a Permanent Duty Station (PDS). They may be deployed overseas if their unit is ordered to do so. When first arriving at their Unit and PDS, training continues in a hands-on experience format.
Boot Camp which prepares a recruit for military training is more than thirty days of training. Time wise in the US and NATO crash military course, Ukrainian troops never complete this phase of training. By the time BCT is completed they have already been deployed. They would have never made it to Advanced Individual Training. What the Ukrainian troops are receiving in 30 days is purported to be the complete year or more training of both BCT and AIT.
Training on Equipment
There are numerous pieces of military equipment, vehicles and other military supplies for war. There is training on military equipment during regular Basic Training, post Basic Training and after deployment. All require training that can take weeks, months to years. That includes training in the classroom, hands on, in the field and at times during an actual battle. The final training comes with years of experience. Battlefield training affords the final training and is the most stressful. In addition to training the soldiers to use and maintain the equipment, there has to be training of separate military personnel for repairs and maintenance of the equipment. This training is in addition to the how to be a soldier training that is done in Boot Camp.
Scott Ritter - Complications of Training on New Military Equipment
Since the end of January 2023, beginning of February 2023 the United States, NATO and European Union (EU) have discussed and made plans to supply the Ukrainian military with additional tanks and other military equipment. The training on these will include troops who have received the regular military training that began in 2014 and may have battlefield experience. The training will also include troops who have received the crash course 30 day training after the beginning of the Special Military Operation in Ukraine. Although very limited, they too may have battlefield experience. The military equipment is from several different countries. It has no uniformity in design, manufacture, operations, repair and maintenance requirements. It has been engineered and manufactured by several different companies in different countries. Added to this is the complication of having to learn on the battlefield of an active conflict.
Scott Ritter speaks with Richard Medhurst on the complications of training on just one piece of military equipment. Some of the complications include:
- The introduction of new equipment from several different countries and manufacturers
- The short time limit for training with little to no hands on training
- Training troops previously trained and already experienced on other military tanks, aircraft...
- Logistical, maintenance and repair issues with the introduction of different tanks, aircraft...
Given these added complications, Scott Ritter suggests that the Ukrainian military would be better off not accepting these tanks and other new military equipment onto a hot battlefield.
Link to the entire discussion between Scott Ritter and Richard Medhurst -
https://www.youtube.com/live/4Vh4toMKI0E?feature=share
Brian Berletic - Training On Use and Repair of Military Equipment
Brian Berlitic speaks on his advanced military training and experiences. He states that after completing this training is when soldiers are deployed to their MOS on the battlefield or as technicians carrying out maintenance and repairs on damaged military equipment. The training continues and is more of a hands-on training via that experience. The training from hands-on experience takes months to years. Once in their Military Occupational Specialty, it is important that the newly deployed work with experienced soldiers and officers. At the same time newly trained and deployed soldiers take up the time of the experienced soldiers. They are an added responsibility for commanding officers. Imagine the responsibility of watching over a soldier that has only taken the thirty day US and NATO training crash course. The officers are responsible for their continued training and safety while supervising other troops. This while at the same time fighting on a live battlefield.
Link to the entire Brian Berletic discussion - "Russian Gains, US Gears Up for Crimea Escalation, US Proxies Strike China/Pakistan in Train Bombing"
Below are some clippings from stories on the web regarding the US, NATO and EU crash military for the Ukrainian troops and their mercenary forces. It also includes clippings following the current crash course intended to change the fighting style and tactics of the Ukrainian military. It has been labeled "advanced training." Its goal is to train them to use less military ammunition, equipment and supplies. Note what Scott Ritter says about experienced troops and "muscle memory." This is another and arbitrary training requirement for the Ukrainian troops.
Jun 27, 2022 — Even in units that fall within the Ukrainian special operations command, most soldiers are sent to the front line with very little training. usma.edu
Jan 15 2023 Some 500 soldiers will participate in the "combined arms" program over the next several weeks, Joint Chiefs of Staff said, per AP.
Jan 17, 2023 — “Training has begun … that training will last for several months and train upwards of 90 to 100 Ukrainians on use of the Patriot missile system, - Patriot training typically takes up to a year, but Ryder said the Pentagon is looking at how it can speed up the timeline for the Ukrainian ... The Hill
Jan 23, 2023 — “One could train new crews up to a basic level of proficiency in about five or six weeks,” said Dooley. Maintainers would take a similar period... - breakingdefense.com
Jan 27, 2023 — Others say the timeline is too optimistic. “You have got to train people not just to fight with the tank and operate in the field, ... politico
Feb 17, 2023 - The first class of 635 Ukrainian fighters has finished a five-week advanced U.S. training course in ... apnews
Conclusion
The conflict in Ukraine began long before February 2022. It can be dated back to the end of World War II and Churchill's Operation Unthinkable, which became the cold war. Attempts to interfere with the existing trade between The Russian Federation and Ukraine were seen in the 2008 United States-Ukraine Trade and Investment Cooperation Agreement (TICA). It is also seen in the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) between the EU and Ukraine. DCFTA is an integral part of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU which aims at aligning Ukraine's trade rules with the EU (350 laws). DCFTA was negotiated between 2007 and 2011, and signed on 21 March and 27 June 2014. Prior to these trade agreements which represent the US and NATO eastward movement, Ukraine and Russia did not have a tense trade relationship. For the conflict's current history it dates back to 2013 when the US imposed on then President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych's to sign the EU association agreement (DCFTA). To which he refused in February 2014 due to its anti trade between Russia and Ukraine provisions. That was followed by the 2014 US backed coup overthrow of Viktor Yanukovych, the democratically elected president of Ukraine. His successor, Petro Poroshenko signed the DCFTA Agreement in June 2014. It is the US, NATO and the EU movement further eastward towards the border of The Russian Federation that is the catalyst to the current conflict in Ukraine.
One of the aspects of the Special Military Operation in Ukraine is the need for continual training of Ukrainians for the battlefield. The constant need for more troops has led to a reduced training period that is a crash course for new Ukrainian recruits. When it comes to the opening question of whether the US/NATO 30 day crash military training course is successful in preparing the Ukrainian troops for battle on the field, everyone is able to assess the answer for themselves. Can the brief description of military training given here be successfully carried out in the US/NATO 30 day crash course? Hopefully the information presented here assists in answering that opening question.
This is a small overview of regular military training. Yet enough to get the picture for comparison to the training Ukrainian troops are currently receiving. Just watching online videos of troops operating just one military vehicle or piece of equipment shows several steps are involved. You get some idea of the amount of training that is required. Any comments or additional information on military training is appreciated.
No comments:
Post a Comment