Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi announced that the military is currently in the second phase of a significant reform aimed at streamlining and optimizing military management systems. This initiative comes in response to the growing size of the army and the need for more professional operational management structures.
Syrskyi explained that the reform was necessitated by a shortage of competent operational management units, which had previously been filled by temporary tactical groups with commanders assigned for only a few months. This lack of continuity adversely affected command quality, as these leaders were not fully acquainted with their troops and lacked a sense of responsibility.
As the number of combat brigades increased—growing from 140,000 to 718,000 in enemy forces—the management system became overloaded. The first phase of the reform established corps management, leading to the formation of 16 corps, including 13 within the Armed Forces and two in the National Guard.
The ongoing second phase aims to create comprehensive ‘corps sets,’ which will include battalions and regiments equipped with drone systems, electronic warfare units, artillery brigades, anti-aircraft divisions, and engineering units. Some units, such as the First National Guard Corps and the Third Army Corps, have already been fully staffed with their respective brigades.
However, Syrskyi noted that it is challenging to permanently assign all combat brigades to specific corps during active combat operations, as troops are frequently rotated and repositioned for offensive actions. He stated, “In wartime, it is impossible to definitively assign brigades to corps. Where possible, we move brigades. The corps include territorial defense brigades, marine infantry, and assault units, creating a dynamic process that constantly evolves and engages in combat operations.”
The final phase of the corps reform is expected to commence once combat operations conclude, at which point a complete restructuring of the system will occur, and brigade assignments will be determined based on the permanent locations of the corps.
Ukrainian military reforms are progressing, with Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi detailing the second phase aimed at enhancing operational management. This initiative addresses the challenges posed by a rapidly expanding army and aims to create fully equipped corps structures.