Over the past year, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have significantly revamped their training methods for personnel. This includes an increase in the number of instructors at training centers and a shift in the basic military training program to better align with contemporary warfare conditions.
Recently, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, announced plans to further enhance training by emphasizing technological skills and counter-drone tactics.
The Basic General Military Training (BЗВП) is a mandatory 51-day intensive course designed for new recruits. Its goal is to equip future soldiers with essential skills, including shooting, combat tactics, battlefield first aid, and drone operation. Upon completion, soldiers also receive a specialized designation.
New recruits practice maneuvering in small assault groups, focusing on stealth and weapon handling. During these exercises, they utilize airsoft rifles, masks, and sound grenades to simulate combat conditions.
Participants are divided into small teams and also work in pairs. Their tasks include clearing trenches, inspecting bunkers, and securing positions. Despite the evolving nature of warfare, instructors stress the importance of mastering these fundamental skills. “They (the future paratroopers) need to know everything,” says instructor Heorhii. “We demonstrate how to do things correctly and monitor their performance.”
During training, recruits learn how to clear trenches effectively. They also engage in tactical exercises, including providing first aid for serious injuries.
Recruits specializing in combat medicine practice administering aid for severe facial injuries. Instructors oversee exercises that involve moving between cover during live-fire drills.
The use of virtual reality technology is becoming increasingly common in training. Where the use of actual FPV drones is prohibitively expensive, recruits train with VR headsets that simulate the movements of vehicles and drones in various combat scenarios.
One recruit practices shooting down drones using virtual reality goggles. “Soldiers use various types of weapons, including standard firearms and shotguns, throughout their basic training,” explains Tichar, an instructor at the training center. “We aim to recreate as many potential situations as possible that soldiers may encounter in real combat to prepare them for countering enemy drones.”
Another exercise involves shooting at training towers that simulate enemy drones. In one scenario, a mock drone moves horizontally, while in another, it appears to target the soldier. Each recruit participates in both training and assessment rounds, with instructors providing 20 rounds of ammunition for each.
After completing basic training, soldiers can choose their military specialization. Serhii, a mobilized soldier in the Air Assault Forces, shares his experience with ground robotic systems: “I chose to serve in the reconnaissance unit, so I’m learning to operate the NRK. We have a simulator where I’m given tasks with the robot to complete.”
Serhii describes a current task where he must navigate the robot along a specified route while avoiding trees and bushes. At one point, he needs to retrieve a wounded person and return to the starting point, all while managing a limited battery charge of 65%, which adds complexity to the mission.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t have many remote-controlled cars as a child,” Serhii admits. “Working with radio signals is challenging since I’ve never encountered anything like this before. But I enjoy it. It’s tough, but practice will help me improve.”
Instructors demonstrate one of the ground robotic systems used for training at the Air Assault Forces training ground. Recruits also practice on simulators for operating these advanced systems.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have restructured their training approach to better prepare recruits for modern combat scenarios, focusing on technological skills and counter-drone tactics. The Basic General Military Training course equips new soldiers with essential combat skills while incorporating advanced training methods, including virtual reality simulations.