General Oleksandr Syrskyi has acknowledged that the area of basic, professional, and collective military training of Ukrainian servicemen remains quite complex and raises a number of unresolved issues
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during a monthly large-scale meeting on improving military training, did not hide that there is still much work ahead, but at the same time emphasized the positive progress that has already been made. According to Syrskyi, significant progress has been achieved in increasing the scope and content of the basic military training (BMT) program. However, the main goal now is not only to increase the number of training events but, primarily, to improve their quality. He stated that current efforts are focused on meticulously staffing instructor positions. This applies not only to military units and combat brigades but also to training centers where future defenders of the country are being prepared. Another important focus is on enhancing the qualifications of the instructors themselves and the sergeant corps, which play a key role in forming a professional and flexible army. The Commander-in-Chief reviewed reports from his deputies, including Brigadier General Oleg Apostol, who oversees the BMT direction and is responsible for the implementation of planned measures. During the meeting, the state of affairs in this sphere was analyzed in detail, and priority areas for addressing existing shortcomings were identified. Syrskyi's direct quote: "There are still many unresolved issues in this area; they were analyzed during our meeting—in conjunction with proposals for their effective resolution. Despite this, many projects are already being implemented that show significant positive results. Starting with pilot programs, we scaled them to all military units, enabling systematic improvement of training levels. One such project is the creation of a modern information and communication system for the army called 'Portal for Learning and Implementing Experience,' which allows for the aggregation and dissemination of combat experience, accumulation of After Action Review (AAR) analytical materials, and exchange of cases and best practices. Additionally, significant changes have been made to shooting course programs for rifle weapons and combat vehicles; courses for snipers are also being updated and refined." The defense minister emphasized that the BMT program has already been modernized to include tactical pre-hospital care, particularly training soldiers in the use of tourniquets. It is important not only to provide help quickly but also to save lives and maintain the functionality of wounded defenders' limbs. To achieve this, the hours allocated to this module have been increased, and preparatory exercises have been strengthened. According to the Commander-in-Chief, these measures will help not only save lives but also preserve the health of defenders. Another priority direction has been the increase of motivation among the younger generation—engaging citizens aged 18 to 24 in service in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Syrskyi noted that an experimental project is actively being implemented to attract this age group to contract service, as well as intensifying work on motivation and career guidance among youth. This contributes to the formation of a more mobile, prepared, and highly professional future army capable of countering modern challenges and threats. According to military leadership, the task facing the Ukrainian Armed Forces is not only to receive high-quality military training but also to establish a robust continuous learning system that allows for quick adaptation to new challenges and improvement of existing programs. At the same time, efforts are focused on increasing preventive work, injury and trauma prevention, and training instructor personnel capable of independently adapting training programs to changing combat circumstances. The experience accumulated in this area is already being used to improve personnel training and enhance the combat readiness of the Ukrainian army, which currently fulfills extremely important functions on the front and in the rear. Special attention is given to effective communication and knowledge sharing, which are the key to rapid and modern development of military skills. Thus, today's Ukrainian military training system is undergoing a transformation aimed at improving not only formal theoretical preparation but also practical skills that can save lives, preserve health, and ensure successful execution of combat tasks in the most challenging conditions of modern warfare. The authorities acknowledge that the process is far from complete; however, significant progress has already been made, and reforming this vital sector continues actively.