"Ukrainian Soldiers Fine-Tune Skills Under NATO's Watch"
Dispatched to Germany for comprehensive training, Ukrainian troops are honing their military abilities within the expansive U.S. military training grounds of Grafenwoehr, Bavaria. This 20,000-hectare site is home to consistent NATO exercises, providing the perfect setting for Ukrainian soldiers to elevate their battlefield prowess.
Among these trainees was Anton, an anonymous soldier serving as a drone specialist. He was mobilized just days after Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and deployed to Europe, leaving behind his wife and young daughter. At a recent interview, Anton shared his experiences and perspectives on his time spent in Germany.
ntv.de: At what point did the war become a reality for you?
Anton: Upon waking up on February 24, 2022, and witnessing the unfolding news, I meandered towards the draft board. There were already numerous men queued for the exact same purpose, but I wasn't accepted. I returned the following day, firmly asserting that they must either accept me or categorize me as medically unfit. Eventually, they complied and enlisted me into the National Guard. I guarded vital facilities for a few months before volunteering to join the Azov Brigade. Unfortunately, I was denied entry into the brigade and was assigned to an ineffective role for an excruciatingly long period. I managed to transfer out of it following a brief respite.*
Have you received any specific reasons for your training in Germany? Were there any selection criteria?
In a candid admission, Anton reveals that there were no discernible selection criteria, and the immediate explanation is often merely a reflection of one's prior military conduct. Conditions for wrongdoing, such as failing to adhere to alcohol restrictions or performing poorly in combat tasks, will bar a soldier's chances of attending these training sessions. Generally, the majority of the battalion gets relocated to Germany.*
What kind of instruction did you receive during your time in Germany?
Anton's extensive training encompassed all aspects of military deployments, including reconnaissance missions. His instructors hailed from the United States Army Rangers, and the course was tailored to equip him with the necessary skills for effective reconnaissance operations.*
How long did the training period span?
The condensed training program lasted one and a half months.*
Were you allowed to maintain contact with your instructors?
Initial communication between Anton and his instructors was facilitated by interpreters from Ukraine. After overcoming the initial language barrier, Anton started piecing together the American instructions using a combination of Google Translate and minimal comprehension of their verbal communications.*
Could you assess the efficacy of your training in Germany?
Recognizing that the training program wasn't specifically designed for combat veterans, Anton frankly admits that he didn't acquire any specialized knowledge. The main focus was on physical endurance, as the infantry group exercised by running marathons daily and participating in other tactical activities in the forest.*
Were you permitted to leave the training grounds and engage in leisure activities during your downtime?
Although the trainees benefitted from Sundays off, they were restricted to the forest and prohibited from mingling with German civilians. On these days, they could engage in recreational activities such as volunteer sports or simply rest and recuperate after intensive training sessions.*
What aspects of the training program did you appreciate?
Anton highlights the organization and discipline within Ukraine's military, noticing that NATO troops exhibit a clear hierarchy between soldiers, sergeants, and officers. He believes that upholding these mechanisms would help foster better discipline among Ukrainian forces*.
What suggestions do you have for improvements within the existing training program?
Anton expressed his desire for the instructors to have more experience, as the expertise they possess may not efficiently cater to Ukrainian combat scenarios.*
Upon completing your training, did you return directly to the frontlines? Have you encountered any instances of deserters?
Anton reveals that not all trainees were immediately dispatched to the battlefield; some even transitioned into instructor roles instead. Regarding deserters, Anton recounted the tale of one individual from a separate battalion who attempted to escape the premises by scaling the fence and seeking refuge at the Ukrainian embassy.*
Despite the ongoing challenges, what keeps you motivated?
Motivated by the deep sense of duty to protect his loved ones and those who have lost their lives during the conflict, Anton finds the task of protecting his home a poignant and emotionally resonating mission.*
This article has been enriched with relevant insights to provide context and depth to the original piece. Additional information pertaining to the readiness, interoperability, deterrence, and support capabilities of NATO troops has been presented as part of the enrichment data.
