The Ukrainian military is witnessing catastrophic weakening as 50-70% of new recruits survive only a few days on the frontline.
At a Glance
- Up to 70% of new recruits survive only a few days.
- Average age of soldiers spikes to 45 due to a shortage of younger recruits.
- Training is grossly inadequate, with conscripts struggling to handle weapons.
- Ukraine drafts convicts to fill ranks amid soaring casualty rates.
- Combat Path Debriefing developed to address combat stress and promote readiness.
Skyrocketing Casualty Rates: A Grim Reality
Reports paint a dire picture of the Ukrainian military’s current state. So dire, in fact, that a majority of new recruits being forced to fight Russian soldiers are dying within days of being deployed on the battlefield.
Commanders report that 50-70% of new frontline recruits survive for just a few days before being killed or severely wounded by invading Russian troops.
And that’s with the support of virtually all of the West…
With casualty rates soaring to unprecedented levels, the situation is nothing short of catastrophic. The chain of command is struggling to maintain combat effectiveness, with many seasoned soldiers now lost and ranks filled with inadequately trained conscripts and even convicts.
The average age of soldiers on the frontline has increased to 45 – meaning these aren’t young, inexperienced people being sent out to die. They are people who have lived full adult lives as Ukrainian citizens.
Inadequate Training and Outdated Weapons
A critical factor in Ukraine’s struggles is the woeful inadequacy of training provided to new entrants. Basic competencies in handling weapons are often unmet, adding to the already perilous situation. Many recruits find themselves on the frontline without having undergone comprehensive training, a situation that jeopardizes not just individual lives but the overall mission effectiveness.
With high casualties depleting their ranks, Ukrainian commanders face an uphill battle. Units report losses of up to 80-90%. This mass depletion not only impacts battlefield performance but demoralizes those who remain. The influx of undertrained and ill-equipped soldiers creates an environment ripe for further disaster.
Combat Path Debriefing and Psychological Resilience
The constant exposure to high-stress combat situations takes a severe toll on the mental health and readiness of Ukrainian soldiers. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have developed Combat Path Debriefing, an intervention based on combat and operational stress control (COSC) principles. This initiative aims to address the grave psychological impact of relentless warfare and sustain mental readiness among soldiers.
Combat Path Debriefing is trauma-informed and occurs soon after units withdraw from the front lines. It involves constructing a narrative of their combat path, reflecting on changes, and emphasizing camaraderie and collective understanding. This process aims to normalize experiences and help soldiers manage their stress effectively.
The Role of US and Allied Leaders
The insights provided by this endeavor offer valuable lessons for US and allied leaders. Understanding the importance of psychological resilience and mental readiness in combat is crucial. The principles outlined can be adapted to other military settings facing similar challenges. The shared struggle for mental fortitude in the face of relentless adversity underscores a universal need for effective support mechanisms aimed at sustaining combat readiness.
https://publications.armywarcollege.edu/News/Display/Article/3789930/the-combat-path-sustaining-mental-readiness-in-ukrainian-soldiers/
These developments provide a sobering glimpse into the Ukrainian military’s ongoing hardships. With both the young and the battle-hardened no longer able to sustain the fight, and the dire psychological impact bearing down on their ranks, Ukraine’s military struggles serve as both a warning and a lesson to international armed forces.
November can’t come fast enough…not just for the Americans being forced to pay for this war, but for the Ukrainians continuing to lose their lives over it.
