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The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has evolved into one of the most ammunition-intensive wars in recent history. Faced with a significant disadvantage in available munitions compared to Russian forces, Ukraine’s military has turned to Western-led training programs to help their soldiers become as efficient and lethal as possible making every shot truly count.
Facing the Ammunition Deficit Head-On
Unlike Russia, which boasts enormous ammunition stockpiles, Ukraine operates under the pressure of limited resources. This stark reality shapes the approach to soldier training under programs like the UK-led Operation Interflex, which has trained over 56,000 Ukrainian troops in cooperation with 13 allied nations.
Colonel Boardman, the commanding officer of Operation Interflex, explained to TruthSider that the training prioritizes precision and conservation of ammunition. “The Ukrainians don't have the luxury of a huge amount of ammunition in the way the Russians do,” he said. “That means they need to make the best use of every round they fire.”
This focus on marksmanship and tactical discipline is critical in a conflict where supply chains are strained, and replenishing ammo stockpiles remains a constant challenge.
Making Every Shot Count: The Core of Training
A key pillar of the Western training is teaching Ukrainian soldiers how to be highly effective with small arms like rifles. In practice, this means rigorous time spent on shooting ranges, honing marksmanship to ensure that when soldiers engage targets on the frontline, their shots hit their mark.
“Making every shot count in a literal sense is really important for the Ukrainians,” Boardman emphasized. The training also aims to equip soldiers not only to survive under harsh combat conditions but also to maximize their lethality, balancing survival skills with offensive effectiveness.
The Challenge of Sustained Conflict
Ukraine's defense industry has expanded since the start of the war, but the country still heavily relies on weapons and ammunition supplied by Western allies. However, political complexities and strained stockpiles in donor countries sometimes cause pauses or delays in aid deliveries.
Such ammunition shortages have forced Ukrainian forces to ration their firepower. Western veterans who fought alongside Ukrainian troops have reported instances where soldiers had to hold fire despite having targets in sight, illustrating the tangible impact of limited munitions on battlefield tactics.
A Wake-Up Call for Western Militaries
The conflict has exposed a significant vulnerability for Western militaries: their own ammunition production and stockpiles lag far behind those of Russia. NATO's secretary-general recently warned that Russia produces three times more ammunition in three months than NATO does in a year, urging a “quantum leap” in European defense preparedness.
Both major defense contractors and innovative startups are racing to bridge this ammunition gap, but the scale of the challenge remains immense.
A Unique Modern War
Unlike the recent low-intensity conflicts dominated by counterinsurgency and counterterrorism, the war in Ukraine represents a return to large-scale conventional warfare against a major power. It features both brutal trench warfare reminiscent of past centuries and cutting-edge technology like drones and electronic warfare.
This complex battlefield environment means training must be adaptive and constantly evolving. Ukrainian soldiers who join training programs often bring frontline experience, which challenges instructors to blend NATO best practices with the realities on the ground.
Boardman highlighted this dynamic, noting, “There is a really rich mutual understanding going on, and the training ends up being much greater than the sum of its parts.”
Tailored Training for Ukraine’s Needs
While the training shares similarities with what British recruits receive, it includes special emphasis on threats and tactics unique to this war such as drone countermeasures, electronic warfare, and minefield navigation.
Interestingly, the training duration for Ukrainians has increased from 35 days to nearly 50, a decision praised by Boardman. “They could have asked for shorter courses to get recruits faster, but instead, they chose to deepen training, focusing on quality over quantity.”
Mutual Benefits and Lessons Learned
The UK and allied trainers not only provide expertise but also gain valuable insights from Ukrainian soldiers’ frontline experiences. This exchange is informing Western military strategies and training programs, ensuring they remain relevant for future large-scale conflicts.
Boardman praised the quick adaptability of Ukrainian recruits, noting how swiftly they learn weapon operation and combat skills. Ukraine’s military strategy, given its smaller size compared to Russia, relies heavily on the superior training and quality of its personnel.
Ukraine’s struggle with ammunition shortages has catalyzed a strategic shift in soldier training, emphasizing precision, efficiency, and adaptability. Western-led programs like Operation Interflex are equipping Ukrainian troops to fight smarter, making every bullet count in a brutal and protracted conflict. Meanwhile, the war offers crucial lessons to Western militaries preparing for the challenges of modern great-power warfare.
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