Ukraine's new basic military training program: Preparing recruits for combat

The BMT is a mandatory course for all new recruits starting their service in the Ukrainian military. The training uses the NATO-standard EDIP system (explain, demonstrate, imitate, and practice), which is a well-structured modular system that can be adapted to the needs of specific units.

Initially, the BMT course lasted 30 days. During this time, recruits learned both the theory and practice of combat operations, including tactical medicine, survival skills, orientation, radio communication, and more.

Feedback on the BMT course has been mixed. Some recruits have reported positive experiences, while others have criticized the short duration of the training and the desire for additional knowledge.

In response, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have continuously updated the BMT program. Commander of the Ground Forces, Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk, said: "The BMT is constantly being improved. The programs are continuously updated. Changes in the enemy's tactics and the use of new and modern weapons on the battlefield influence the list of training disciplines and their content. New recruits must be prepared for the current situation on the battlefield, not a year or a year and a half ago. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, we have already created the fourth edition of the BMT program. So, in less than three years, the course has been improved three times. A number of changes were made to the program in terms of countering UAVs, equipment and camouflage of positions, and the use of electronic warfare equipment."

Under the updated program, recruits learn how to act in direct confrontations with the enemy, approach and clear trenches, conduct short-range firing, and throw hand grenades in various conditions. Demonstration groups simulate enemy actions during training exercises. During firearms and tactical training, drone instructors of training military units "drop" simulation equipment to maximize their training for combat operations.

"This allows soldiers to get used to drone attacks and be prepared for them," said Oleksandr Pavliuk.

The commander of the Ground Forces added that to ensure all recruits thoroughly learn the material, the duration of training has been increased. Starting from Nov. 1, the basic military training period in all training centers is 45 days. This has allowed the expansion of the firearms training program. If previously, recruits practiced 20 shooting exercises with automatic rifles, now the number has increased to 31. Additionally, recruits practice with machine guns, grenade launchers, and throw grenades. The total number of exercises with weapons has increased to 45.

"Shooting now takes up about a third of the entire training," Pavliuk stated.

“And this is just work on the shooting ranges. In addition, recruits work with blank cartridges in various conditions — urban environments, trenches.”

Moreover, military personnel serving under contract, who are planned for further service in assault military units or subunits, undergo BMT training for up to two months. The additional weeks of training allow for better mastery of the diverse material that mobilized personnel learn daily.

Oleksandr, the chief sergeant of one of the training battalions of the individual training school, noted that the new program includes much more practical training. This includes tactics, firearms training, reconnaissance, camouflage, communication exercises, and training in radiological, chemical, and biological protection. The material base for all this exists, and the recruits are interested in gaining more knowledge.

"To avoid a shortage of ammunition caliber 5.45 mm in the training military units, a decision was made to replace them with ammunition caliber 7.62 mm," said the Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Pavliuk.

“And today, the training centers of the Ground Forces are fully supplied with such ammunition.”

However, there are cases where military personnel complete the BMT program less than 70%. This can be due to illness, rehabilitation, or insufficient progress in training. All these individuals repeat the course. The process is continuously monitored. In particular, cards for recording the performance of shooting exercises have been introduced, which are filled out personally by the recruits and kept in two copies. The first copy is kept by the military personnel, and the second is kept by the commander of the training unit for five years. Additionally, the recruit confirms their results with their signature.

This was the case with 28-year-old Andriy, who is undergoing BMT training in one of the training centers of the Ground Forces. During his first course, the man fell ill and had to repeat the training. He said that this helped him feel more confident in military matters. Andriy also believes that extending the course from 30 to 45 days will greatly help other recruits who started their training after Nov. 1.

Currently, 70% of the instructors have combat experience gained during the full-scale Russian invasion. The remaining 30% gained combat experience between 2014 and 2022. Many instructors were transferred to training centers after being wounded. These include personnel from the Air Assault Forces and Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Instructors who do not have combat experience are sent on rotations. The Command of the Ground Forces has developed corresponding plans and schedules. Currently, 229 instructors are gaining combat experience in various brigades.

"Boroda," a BMT training instructor, said that trips to the front allow instructors to track and integrate all changes that occur in the war into the training. Modern warfare, as is widely known, changes very quickly.

"We are constantly improving the teaching level of instructors," added Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk.

“After all, a trainer must not only have experience but also be able to present the material qualitatively and interestingly. In September 2024, we conducted another certification of the instructor-teaching staff of the training military units and determined their compliance with the positions they hold. As a result, about 100 people were transferred to other military units. Also, work is being done to centralize the training of the instructor staff and create a school for the training of instructors. This will allow them to be trained according to uniform requirements and standards, ensure proper control over the selection of instructors and the quality of their training.”

The Ukrainian Armed Forces are also working on increasing the motivation of instructors. Currently, the average monetary compensation for a basic-level instructor is about 24,500 hryvnias ($593). A monthly bonus of 15,000 to 25,000 hryvnias ($363-605) is provided depending on the instructor's level of education. Additional incentive mechanisms are being developed, such as providing housing or promotions.

36-year-old Ivan, with the call sign "Dobryi," is undergoing BMT training in one of the training centers of the Ground Forces. He noted that the instructors provide enough knowledge for a civilian to prepare for participation in combat operations.

"The main thing is the desire," said Ivan.

“If the recruits want to gain more knowledge, the instructor will gladly share useful articles and videos so that the person can independently gain even more knowledge.”

However, for the quality completion of BMT, it is important not only the knowledge that people gain but also the conditions in which they gain this knowledge, and even clothing and equipment. Mobilized personnel, who recently lived in comfortable homes or apartments, find themselves in a completely different reality. In the training centers, they must prepare for life in field conditions. Recruits must gain experience in an unfamiliar and less comfortable environment.

But this does not mean that people sleep on the ground or simply in the open air. They are issued sleeping bags, mats, pillows, mattresses, blankets, and sheets. Each conscript is obliged to receive a combat uniform. This includes a helmet, jacket, hat, summer and winter uniforms, underwear, summer and winter boots, gloves, and other items. The quantity and terms of use are determined for each item depending on its type and purpose. Therefore, when this term expires, the military personnel receive a new item. Additionally, protective goggles, helmets, and bulletproof vests are provided, which are mandatory parts of the equipment in combat conditions. In addition, a combat special kit is issued. This includes knee and elbow pads, tactical backpacks, and pouches that ensure protection and convenience during the performance of combat tasks or participation in training.

After completing the service, almost all the property will remain in the ownership of the person. The corresponding norm was introduced by the Ministry of Defense. Only the bulletproof vest and helmet must be returned. For military personnel of the Air Assault Forces and Special Operations Forces — also headphones.

And finally, the food. For many recruits, it turns out to be unusual. After all, this is a carefully designed menu. It is balanced, unlike the eating habits of many of Ukrainian citizens. It may not be to everyone's liking. However, it is at least 3,500 kilocalories per day — porridge, soups, meat, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and even confectionery.

In discussions about the basic military training in Ukraine, BMT is often compared to training abroad, which some mobilized personnel undergo. It is said that the conditions of accommodation and food are better there. However, the shortcomings are often forgotten. For example, that recruits almost do not learn other types of weapons besides the AK-74. Or that conscripts in European countries barely get acquainted with EW and ECM, do not learn how to act in case of drone attacks, etc.

But this is also being improved, said the Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Pavliuk: "During our meetings with foreign partners from those countries where they help us train recruits, we constantly draw their attention to the need to improve the program, to add more knowledge about the modern war — drones, EW, ECM, and new types of weapons that people will work with in the future."

In the end, any improvements to the program, its changes, and enhancements depend primarily on one thing — how much a person wants or does not want to learn. This is often said by the conscripts themselves. And the greater this desire, the better prepared the military personnel will be after completing the basic military training.