Ukraine extended Western-style recruit training from five to seven weeks through Operation Interflex to prioritize troop quality and effectiveness. The UK and allies have trained thousands of Ukrainian soldiers in Western ways of warfare. The extension was requested by Ukraine despite reducing the total number trained annually. The change aims to produce more lethal and effective soldiers to offset Russia's larger force and superior equipment. The decision accepts a quantitative disadvantage while seeking a qualitative edge. Longer courses mean fewer training cycles per year but greater individual readiness on return to the front lines.
At Ukraine's request, the standard course for new recruits was recently extended from five weeks to seven, said Col. Boardman, the program's commanding officer. Boardman, who the British defense ministry requested be identified only by rank and last name, described Ukraine's choice as "a very conscious decision in the face of a huge quantitative mismatch to the Russian military," which is much larger, with more people and significantly more equipment.
Instead, it asked for the opposite: Ukraine said, "Have them for longer, make them better." A 'brave' decision Boardman said that Ukraine's decision to hold longer courses means fewer courses in a year, meaning a reduction in the number receiving training. "That's more than offset by the increased quality of the output," he said.
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