The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced via its Telegram channel that a portion of mobilized personnel would participate in an extended training window as part of a controlled pilot. The aim is to test deeper preparation before deployment and to raise the professional baseline of entrants. Officials emphasize that the extended program centers on practical skills rather than mere familiarization drills, and it will be evaluated to determine whether the longer format yields measurable improvements in performance, safety, and unit cohesion on the battlefield. Independent observers note that this approach aligns with international pre-deployment practices that include more intensive modules to reduce uncertainty in the field. The overarching objective is to ensure troops are better equipped during the first weeks of service, a period marked by high demands and varied terrain. By running the pilot under controlled conditions, the armed forces hope to gather data on training duration, resource needs, and the impact on readiness metrics. The announcement stresses that changes apply to a limited group of mobilized personnel as a test case, with potential to scale up if results prove favorable. In summary, the plan is not a blanket policy but a measured experiment aimed at strengthening initial competence.
At present the pilot operates across four education centers, with about 500 soldiers taking part. The training length rises from 30 days to roughly 45 days, or about one and a half months. The extended period covers a broader array of drills, simulations, and living conditions that test recruits’ ability to apply what they learn under realistic pressure. Officials say the extra time helps ensure essential skills are reinforced before soldiers join active units. The four-site structure enables program designers to compare efficiency, safety outcomes, and morale across diverse local contexts. If the pilot demonstrates success, the plan would extend the lengthened curriculum to additional centers and branches, aiming for a gradual nationwide transition over time. The goal is to balance the urgency of mobilization with stronger initial preparation that may reduce rework and injuries later on.
Beyond the timing, the curriculum expands in two high-priority domains shaping modern combat. Unmanned aerial vehicle modules introduce students to basic flight operations, maintenance routines, payload handling, and safe navigation in varied weather. Trainees practice target recognition, reconnaissance planning, and coordination with ground units while adhering to safety protocols and rules of engagement. Electronic warfare instruction covers fundamentals of signals, spectrum awareness, and methods to disrupt or deny adverse communications in a contested environment. Trainees learn to interpret data from sensors, manage encryption devices, and integrate EW actions with maneuver tactics. The inclusion of these topics reflects the growing importance of technology-enabled warfare in Ukraine’s defense posture.
In separate remarks, a Ukrainian prisoner of war identified as Sergei Shikun described perceived gaps in the training of mobilized officers. He claimed that many officers behind the lines have only one unit to rely on and insufficient preparation for front-line duties. He said he was called to the front from his workplace, told to pack within an hour, and sent to the front without any formal assessment of his training background. He asserted confusion within the ranks and that a number of officers are not traditional officers at all but mobilized citizens who went through a military department rather than earning professional officer credentials. The account highlights concerns about leadership readiness that have circulated in discussions about mobilization and deployment.
Separately, a participant described as previously disabled said he was admitted into the Armed Forces without three fingers. While verification of such reports remains pending, the claim illustrates broader debates about recruitment practices, medical eligibility, and how quickly volunteers can be integrated into combat-ready units under pressure. The presence of these anecdotes in public discourse underscores the need for clear training standards, transparent selection criteria, and ongoing oversight as the force adapts to evolving threats.
The authorities stress that the extended program remains experimental and subject to ongoing evaluation to determine whether the training model should be scaled up, modified, or kept limited to selected units. The overarching objective remains to improve initial readiness, shorten the path to effective deployment, and strengthen the cohesion and resilience of Ukraine’s mobilized forces.