Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi announced the approval of a Plan of Measures for the restoration, functioning, and further development of the sergeant corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the implementation of which will continue until the end of 2027.
He stated:
“This concerns not only the expansion of the institute of instructors in training centers and the introduction of drill sergeant positions in battalions of basic combined-arms training. The plan also provides for an increase in the number of sergeant positions in headquarters and military command bodies at all levels. This will allow for more effective use of sergeants’ combat experience and broader involvement of sergeants in the process of training and decision-making.”
Syrskyi said the further development of the sergeant corps will be based on modern principles of military management, in particular the Mission Command philosophy, which involves decentralizing decision-making, developing disciplined initiative, and delegating authority according to the level of responsibility.
“The main focus is on combat units. The experience of the war has clearly shown that the modern battlefield requires junior commanders to have greater independence, responsibility, and leadership. They must have the necessary authority to effectively manage their subordinates, and the chief sergeant of a platoon must be ready, if necessary, to replace the commander without losing control or combat effectiveness of the unit,” the Commander-in-Chief noted.
Syrskyi identified the further development of the professional training system as the most important task.
“We must more widely implement practical components, modern technologies, and combat experience gained during the repulsion of Russian aggression,” he said.
He also noted that there are currently imbalances in the system of financial support and motivation for certain categories of sergeants that need to be addressed.
“Most senior sergeants of corps, branches, and services have risen from private to the highest sergeant ranks. They have combat experience, wounds, and a high level of professional competence. Their service, contribution to personnel training, and maintaining combat readiness must receive proper recognition. Equally important is the issue of pay for instructors and staff sergeants,” Syrskyi emphasized.
