Syrskyi approved the development plan for the NCO corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
Syrskyi approved the development plan for the NCO corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine until 2027. The reform will expand the powers of sergeants and change their training system.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced that he has approved a development plan for the AFU non-commissioned officer (NCO) corps through the end of 2027, UNN reports.
"We are continuing the comprehensive transformation of the military service system in the AFU, the first stage of which has already begun. One of the key areas of this work is the further development of the NCO corps. I have approved the Action Plan for the restoration, operational support, and further development of the non-commissioned officer corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,"
According to him, the implementation of the planned measures will continue until the end of 2027.
As the Commander-in-Chief reported, "the further development of the NCO corps will be carried out based on modern principles of military command, in particular the Mission Command philosophy, which involves decentralization of the decision-making process, development of disciplined initiative, and delegation of authority in accordance with the level of responsibility."
"This is not only about expanding the institute of instructors in training centers and introducing drill sergeant positions in basic combined arms training battalions. The plan also envisages increasing the number of NCO positions in headquarters and military command bodies at all levels. This will allow for more effective use of the combat experience of sergeants and their broader involvement in the training and decision-making process," Syrskyi said.
According to him, the main focus is on combat units. "The experience of the war has convincingly proven that the modern battlefield requires greater independence, responsibility, and leadership from junior commanders. They must have the necessary authority for effective management of subordinates, and the platoon sergeant major must be ready to replace the commander if necessary without losing control or combat effectiveness of the unit," he pointed out.
"A separate area of work is the expansion of the rights and powers of the NCO staff, as well as improving the distribution of functions between sergeants and officers. No less important remains the clear definition of zones of responsibility between commanders and chief sergeants," Syrskyi noted.
The most important task, in his words, is the "further development of the professional training system." "The main goal is to bring training as close as possible to the realities of modern warfare. We must more widely implement the practical component, modern technologies, and combat experience gained during the repelling of Russian aggression," the Commander-in-Chief indicated.
Equally important, he continued, remains "improving the procedure for military service in NCO positions and creating effective career management mechanisms." "It is in this area that a significant number of problematic issues have accumulated, without the resolution of which the further development of the NCO corps is impossible," Syrskyi emphasized.
According to him, special attention is paid to "improving social standards of military service in NCO positions."
"At the same time, we must honestly acknowledge existing problems. Today, regarding certain categories of NCO personnel, there are imbalances in the system of financial support and motivation that need to be eliminated," the Commander-in-Chief remarked. "Most chief sergeants of corps, branches, and arms of the military have risen from soldier to the highest NCO positions. They have combat experience, wounds, and a high level of professional competence. Their service, contribution to personnel training, and maintenance of troop combat readiness must receive proper evaluation."
He pointed out that the issue of financial support for instructional staff and staff sergeants is equally important.
A separate block of measures, the Commander-in-Chief noted, is aimed at strengthening the professional unity of the NCO corps, developing its organizational culture, and preserving military traditions.
"The NCO corps was and remains one of the foundations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. That is why we will continue to consistently create conditions for the professional growth of sergeants, increasing their authority and strengthening their role at all levels of military command," Syrskyi stated.