Next month, the Army will welcome thousands of new recruits who will undergo updated training methods. This training is designed to prepare them for potential service within a Peace Support Operation in Ukraine. The UK forces are scheduled to collaborate with at least six other nations in a "coalition of the willing" to train Ukrainians in the western part of the country. Simultaneously, they will provide a deterrent against Russia in the east, contingent upon a lasting peace agreement.
September typically marks the largest intake of recruits following the summer period, with approximately 1,600 individuals expected to begin their initial phase of training. At bases like Catterick and Pirbright, these new recruits will be introduced to trench warfare, a tactic that the British Army has not utilized for nearly a century. They will also receive instruction in drone warfare.
The training will shift away from traditional company attacks involving 100 soldiers equipped with machine guns. Instead, soldiers will operate in smaller strike teams of six, utilizing advanced technology such as night vision and thermal imaging to identify and neutralize enemy drones and indirect weapons. Every soldier will be trained to operate drones capable of hovering and scanning the terrain.
The Army has already trained 3,000 drone pilots, with plans to train an additional 6,000 in the coming months. Furthermore, around 200 simulators will be integrated into unit operations. Medical training will also be enhanced to address severe injuries that may occur at a distance from frontline medical facilities. The use of helicopters is unlikely due to the risk of being targeted by Russian forces using drones. Chemical warfare drills will also be emphasized to prepare for potential gas attacks in the event of a ceasefire violation.
This shift in training comes as General Sir Roly Walker, a former SAS commander and Chief of the General Staff, has cautioned that the Army must be prepared for potential conflict in Eastern Europe within the next few years. The UK infantry force will be drawn from the 16 Air Assault Brigade. General Walker has also overseen the establishment of a special operations brigade, comprising four Ranger regiments modeled after the elite US Rangers, to train and work alongside Ukraine's special forces.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
It's vital we ensure our soldiers are equipped to deal with dangerous situations effectively. Training is necessary!
Fuerza
This 'coalition of the willing' is just a way to get more countries involved in this mess. Enough is enough!
Manolo Noriega
It's crucial that we prepare our troops for potential conflicts to support global peace. This training is essential!
Ongania
More training in warfare does not guarantee a safe future for anyone involved. We need a new approach.
Fuerza
Trench warfare? Are we really going back to outdated tactics? This is ridiculous!