Ukrainian Soldiers take lead on instructing

Photo By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Tarr | A Ukrainian Soldier places a pressure dressing on a simulated casualty while being observed by a certified Ukrainian instructor, July 30, 2016, at the International Peacekeeping Security Center as part of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. The Soldiers are learning basic combat life saving skills in an effort to save lives on the battlefield. JMTG-U is responsible for training Ukrainian soldiers and building a sustainable and enduring training center at the IPSC.(Army photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Tarr, U.S. Army Europe)  

YAVORIV, UKRAINE

07.30.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Tarr 

U.S. Army Europe and Africa     

YAVORIV, Ukraine- - The start of rotation four at the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine marked a milestone in its efforts to train Ukrainian soldiers and build a sustainable and enduring training center. Approximately 60 JMTG-U-trained Ukrainian instructors began teaching Ukrainian Soldiers basic individual combat skills here, July 25, 2016.

The Ukrainian instructors spent the previous nine weeks learning how to instruct on a total of six individual skills modules. The modules included weapons training, land navigation, combat life skills, and section live-fire. In order to be certified, the instructors were tested on their ability to put their knowledge of the 6 modules into action and effectively train other Ukrainian Soldiers.

“This is significant because this is the first step where we’re showing that the Ukrainian-led combat training center can have a sustainable training program,” said Maj. Warren Litherland, officer in charge of the combat training center at JMTG-U.

Although the instructors are planning and conducting the training they still receive support from multinational partners including Soldiers from 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat, 3rd Infantry Division. The soldiers observe the training and give support only if necessary. Following the training they come together to conduct after action reviews in order to discuss what went right and where the instructors can improve.

“We’re not trying to force the Ukrainians to use our doctrine, said 1st Lt. Charles Costanzo, executive officer assigned to Charlie Troop. “We’re giving the Ukrainians another skillset to put into their toolbox.”

After the instructors are fully certified to instruct the first six modules, they will move on to receive training on the next set of modules, which focus on team and squad collective training.

“Immediately after they are done delivering instruction, they will receive instruction on how to observe, train and mentor the Ukrainian Soldiers,” said Litherland.

Lt. Col. Maksym Klunnyk, the combat training center’s chief of Ukrainian Land Forces development department, oversees the training of the instructors to ensure each Soldier is trained to standard on each module.

“This type of training will help decrease the number of victims on the battlefield,” said Klunnyk. “I really appreciate the effort from the American’s to help my Soldiers improve their training abilities.”

By the end of the year, the goal of JMTG-U is to have a total of 105 Ukrainian instructors who are fully certified and capable of training Soldiers.

• Date Taken: 07.30.2016
• Date Posted: 07.30.2016 10:08
• Story ID: 205580
• Location: YAVORIV, UA