YAVORIV, Ukraine – Soldiers of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine conducted a Field Training Exercise at the Yavoriv Combat Training center here, May 2-4.
The 72nd MECH BDE began its 56 day training rotation at the YCTC in March. This rotation culminated in a Brigade Field Training Exercise.
The purpose of the BDE FTX is to better enable the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s ability to conduct operations according to NATO standards. This was the first training event at the brigade level held at the YCTC under these standards.
Maj. Nathan Barlow, lead mentor for a Battalion Tactical Group of the CTC, spoke to the strong discipline of the Ukrainian Soldiers, while offering insight to their capabilities.
"It was impressive to see how well the Armed Forces of Ukraine were able to execute Company – level operations,” said Barlow. “The 72nd Mechanized Brigade was able to rapidly deploy to their attack positions and conduct combat operations within an hour of being given the order to deploy.
“It is encouraging for me to work with a partnered military that is so eager to test and improve their capabilities.”
Lt. Col. Michael Starz, commander and lead mentor of the CTC Branch, expressed his gratitude to the 72nd MECH BDE, owing the success of the CTC to their dedication.
“We learned much from the 72nd Mechanized Brigade and hope that the Joint Multinational Training Group – Ukraine partner nations offered valuable mentorship to the Observer – Controllers and rotational unit in return,” said Starz. “The rotation of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade laid the foundation for the complex task of developing and implementing brigade level training at Yavoriv CTC.”
Through the efforts of units like the 72nd MECH BDE, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to build the Yavoriv Combat Training Center into an institution of excellence.