The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
In the 95th Brigade, the process of training new recruits, aspects of focus, and the time required to master basic skills for future paratroopers was described.
This was reported on Army FM by Anton Zakharchuk, officer of the 95th Separate Polissya Airborne Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
He also discussed instructors, basic military training, and recruitment.
“First, a serviceman undergoes basic military training for 51 days, then professional training according to their military specialty — lasting 2 weeks or more. After arrival at the task area, the serviceman also undergoes adaptation training in the unit, lasting 15 days”, — said Anton Zakharchuk.
He explained about the instructors of the 95th Brigade who train newcomers:
“All instructor and teaching staff I work with have combat experience. Training covers all major combat subjects. Tank rides and psychological obstacle courses are two main elements of psychological training during basic military training. This allows recruits to increase stress resistance and partly overcome their fears”.
The training includes being run over by heavy armored vehicles like tanks, simulating firing at armored targets, then taking cover in a trench, a tank passes over, and the recruit rises and simulates a shot from, for example, an anti-tank grenade launcher.
Anton Zakharchuk explained the difference between mobilized recruits and those joining under the “Contract 18–24” program:
“Overall, the training is no different. But the 18–24 category trains in platoon units, so more instructors are involved, allowing more individual attention. Women mostly join under the ‘Contract 18–24’ program as UAV operators”.
He also explained how personnel selection aligns military roles with civilian education and experience.
“During training, information on civilian professions, experience, and skills is collected to properly assign and combine military specialties. The recruit must declare, train, demonstrate, and talk about their knowledge, skills, and abilities”.
After basic military training, recruits undergo a 15-day adaptation period in the operational area, with further training in all main combat skills. Accommodation is in heated field camps, with conditions for washing and laundry, and three meals a day. If recruits have health complaints, the brigade has a medical point and hospital transport if needed.
Logistics works efficiently: uniforms, equipment, protective gear are provided. All military specialties go through basic military training — the essential knowledge and skills for a soldier, sergeant, or officer.
“Given modern combat operations, UAV operators are most valuable, especially those with civilian experience, relevant courses, or IT-related work. To join, one simply comes to our recruitment center”, — summarized the 95th Brigade officer.
