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Ukraine’s Army Reform: Transitioning to a Corps System for Modern Warfare
As Ukraine approaches the fourth year of its full-scale war with Russia, the country is embarking on a significant military reform to enhance its battlefield efficiency and organization. President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the need for a corps system, stating that the army must become more modern. The current brigade-level system, which includes over 100 brigades, has led to a complex and unwieldy management structure, with operational-tactical groups (OTUs) and operational-strategic commands (OSUVs) struggling to coordinate effectively.
The shift to a corps system aims to address these challenges by streamlining command structures and improving unit cohesion. Unlike the brigade system, which often results in battalions being scattered across the front and attached to other brigades, the corps system will consist of several brigades under a single, permanent commander. This change is expected to reduce micromanagement and improve coordination between tactical units and the General Staff. According to experts, the corps system will allow for better focus on troop management, more efficient planning, and clearer lines of command.
The Brigade System: Challenges and Limitations
The brigade system has proven to be inefficient in Ukraine’s current conflict, with experts pointing to poor coordination and lack of cohesion as significant drawbacks. Each OTU or OSUV may oversee dozens of brigades, leading to a fragmented command structure. John Hardie, deputy director of the Russia Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, notes that temporary commanders often lack the deep knowledge of their brigades that a permanent corps commander would have. Additionally, the scattering of battalions from the same brigade across different parts of the front has undermined unit cohesion and effectiveness.
Micromanagement is another issue plaguing the brigade system, with commanders sometimes intervening without a full understanding of the situation on the ground. These challenges highlight the need for a more streamlined and cohesive system, such as the corps model, which has been successful in NATO countries. The transition to a corps system is part of Ukraine’s broader effort to modernize its military and move away from its Soviet-era heritage.
The Corps System: A More Efficient and Cohesive Structure
The corps system represents a significant shift in Ukraine’s military organization, with plans to create 20 corps that will oversee several brigades each. This structure will be more efficient than the current brigade system, as corps commanders will have a clearer understanding of their units and be better equipped to manage resources and operations. Retired Australian Major-General Mick Ryan explains that a corps typically consists of three to seven brigades, allowing commanders to focus more effectively on their troops and distribute management responsibilities more evenly.
The corps system will also improve the link between tactical units and the General Staff, enabling more efficient employment of land combat forces. This change aligns with NATO standards and reflects Ukraine’s commitment to modernizing its military. However, Ryan notes that Ukraine’s corps may differ from those used by Western countries during the Cold War, as technology and warfare have evolved significantly since the 1990s.
Challenges in Implementing the Corps System
While the transition to a corps system offers many benefits, it also presents significant challenges. Viktor Kevliuk, a retired Ukrainian military officer and defense expert, warns that the reform may not address underlying issues such as manpower shortages and the difficulty of replenishing infantry units after heavy losses. Kevliuk also expresses concern that the new corps commands may be led by officers who have struggled to manage operational-tactical groups effectively.
Hardie adds that the existing corps in Ukraine are often "in name only," with units scattered across the front and lacking the necessary support structures. The performance of these corps in recent battles, such as the failed offensive in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and the loss of Vuhledar and Kurakhove, raises further doubts about their effectiveness. Kevliuk believes that the success of the reform will depend on the ability of commanders to change their management styles and on the provision of adequate technical equipment and training.
Expert Opinions on the Feasibility of the Corps Reform
Experts are divided on the potential success of the corps reform. While some see it as a necessary step toward modernizing Ukraine’s military and improving its ability to coordinate with NATO, others are skeptical about its impact on the ground. Ryan views the transition as part of Ukraine’s adaptation to NATO standards and its efforts to move away from Soviet-era structures. However, he acknowledges that the corps system will be different from those used by Western countries during the Cold War, as technology and warfare have evolved significantly since then.
Hardie and Kevliuk, on the other hand, are more cautious, pointing to the existing corps’ lack of cohesion and effectiveness. They argue that the reform may fail to address deeper issues such as manpower shortages and poor command structures. Kevliuk warns that the transition could even lead to deterioration in command, as commanders may be reluctant or unable to change their management styles. Despite these challenges, the reform remains a crucial step in Ukraine’s efforts to modernize its military and improve its chances of success in the ongoing conflict.
Conclusion: The Future of Ukraine’s Military
The transition to a corps system is a bold and necessary step in Ukraine’s military reform efforts, reflecting the country’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces and aligning them with NATO standards. While the current brigade system has proven inefficient and prone to fragmentation, the corps system offers the potential for greater cohesion, better coordination, and more effective command structures. However, the success of the reform will depend on addressing deeper issues such as manpower shortages, poor command practices, and the lack of adequate support structures.
As Ukraine continues to fight for its independence and sovereignty, the effectiveness of its military reform will be crucial in determining the outcome of the conflict. While experts are divided on the potential success of the corps system, there is widespread agreement that change is needed. The coming years will be critical in determining whether Ukraine can successfully implement this reform and build a more efficient and cohesive military capable of defending the nation against Russian aggression.
