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Operation KUDU ~ Australians Train Ukrainians In UK

During their range week of Operation KUDU in the UK, Ukrainian trainees participated in live-fire exercises [ADoD photo]

Accuracy and lethality were paramount for the Armed Forces of Ukraine recruits during their Australian-led live-fire training in the UK

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News Release, Canberra, 10 March 2023: Live-fire training vital for Ukrainian recruits.

Accuracy and lethality were paramount for the Armed Forces of Ukraine recruits during their live-fire training in the UK. Under the expert supervision of the Australian Army instructors deployed on Operation KUDU, the recruits gained valuable experience and skills to help them serve and protect their country.

Starting with static shooting at 100 metres, the trainees moved on to fire and movement in pairs and finished with live-fire attacks. As the recruits’ skills developed, so did their confidence, along with improving lethality, accuracy and safety with weapons.

Ukrainian trainees participated in live-fire exercises during their range week of Operation KUDU, supervised by Australian Army soldiers [ADoD: Cpl Jonathan Goedhart]

One of the safety supervisors on the range said safety was an important part of the training. “All the training we’ve done up to this point is going to give the Ukrainians confidence on the weapons systems they are going to have to use when they return to Ukraine,” he said.

“What’s surprised me the most is how quickly they learnt, and how keen they were to fix errors in their drills.

Australian Army soldiers demonstrate trench warfare tactics to Ukrainian trainees in the UK [ADoD: Cpl Dustin Anderson]

The recruits completed wooded, urban and trench training to develop the combat skills needed on the battlefield to defend their country. The training is not without its challenges. The recruits had to adapt to different weapons, tactics and environments, but the Australian Army instructors worked hard to ensure the success of the serial. The training is also enabling the Australian Army instructors to develop their skills.

Contingent Commander for Operation KUDU, Major Gregory Sargeant, said live-fire training was vital. “Live fire is important to achieve battle inoculation – to prepare people for when they’re actually in a fight,” Major Sargeant said.

“The more realistic you can make live-fire training, the better they will perform in combat.

“This training has seen a progression of training from static engagements at 100 metres, up to them being able to conduct a live-fire section defence.

“Our soldiers are learning from our Ukrainian mates, and that will enable them to come back home and, in turn, teach these lessons to our soldiers. It’s been mutually supportive.”

Source: Cpt Annie Richardson ADoD

Ukrainian trainees participated in live-fire exercises in the UK, supervised by Australian Army soldiers from 5th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment [ADoD photo]

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News Release, Canberra, 06 March 2023: Realism prepares Ukrainian recruits for the battlefield.

Armed Forces of Ukraine recruits, under the guidance of Australian Army instructors deployed on Operation KUDU in the United Kingdom, completed trench training under realistic conditions. The training exposed recruits to the intricacies of developing a defensive position, defending, and attacking. It was made as realistic as possible to prepare them for the battlefield.

Australian Army soldiers from the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, demonstrate trench warfare tactics to Ukrainian trainees in the UK [ADoD: Cpl Jonathan Goedhart]

“The trench exercises focus on developing a trench system under fatigue, coordinating reconnaissance of enemy positions, and offensive patrolling,” said one of the Australian platoon commanders.

“This means conducting a digging routine and working in their pairs within their pit location.

“We have been probing them sporadically through the night to further their fatigue levels and to simulate the kinds of situations they may see in the coming weeks.

“The training is realistic and demanding – it mimics the high-stress and high-stakes environment which the trainees will need to be able to operate effectively in.

“Some of the trainees have already got experience in trench warfare from the [Russo-Ukraine] war – so the learning has at times been mutual.

“There are a lot of soldiers who have come from the frontline, who are about to go straight back into it, so this training is the most realistic for them.”

No Australians will enter Ukraine as part of Operation KUDU.

Source: Cpt Annie Richardson ADoD

Ukrainian trainees conduct trench warfare by night during the first rotation of Operation KUDU in the UK [ADoD: Cpl Dustin Anderson]

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