Australian Army chief reviews the UK and NZ’s Ukraine military training program

Australia’s Army chief got a first-hand look at Ukrainian civilians in the UK training to be soldiers ahead of his own troop deployment. See photos.

Australia’s Army chief is reviewing UK and New Zealand forces training Ukrainians in England, ahead of his own troop deployment next year.

Lieutenant General Simon Stuart will send up to 70 defence force personnel including soldiers mostly from Darwin’s 1st Brigade to England in January — their mission to turn Ukrainian truck drivers, labourers, architects and solicitors into fighting men and women.

Lieutenant General Simon Stuart and soldiers from the NZDF who led ranges for partner forces, assisted by 5Rifles training teams.

British and Kiwi forces launched a five-week combat training program for 600 volunteer Ukrainians at a British Military camp in southern England.

“There are a whole range of tips we’ll take back, to make sure we are preparing in a way to make the best contribution that Australia can to the Ukraine,” Lt Gen Stuart said.

Lieutenant General Simon Stuart visited the Ukrainians to see how their training was developing.

“We have a contemporary way of working with partners to transfer training, we will be better at our job as a result of the work we do with the Ukrainians and through our partners the UK and New Zealand.

“We’re looking forward to training these very courageous and committed Ukrainians who, in a few short weeks, will be going back into the fight to defend their nation.”

The chief’s visit comes prior to the Australian Army beginning their rotation of the ally commitment to train Ukrainian forces to defend their nation.

Asked why it has taken the Australian Government eight months to act since the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine in a steep escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War on February 22, he said, “Our government is committed and has contributed 90 Bushmasters and a total of more than $650m of aid and support to the Ukrainian and an ongoing commitment to the cause.”

Partner Forces practice adopting their firing positions on the ranges, under the safety supervision and coaching of NZDF training teams.

“Being here brings home the focus evident in the fight.

“Australian soldiers have a great reputation for empathy and getting on with just about anyone, as we did in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“We will adapt to conditions and requirements in the UK to make sure we contribute as best we can in supporting Ukraine.

“Standing next to us are Ukrainian civilians who are fighting for their country and their lives.

“They’re focused and incredibly humble and appreciative – we’re proud to make our contribution,” he said.

“The commitment and courage they are showing will give us great insight to what it means to serve the nation and to do so in circumstances that might mean losing your life – that resonates with Australian soldiers as they have committed to serving their country with those potential consequences”.

NZDF instructors and the UKR National Support Element instruct the Partner Forces to hone their marksmanship principles.

The UK-led operation involves personnel from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Sweden and Finland.

No ADF personnel will enter Ukraine.

Of the 90 Bushmasters Australia has committed to the war, 60 have been deployed and a further 30 will arrive in coming months.

British army’s Lieutenant Colonel Kempley Buchan-Smith said the mission to provide battlefield first aid, urban and trench warfare, marksmanship and the importance of adhering to the law of armed conflict, was “vital” to the Ukraine.

“We’re delighted to have the Australians join us to assist Ukraine defend its country and will be looking to them to bring their motivated and well trained soldiers,” he said.

Originally published as Australian Army chief reviews the UK and NZ’s Ukraine military training program