The West must study the success of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces

From the beginning of the Russian invasion of the full scale of 2022, there was a lot written about the extensive training provided by the Ukrainian army by western partners in the country. However, the West also has a lot to learn from the unique military experience of Ukraine. In particular, the successes of Ukrainian forces for special operations provide a number of valuable lessons for their western colleagues who will form military doctrines in the years to come.

The effectiveness of the Ukrainian forces of special operations can be largely attributed to their exceptional adaptability in the rapidly variable battlefield conditions. When Russia in February 2022 launched its complete invasion of the Ukrainian SOF units Quickly adjusted To face the immediate challenges of a high intensity conflict against a far greater and better armed enemy.

This adaptability was manifested in several key ways. AND Fast configuration Of the small units of the tactics for the suppression of Russian mechanized forces, it has been particularly observed, as well as the development of innovative solutions to overcome numerical defects. Ukrainian Sof Unit consistently showed their ability to adopt new technologies and tactics Based on the feedback on the battlefield. Perhaps most importantly, they implemented flexible command structures that allow decentralized decision -makingallowing quick answers to the threats and options in the emergence.

Ukrainian ability to adjust be further proven by innovative use civil infrastructure and technology. Ukrainian SOF units effectively included commercial drones, civilian communication networks and others non-all-time technologiesshowing extraordinary creativity in overcoming resources restrictions.

One of the most significant lessons from the conflict was effective integration SOF units with conventional military forces dealing with major combat operations. Ukrainian SOF units also played a vital role in preparing the battlefield before and during the initial stages of invasion. They established Resistance networks, intelligence collected and identified key goals that will later prove key to conventional forces.

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Ukrainian achievements from 2022 have owed many years of solid preparations. After the Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014, Ukrainian forces for special operations underwent a significant transformation with help from NATO countries, especially the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. Between 2015 and 2021, Ukraine also implemented large structural reforms to align with NATO standards, including establishing dedicated SOF training centers.

These steps helped lay the foundation for a sophisticated network Resistance opportunities through potential invasion routes by the beginning of 2022. Ukrainian SOF units copied key infrastructure, identified potential goals and established relations with local civil networks, developing protocols for Fast information exchange between sof units, conventional forces and civilian resistance elements. These preparations have proven to be vital, allowing the Ukrainian forces goal Russian supply lines, command nodes and communication systems using real -time intelligence.

During the invasion, the coordination of Ukrainian sofs and conventional forces enabled effectively Combined weapons surgery. The SOF units often act as observers forward, providing data to the artillery units and conducting assessments of the fighting. The ability to quickly divide intelligence was especially important in urban environments, where the complexity of the battlefield requires a narrow cooperation between different military elements.

The Russian invasion has enhanced the importance of unconventional war in modern conflicts. Ukrainian SOF units successfully employed various unconventional warfare techniques who had strategic influences far beyond their tactical execution.

Ukraine’s implementation guerrilla tactics and sabotage In addition to the partisans, they were very effective, with numerous successful operations that are carried out behind enemy lines. That turned on disorder Russian supply lines, targeting key military infrastructure and command centers and executing precise strokes on high -value goals.

The psychological aspect of warfare has proven to be equally important, with the Ukrainian units of SOF have made a significant contribution to campaigns for information warfare, which have influenced both domestic and international audiences. They led Operations of deception who complicated Russian planning and surgery while executing moral surgery targeting hostile forces and occupied the population.

The successful integration of modern technology was a key characteristic of Ukrainian SOF operations. Despite dealing with far richer and numerically superior opponent, the Ukrainian SOF units have levers Different technological abilities to maintain operational efficiency. They have used Commercial technology for reconnaissance and supervision, integrated unmanned operations in tactical planning and execution, and used artificial intelligence and large data analytics for targeting and planning.

Ukrainian SOF operations provide several critical lessons to Western partners in the country. In terms of the development of doctrine, it is clear that military organizations must emphasize flexibility and adaptability In structure and training, at the same time deeper integrating the SOF capabilities in supporting conventional forces.

The importance of technological integration and adjustment cannot be overstated. Future military forces must be ready to act in environments where commercial technology plays an increasingly important role and where the ability to use these technologies can provide key advantages. In terms of equipment, western planners should focus on communication distractions and intercepts, improved supervision and reconnaissance opportunities and integrating AI tools for helping and analysis of intelligence.

The role of Ukrainian operations SOFA provides valuable insights for military forces around the world. Their influence shows critical importance of adaptability and effective use of technology in the modern war. These lessons are particularly relevant because military organizations prepare for future high intensity conflicts in increasingly complex operational environments.

Doug Livermore is a national vice president of the American Association for Special Operations and Deputy Commander for Special Operations – Command of Special Operations in the National Guard of North Carolina. Expressed views are author and do not represent the official US government, the Ministry of Defense or the Ministry of the Army.

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The views expressed in Ukrainealelelers are solely views and do not necessarily reflect the attitudes of the Atlantic Council, his staff or his supporters.

Picture: Photo Ukraine/Ukraine/SIPA USA