The Ukrainian soldiers have learned combat vehicles 90 in a few weeks. Some have come straight from the front – others have had no military experience at all.
– We have great confidence in both the students and the carts, says the Swedish instructor Sanna.
It is a condensed crash course that the Ukrainian soldiers have received – with lessons every day of the week, sometimes up to twelve hours a day. The fact that some lacked prior knowledge has complicated the whole thing, as well as the fact that the Swedish instructors have to use an interpreter.
– I would have liked to have seen that the training was longer. But Ukraine does not have that luxury, says Mats Ludvig, colonel and the army’s chief of operations.
That Ukrainian combat units are trained on Swedish soil is unique.
Trained in combat vehicles 50 and 90
Sweden donates 50 combat vehicles 90, of the CV9040 variant, and trains crews on all of them. It is about four companies that will be part of the battalion together with tanks, artillery, anti-aircraft and other things on site in Ukraine.
The soldiers have been selected by the Ukrainian General Staff. Many are older, between 40 and 50 years old.
– These soldiers enter the match late. The wishful thinking is that everyone would have a full basic education. But that is not the reality.
Engaged and quick learner
The Swedish instructors testify to the strong commitment and motivation of the Ukrainian soldiers.
– They have an incredibly good understanding of mechanical things and tools. As long as you show them how to do it, they learn very quickly, says instructor Sanna, whose name has been changed for security reasons.
When asked if they send any last words when the Ukrainian soldiers leave the training, John says with a smile:
– I have asked my mechanics to send a postcard when they reach Crimea.