Operational Art, Russia and Ukraine with Mick Ryan
Oct 27, 2022
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In this engaging discussion, military expert Mick Ryan analyzes the operational art behind Ukraine's resilience against Russian forces. He emphasizes the effectiveness of the Ukrainian General Staff, who adeptly combine historical insights with modern tactics. Ryan contrasts Ukraine's innovative strategies with outdated Russian command structures and highlights the significance of real-time decision-making on the battlefield. He also touches on the role of platforms like the Wavell Room in enhancing military discourse. A thought-provoking exploration of modern warfare!
The Ukrainian General Staff's adept use of operational art demonstrates the importance of strategic military planning and execution in warfare.
Cultural differences in command structures between Ukrainian and Russian forces significantly impact their adaptability and effectiveness on the battlefield.
Deep dives
Operational Art in the Ukrainian Conflict
The Ukrainian General Staff has effectively demonstrated operational art, showcasing strategic military planning and execution since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. Their ability to mobilize a well-prepared populace and capitalize on a trained military force, bolstered by years of frontline experience against Russian aggression since 2014, has granted them an irrefutable advantage in personnel and tactical execution. Operational art involves not just immediate engagements but a broader understanding of time, space, means, and purpose, and the Ukrainians have utilized these elements to integrate political aims with military actions. This approach has thwarted many of Russia's strategies, making a direct victory for the invaders increasingly implausible.
Evolution of Command Structures
The restructuring of command within the Ukrainian military has played a crucial role in enhancing operational effectiveness. With the establishment of area commands, the Ukrainian forces transitioned from a defensive posture to a bold offensive strategy, demonstrating an ability to execute concurrent campaigns across multiple fronts. This restructuring contrasts sharply with traditional Western and Russian command systems, as decisions are made rapidly at the general staff level, allowing for swift responses to battlefield dynamics. The formation of these new commands illustrates a significant cultural shift, fostering adaptability and quick decision-making, key factors in their recent successes during the conflict.
Cultural Influences on Warfare
The cultural differences between Ukrainian and Russian military approaches significantly influence their respective performances in combat. Ukraine's military is characterized by a bottom-up command structure, enabling rapid decision-making and empowerment of local commanders to exploit tactical opportunities that arise. In contrast, the Russian military adheres to a predominantly top-down structure, which has hindered their flexibility on the battlefield and stifled creativity in command. This cultural disparity not only informs military operations but also enhances Ukrainian capabilities to respond dynamically to the evolving needs of warfare against a less agile adversary.
Lessons on Strategy and Understanding Adversaries
The conflict in Ukraine presents a vital lesson about the significance of understanding one’s enemy and the assumptions that govern military strategy. The Ukrainian military has effectively leveraged historical knowledge of Russian tactics, allowing them to anticipate actions and reactions in a way that has thwarted Russian strategies. The capacity for strategic agility and adapting long-standing doctrine, combined with NATO's influence over the years, has enabled Ukraine to develop a nuanced understanding of its adversary. This emphasizes the notion that successful military operations hinge not only on resources and numbers but also on profound insights into the enemy's capabilities and mindset.
Whilst the battles in Ukraine have evidenced the tenacity and stamina of Ukrainian forces, their success in defence and offense is determined by the Ukrainian General Staff. As a team steeped in Soviet fighting doctrine, they have executed the whole spectrum of military planning and execution (termed ‘operational art’) that few could replicate: certainly not the Russian generals who seem to have forgotten their own way of war and how to fight well. Underpinned by a trust in Ukrainian tactical leaders, their soldiers, as well as a deep insight of their adversary, how this team have commanded should be a salutary reminder to other commanders about what it takes to fight, and to win. Peter talks to soldier-scholar Mick Ryan about what will be worrying them next, and what observations we can make now about operational art for the future.
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