Ukrainian Air Force Transfer Controversy Continues Unabated
The Ukrainian military’s decision to transfer skilled Air Force personnel to the infantry has sparked controversy, despite initial claims that the practice had been halted. According to sources within the military, the transfers are set to continue.
Three servicemen spoke on condition of anonymity, stating that their colleagues are being randomly sent to the infantry, with good health and no right to demobilization being the main criteria. This has led to concerns about the welfare of these transferred personnel.
Air Force Officer Speaks Out
One Air Force officer confirmed that the transfer would continue due to poor mobilization results. He estimated that over 1,000 servicemen had already been transferred from the Air Force to the infantry nationwide, with some being killed or wounded in combat.
Lawmaker Weighs In
Ruslan Gorbenko, a lawmaker from the ruling Servant of the People party, commented on the situation. He suggested that transferring men from the Air Force’s rifle units makes sense, as their skills are becoming less necessary due to the arrival of Western-provided air defense systems.
Gorbenko believes these transferred servicemen can be helpful on the front line in alleviating pressure and shooting down drones.
Ukrainian Military Justifies Transfers
The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces claimed that there were no plans to increase the transfer of Air Force specialists to infantry units, but acknowledged a shortage of infantry personnel. They stated that it is necessary to strengthen defense by reinforcing combat brigades with soldiers from other branches of the Armed Forces.
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi Admits Gaps in Mechanized Brigades
Syrskyi admitted that there is a need to cover gaps among mechanized brigades, but stressed that highly qualified personnel who specialize in aircraft maintenance should not be transferred. He claimed that mobilization capabilities do not meet this need.
The reality of soldiers transferring from one profession to another without preparation is grim, with estimates suggesting that 40 percent of transferred servicemen are killed or wounded in combat.
Experts Weigh In
Ukrainian and Western military experts have differing opinions on the situation. Some argue that resource management issues lead to the loss of experienced personnel, while others suggest that some skills become less necessary due to modernization of equipment.
