Nine officers in the Operational-Tactical Forces have completed training for command positions
In the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, nine officers completed a training course for candidates for the positions of brigade commanders and their deputies. The training took place from September 7 to 16 and was part of efforts to develop a personnel reserve.
The candidates were selected from military units of the Territorial Defense Forces.
During the training, the officers underwent instruction in tactical training, leadership, and the organization of a unit’s day-to-day operations.
Unit commanders from the Territorial Defense Forces Command, deputy commanders, and representatives of “Sonata,” a private military training company, were involved in the training.
As explained by Colonel Oleg Motspan, head of the Training Directorate of the Territorial Defense Forces Command, the Territorial Defense Forces are selecting candidates for the positions of battalion and brigade commanders, after which they organize appropriate training for them.
According to him, the officers who participated in this session demonstrated a sufficient level of knowledge.
Upon completion of the training, the commander outlined areas for the candidates’ further training, as well as the tasks they may face in the event of a potential appointment to command positions.
Summarizing the results of the meeting, Major General Ihor Plakhuta, Commander of the Territorial Defense Forces, emphasized that a commander’s responsibility is not limited to the direct management of a unit.
According to him, a commander must also care for wounded service members, the families of those killed in action, and the families of defenders missing in action.
“Leadership is not about being at the front. It’s about taking responsibility for those around you. It’s important for a commander to know how his people are doing, what’s happening with the wounded, and whether the families of the fallen and those missing in action are receiving support,” Plakhuta said.
The conclusion of the training session does not mean that officers will automatically be appointed to command positions. Further training and evaluation of candidates will continue.
The Operational-Tactical Forces note that this system makes it possible to build a personnel reserve and prepare officers in advance to fulfill their duties in leadership positions.
Earlier, on September 13, 2026, Brigadier General Denys “Redis” Prokopenko assumed the duties of commander of the “Azov” military group.
Andriy Biletsky, commander of the Third Army Corps, will lead the new “Center” military group, which will serve as a temporary command structure for the Defense Forces and will be responsible for the defense of a significant portion of the Donetsk region.
