Almost 1500 Ukrainian border guards trained in the UK

27 November, 2024 Training of Ukrainian border guards in the UK, 2024. Photo credits: State Border Guard Service Since the beginning of 2024, almost 1500 Ukrainian border guards have been trained in the UK.

The training is part of the Operation Interflex, the State Border Guard Service said. Ukrainian border guards are being trained at the facilities of the UK Armed Forces' training and material base. The training course for Ukrainian soldiers lasts five weeks.

Instructors from different partner countries train soldiers. The State Border Guard Service noted that the training program is designed for soldiers with little or no military experience.

Training of Ukrainian border guards in the UK.

2024. Photo credits: State Border Guard Service

Soldiers learn the basic skills necessary for survival and skillful behavior on the battlefield.

They are taught how to act in crisis situations and provide first aid. At the beginning of the training program, foreign instructors teach Ukrainian soldiers the rules of conduct with weapons and explosive devices. They provide basic knowledge of tactics, camouflage, topography, survival, and first aid.

Subsequently, the soldiers have practical training, and at the end of the course, they gain experience in shooting from different types of weapons in different conditions. In addition, recruits are trained in combat tactics both in trenches and in urban areas. They also learn the rules of explosive ordnance disposal.

Training of Ukrainian border guards in the UK.

2024. Photo credits: State Border Guard Service

Along with the knowledge gained, which is extremely important in wartime, each Ukrainian soldier receives a set of equipment from the UK upon completion of the training. It consists of uniforms, personal protective equipment, personal gear, and additional equipment for hot and cold weather.

Training of Ukrainian border guards in the UK, 2024.

Photo credits: State Border Guard Service

Colonel Andy Boardman, Commander of the multinational Operation Interflex, shared that as of November, 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers had already completed the training.

According to him, to improve the quality of education and training, the plan is to increase the training from 35 to 50 days.