Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1519846
The UAF, at the time, was a mix of We- stern and Soviet models, with external influence of its own experience and les- sons learned in Donbas. It cannot be said, however, that the said experience had enough time to create roots in the Ukrainian training system, and thus gu- arantee that this knowledge is passed on, to the next generation of officers. The collection and passing down of knowledge have not become a part of the new handbooks and other teaching materials at the officer schools. The te- aching staff was only partially replaced. This means that the training process is still largely chaotic and varies, depen- ding on the specific training facility. All of the changes that I have listed abo- ve would not have been possible witho- ut a broader change in the Ukrainian so- cial and political landscapes. Following the year 2014, due to the occupation of the most pro-Russian regions, and due to the changed attitude of the eastern regions under Ukrainian control, the pro-Russian countries have perpetual- ly lost their chance of regaining power through a fair election. None of the po- liticians aspiring to take one of the key posts could have let him/herself negate the role strong UAF play, diminish the Army funding, or even marginalize the UAF. Thanks to the stance of the so- ciety - with standing trust and respect expressed towards the UAF - the mili- tary took the place of one of the leading state institutions, and the state was given the obligation to support the mi- litary. The profession of soldier has no longer been a synonym of failure - no longer were the troops viewed as pe- ople unable to find a „normal job". And this was the case before 2014. Instead of that, the military service started to be respected. The ‚veteran' became a word that gave anybody described by that term a boost in his/her value as a person. This has not always been the case. Many people were indifferent, or even openly hostile towards all things Ukrainian, especially in the east. Ho- wever, the aforementioned perception was prevalent among the dominating majority, which has also been proven by all of the public opinion surveys con- ducted in Ukraine during that period, covering the said matter. The increased importance of the military in the life of the society also resulted in the growing interest in Ukrainian military history, and increased popularity of patriotic upbringing among the youth. The so- ciety started to depart from the So- viet model, based upon the foundation of the Great Patriotic War. The war in the east somewhat made the events unfolding 70 years earlier less relevant. New heroes, who were also still alive, entered the arena. The word „Veteran" was no longer associated with the old men who were a part of the Red Army, and became related clearly to the Ukra- inian troops who have had experience of fighting in the east. In that way, the impact the social stance had on the reforms was of key relevance, as the Army could not have existed in a vacuum, and its status is only derived from the state of mind of the citizens, and of the state in general. One should remember, however, that the growing role of the Armed Forces also had an impact on changes in Ukrainian society, its culture, and its mindset. Finally, the author would also like to cover the matters related to society - as described above. Here, an attempt will be made to scrutinize the process that could be referred to as „identity reform". The UAF, largely based upon a Soviet foundation (as mentioned abo- ve), wanted to mentally depart from the Soviet model and identity, as a result of the war with Russia. Every member of the military is aware of how important the symbolic dimension is for the UAF, with elements such as the flag, signs, uniforms, holidays, symbols, na- mes, and traditions. Not only does it sound and look good for those serving in the army, but it is a means of pre- sentation and popularization in the so- ciety, as it also relates to the internal morale, and the matter of symbolic as- sociations the soldiers may make with specific heritage. In a situation where Ukraine is facing an enemy who makes references to the very same herita- ge, using that tradition to justify the aggression, keeping the same Soviet symbolic model would be catastrophic in terms of morale, creating disorienta- tion and internal conflict. Thus, getting rid of Soviet names, flags, and insignia ANALYSIS