Mobilization of men aged 60+ and 25, quality of training and supervision over the observance of the law in the army: Ihor Lutsenko on these processes

The problems of mobilization in Ukraine, the organization of work in the army, the recruitment of new personnel and the rehabilitation of deserters are urgent issues that require careful analysis and appropriate solutions. During the war with Russia, it becomes obvious that the military structure and methods of mobilization often do not meet the needs of modern warfare, and management resources are used inefficiently. Many positions and tasks that could be performed by civilians are now assigned to military personnel, taking their forces away from combat missions.

According to Ihor Lutsenko, former MP, founder of the Air Intelligence Support Center, commander of the “Order of Santiago” attack drone unit, solving these problems could significantly increase the efficiency of the army and ease the burden on frontline fighters. Lutsenko in his interview “Public” offers specific solutions that relate to both the mobilization of older people and the reform of army structures that can help achieve greater effectiveness in wartime conditions.

According to Ihor Lutsenko, men over the age of 60 or those under 25 who are exempt from mobilization could work in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, performing relatively safe tasks. He noted that these men could do organizational work without risking their lives. He emphasized that this would significantly ease the life of military personnel, in particular those who are on the front lines.

Lutsenko emphasized that accountants, clerks and other employees performing administrative tasks do not necessarily need to be mobilized into the ranks of the military. These people can work in the army in civilian positions, performing important organizational tasks, which would free up additional resources for combat operations.

“We now have a new location. All this organizational work and repairs, what must ordinary soldiers do? No. And the accountants at the headquarters or all these clerks, do they need to be military personnel? I think not. In such a way we would release” a colossal resource.

In my opinion, somewhere at least 20-30%, even in units that are relatively fighting, is service to themselves and the army. Conventionally speaking, we have one clerk for every 10 people. And these are quite intelligent people who can generally fight perfectly. But they are engaged in a paper shaft.

We have a part of people who fight and understand it. And there are people who do not fight and do not want to understand this, but they rule. We need some new wave of people in this war.” – believes Lutsenko.

He also stated that the Russians have a certain advantage in the Donbass, but this advantage can be offset by the involvement of civilians in performing non-military functions in the army. Lutsenko believes that this will improve the level of management in the Armed Forces and get rid of the old Soviet approaches that are still preserved in the organization of the army. Lutsenko notes that now there are many people in the rear who do not have real tasks, and this forces the soldiers on the front to stay there for a long time without proper rest.

Lutsenko also commented on the law on mobilization, which entered into force on May 18. According to him, after the adoption of this law, there was a temporary increase in those willing to join the ranks of the Armed Forces, especially among those who hesitated, but still wanted to go to the front. However, this growth has declined rapidly, and new approaches must now be sought to attract people to the military.

“I don’t have statistics on the pace of mobilization across the country. But I can talk about my sociology, let’s say, with a biased sample. I am also actively engaged in attracting people to my unit. And as a result of the law with new provisions on mobilization, which I have acquired effective May 18, for a while there was an increase in the influx of people into the Armed Forces, especially people who were hesitant, but wanted to join the army anyway.

But then – as quickly as it grew, it fell as quickly. That is, there is a certain resource that we took and used. And then you need to take a new line in some new ways.
We have a direct resource – directly those people who, according to the law, have to fight. And, unfortunately, they are caught randomly on the street. The methods seem to be legal, but this is not planned mobilization.

A clear plan is needed. Understanding who we need most. Right now, REB workers are definitely needed, that is, everyone who can work with radio equipment: programmers, radio technicians, engineers. Those with pilot skills. 

So, maybe we should do courses and start training people, at least in civilian clothes? In this way, we create a certain buffer when this mobilization is not such a terrible stress.

Because, to be honest, even for me it would be a terrible stress – if you imagine 15 years ago, when I was a completely civilian, that someone suddenly grabbed me and sent me to war.” – stressed Ihor Lutsenko.

He also emphasizes the need to review approaches to the length of service of military personnel, believing that the army should introduce a mechanism of individual rotation, which would allow soldiers to serve for a certain period of time and then rest. According to him, in today’s conditions it is unrealistic to talk about mass demobilization, so the army should work with the available resources, making the service more comfortable and efficient for the military.

Regarding the problem of desertion, Lutsenko expressed the opinion that the Armed Forces currently have more than 100,000 people who voluntarily left their units (SZCH), which is equivalent to approximately 20 brigades. He believes that it is necessary to develop a realistic model of working with such people and provide them with opportunities for rehabilitation and return to the army.

Lutsenko also criticizes the current law, which provides amnesty for the first cases of desertion, calling it ineffective. The ex-people’s deputy believes that in order to solve the problems of desertion, specialized units should be created where such people could benefit the army, and gradually make them combat units. He also emphasizes that it is necessary to create mechanisms for gradual training of people to participate in combat operations, since most recruits are not ready to immediately go to the front.

“I believe that it is necessary to come up with a realistic model of work with the SZChshhniki. From them, several brigades can now be formed, moreover, those that will bring real benefit at the front.
I can say that there is a demand from their side for “rehabilitation”. And they must be given mechanisms for “rehabilitation”. And not the “fantastic” and “masterpiece” law that excuses the first SZH and which does not work. Because a criminal case needs to be registered there. The people of DBR should start sewing this case, and then stop it.

I would simplify this mechanism and create specialized units. Auxiliary, so to speak. And then, perhaps, I would make them combat units gradually.

The problem with involving a person in the war is that 95% of people are not ready to immediately go to “zero”. And we need to create a mechanism for gradual, smooth engagement.

Because what is happening now? I have a friend from Kyiv, he was arrested, followed by “training” for 30 or so days – and immediately to “zero”. He stayed there for several weeks. Survived, injury, contusion, wound – that’s all, he was written off. That is, this is a very common path of a recruit. 

At the beginning of the war, no one did this. Now, as I understand it, there is no such possibility either in terms of time or lines. But you have to try” – says Lutsenko.

He also criticizes the fact that the army has no effective mechanisms for complaints against commanders who violate the law or military regulations. Lutsenko believes that the army suffers from lawlessness and lies, and this leads to mass desertions and poor treatment of soldiers.

“I said that the army should stop being a prison for heroes. Of course, it sounds very radical, and someone might twirl a finger near the temple, but I would return the so-called military prosecutor’s office. That is, the issue of reforming the army should be brought closer to the issue of legality in itself There is no one who oversees legality in the army.

We do not currently have a complaint against a commander who violates the law or statute. That is, the army is a culture of absolute lawlessness and lies. And because of that, we lose a lot. This is why these mass SZCHs are here, because of this general attitude towards soldiers and so on.

So, in order to fix this, one of the correct reforms would be to return the active supervision of legality. Because the current DBR, so you understand, are civilians. And they may not even be allowed to enter the territory of military units.

It is necessary to create a system for evaluating commanders according to the NATO standard. It would be right to start at least somehow collecting feedback about the commanders. And to analyze these complaints at the same time. And so that there would be people sitting there who would come up with system solutions, have all the analytics and plan reforms in the army.” – repeated Ihor Lutsenko.