4 March 2025
Gunfire rattled through the brisk English morning, punctuated by the muted crack of simulated grenades and terse shouts of Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) soldiers.
They broke out from a tree line, concealed by smoke, and charged into the trenches ahead of them.
Brief orders were given during a lull once inside, and they pushed through the muddy corridors, clearing each leg with flurries of gunfire and cries of “granata!” (grenade).
Above the trenches, Australian soldiers from Operation Kudu observed the Ukrainian advance, keeping a watchful and critical eye on the soldiers as the attack unfolded.
More than 2000 AFU soldiers have been trained under Operation Kudu, Australia’s contribution to the British-led multinational training mission Operation Interflex.
The training focuses on section- and platoon-level leadership, with many of the trainees having combat experience, according to rotation eight Contingent Commander Major Nathan Dubbeld.
“Our key goal is improving on the knowledge they already have and giving them some professionalisation [that] the Australian and partner nation armies bring to the fore,” Major Dubbeld said.
“Our Finnish counterparts bring expertise in trench warfare and a lot of our Australian instructors bring expertise in urban warfare that the Ukrainian trainees haven't had exposure to yet.”
During the five-week section commander course and 10-week platoon commander course, AFU leaders are taught how to conduct trench warfare and operate in urban and woodland environments.
'Our key goal is improving on the knowledge they already have and giving them some professionalisation.'
They also learn the basics of command, such as giving orders, which was different to how it was done back home, according to Ukrainian trainee Serhii.
“We are taught how to come up with a plan, how to formulate and develop our mission into phases and scheme of manoeuvre,” Serhii said.
“It is really useful, because it’s something we may skip back in Ukraine.
“Ukrainians are more flexible when it comes to the way we deliver orders. Our orders are usually more brief and not as formal, as we are always pressed for time.”
Rotation eight of Operation Kudu also commemorated 1000 days since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marked by a visit from the Ukrainian Ambassador to the soldiers in training.
Seeing the interactions between them and understanding the value of Australia’s involvement was the most meaningful part of the operation for Major Dubbeld.
“We were fortunate and unfortunate enough to be here when we commemorated 1000 days of the conflict,” he said.
“It was on that day we realised just how much all of these contributions mean to both the Ukrainian armed forces, but also the people of Ukraine.”
Australia is one of 13 nations contributing to Operation Interflex, paired with instructors from the Finnish Army for delivery of the courses.
'The key thing for the team on the ground is that we are all here with the united purpose to support the Ukrainian armed forces.'
Working across language barriers, not just with AFU trainees but with partner training nations, has been challenging, but has also been an excellent learning opportunity.
According to Major Dubbeld, it has given his team a chance to grow their cultural awareness and understand common links between the militaries, regardless of the flag on their shoulders.
“The key thing for the team on the ground is that we are all here with the united purpose to support the Ukrainian armed forces in their struggle against Russia’s illegal invasion,” Major Dubbeld said.
At the end of the course, a final training exercise tests knowledge and skills trainees have learnt, including platoon and company trench clearances, urban assaults and battle inoculation ranges.
But once the exercise ends and the smoke clears from the trenches, the reality of what the trainees are heading back to becomes crystal clear.
“Farewelling the trainees at the end is a whirlwind of emotions. Over that 24 hours, there is a great sense of pride in what we have achieved together,” Major Dubbeld said.
“There is also a bit of sadness as we say goodbye, knowing that our situations won't bring us back together again anytime soon.”
