State Program 2000-2015
The main goal of the State Program was the establishment of modern Ukrainian Armed Forces, optimum in strength, mobile, well equipped, supported and trained, capable of fulfilling their missions in any environment and at the same time not a burden on country's budget.
The State Program initiates a third period in Ukrainian Armed Forces development. Its characteristic feature was improvement of earlier established military organizations by enhancing the qualitative parameters.
The State Program also envisions activities to provide further profound development: establishment of Armed Forces functional structures, optimization of their strength and structure, improvement of the manning system, etc. In comprises all rational approaches to the solution of legislative, defensive, social and economic, scientific and technological, ecological and other problems in Ukrainian Armed Forces reform and development.
The State Program includes a document package (Armed Forces Development Concept, organization, Main Activities Plan until 2005, their funding, references) and involves information on goals, objectives, sequence and terms for execution of out-of-cycle events, their mechanisms and also the necessary data on amount and allocation of resources.
One of the Program's peculiarities was the clear definition of its implementation control mechanism. General management over Armed Forces reform and development would be executed by the President of Ukraine, being the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Coordination and control over the respective executive power activities was laid on the National Security and Defense Council. Funding, material, weapons and military equipment, food and other supplies are provided by the Cabinet of Ministers. The Minister of Defense directly controls the State Program implementation.
Besides, unlike the previous Program, this version clearly defines military-political and military-strategic forecasts all over the world and nearby Ukrainian borders. Based on that a conclusion was drawn that the usage of a full-scale military force against Ukraine has little probability. But in some cases a possibility to involve Ukraine into a local conflict at its borders or a regional conflict would remain. Therefore, for the first time the State Program describes a decision to shift from the principle of "territorial circular defense of the country" and concentrate efforts on preventing a possible aggression only in some operational areas, where under certain circumstances one cannot neglect a military threat.
Based on this in the near future with respect to the mentioned threats and challenges the Parliament of Ukraine would legally update the Armed Forces functions as the following: deterrence of military aggression against Ukraine and its suppression, protection of the ground, air space and territorial seas of Ukraine.
Based on the Armed Forces functions the State Program details the Armed Forces missions as the following: capability to deal with low intensity conflict with peacetime force structure and provide mobilization readiness for a local or regional war. At the same time, the Armed Forces have to be permanently ready to participate in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations under the auspices of international organizations with a brigade-size force (up to 2 or 3,000 personnel).
According to the Armed Forces tasks the State Program defines the Armed Forces structure, the ratio of Armed Forces branches and services.
Thus, the Armed Forces organization includes:
Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, which was the central executive and military command and control agency. The Armed Forces are subordinated to this agency.
General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as the main command and control agency;
All Armed Forces services - Ground Forces,Air Force, Air Defense Troops, Navy; formations, units, military educational institutions, organizations which do not belong to the Armed Forces services.
The ratio of personnel between the Armed Forces services:
Ground Forces - up to 54%;
Air Force - up to 16%;
Air Defense - up to 13,5%;
Navy - up to 4,5%;
Other formations, units and organizations which do not belong to the Armed Forces services - up to 12%.
This ratio was based on the missions assigned to the Armed Forces services and also on the fact that current economical situation in the country prevents implementing military and technical achievements in all areas. However, Ground Forces hold the priority in personnel ratio, weapons and military equipment development prioritizes the development of their future systems, which would correspond to modern warfare requirements.
The Armed Forces branches closely coordinate their assignments with each other, engaging appropriate military arts and equipment. They also participate in law enforcement activities during emergencies, deal with consequences of natural and technological disasters, provide military assistance to other countries, engage in international military cooperation activities and international peacekeeping operations according to international agreements.
Independent of the fact that currently the Armed Forces preserves a four-service organization, a research would be performed in the near future to work out suggestions on a gradual transfer to a three-service organization.
Coming from the fact that the air space defense mission belongs both to the Air Force and Air Defense Force, this most important issue can be solved by combining these services. That was why one cannot exclude that such step could be taken in the future if appropriate material and funding resources were found.
The State Program also envisions the establishment of Military Police within the Armed Forces in military commandants' Headquarters, guard units and military traffic inspection. Military Police are an important component of military discipline and order system in the Armed Forces and counter-crime measures. Besides, its establishment would enable to enhance the security of important military facilities and improve military traffic inspection.
The change in the nature of warfare, forms and ways of troops engagement in current military conflicts call for a necessity to maintain inter-service components developed in accordance with their functions. Therefore, the State Program envisions establishment of the following structures: Forward Defense Forces, Main Defense Forces and Strategic Reserve.
Forward Defense Force was the most mission-ready constituent of the Armed Forces, designed for immediate reaction to a change in the military-strategic situation and for dealing with an armed conflict in order to neutralize it in the early stages and prevent escalation into a local or regional war. The force consist of Strategic Conventional Deterrence Forces, Rapid Reaction Forces and Cover Troops.
The Strategic Conventional Deterrence Forces are designed to deter a potential enemy from the intention to use military force against Ukraine, by constantly threatening to inflict such losses, which would be unacceptable. These Forces, in particular, were staffed by the newly established 1st Rocket Division.
The Rapid Reaction Forces are designated to maintain the Armed Forces combat potential at a level, sufficient to prevent an aggression and conduct independent operations in an armed conflict or local war.
The main missions for these Forces are defined as the following - localization and military neutralization of armed conflicts at early stages as well as support to the deployment of Main Defense Forces. They would comprise of the most mission-ready, mobile formations and units, representing all Armed Forces branches, manned by highly professional personnel, state-of-the-art weapons and military equipment. The State Program envisions establishment of a Rapid Reaction Corps within the Ground Forces by late 2005, as well as an Aviation Group (operational) in the Air Force and a Combined Squadron in the Navy, capable to operate both independently and in a combined formation, under a unified command and in close cooperation with each other.
Rapid Reaction Forces are considered to be the main element of the future Ukrainian Armed Forces. Armed Forces their establishment, equipment with modern weapon types and gradual transition to contact service the issue of further Armed Forces downsizing and re-shaping of mobilization policy can be seriously considered.
The Cover Troops consist of formations and units, designed to accomplish missions (including those to be accomplished as a part of the Rapid Reaction Forces) at one of operational areas with the aim of supporting the deployment of the first operational echelon of the Main Defense Forces.
The Main Defense Forces consist of formations and units of the Armed Forces branches, services and special forces together with operational, technical, logistic and medical support units, to be deployed in case of a local (regional) war.
The Strategic Reserve (reserve of the Supreme Command) are the command and control bodies, formations, units, which are deployed in advance or in the course of a conflict and are assigned to reinforce (substitute) the Main Defense Forces.
The State Program emphasizes further optimization of the Armed Forces strength. It was a multi-aspect process, which deals not only with the strength reduction, but also with re-organization and improvement of all organizational and functional elements. It was linked to equipping forces with the state-of-the-art weapons and military equipment, which in its turn, enables the maintenance of the Armed Forces combat potential at the appropriate level.
The total strength of the Ukrainian Armed Forces by the end of 2005 would be 375,000 with 295,000 military personnel. A further, 22,000 billets for military personnel would be replaced by civilian billets.
It was decided to reduce five aviation divisions, to reform five mechanized divisions into four separate mechanized brigades and one storage base of armament and military vehicles.
It was also planned to withdraw 400 tanks, 289 aircraft, 189 helicopters, 11 ships and vessels of various classes from the Armed Forces inventory. Only obsolete equipment as well as such weapons and equipment, which are not cost-effective to repair or update would be withdrawn. The costs and expenses from maintaining this equipment (more than 100 million Hrv annually) would be spent on updating advanced weapons and military equipment. It would contribute not only to preserving the Armed Forces combat potential, but also to enhancing it in some aspects.
The State Program envisions a gradual transition to a professional army by 2015. This, in particular, it foresees improvement of Armed Forces manning and service procedures.
Already in 2000 a mixed (ex-territorial and territorial) manning principle was introduced. It would provide rational manning of personnel among Armed Forces branches and services, increase in the number of trained reserves and diminish Armed Forces maintenance expenditures.
The Armed Forces would be manned by conscript NCOs and enlisted as well as by contract military personnel. Particularly this approach would provide the Armed Forces with highly qualified experts, capable of mastering and effectively operating complicated military equipment, and at the same time would provide military training of experienced reserves.
Further reduction of Armed Forces manpower and stability in defense requirements funding would lead to a gradual substitution of the conscript manning system with contract manning.
During the first phase (2000-2005) it was planned to develop an appropriate legal basis, improve the system of Armed Forces transition from peace to wartime, finalize optimization of command and control organizations, formations and units as well as finally transit to the mixed manning principle.
Ukraine expects to have almost 50,000 contract NCOs by late 2005, it makes 30% of their total number. This figure would allow to man all junior leaders billets as well as the majority of billets, which define the mission readiness of formations and units. Besides, it was planned to reduce conscript service term to 12 months.
During the second phase (2006-2010) it was planned to further optimize Armed Forces strength, at the same time equipping Armed Forces with sophisticated weapons and military equipment. The contract NCO and enlisted ratio would reach 50 %.
During the third phase (2011-2015) it was planned to finally transit to the contract system.
Carrying out the above-mentioned would allow the transit to a professional army and facilitate not only increasing Armed Forces mission readiness, but also supporting youth rights in choosing the sphere of their interests. Taking into account universally recognized standards, the State Program plans to bring considerable changes into personnel policy.
In particular, a new system of monitoring officer's service at every stage would be introduced. Starting from 2001 generals, admirals and officers would have to rotate their service and spend some time in formations and command and control structures. It would done in the following way: battalion officers would have to serve in a formation command; regiment officers - in Corps; division officers - in Operational Command; Corps, Operational Command and Armed Forces service officers - in the MOD or GS. Rating selection of candidates for higher positions and a new mechanism of officers' performance evaluation would be important elements of this system.
Modern Armed Forces of democratic Ukraine call for shaping officers' corps of a new generation, which in its turn calls for an appropriate re-organization of military educational system. Currently a military professional has to be not only well trained in military sphere, but also have knowledge of other areas. Maximum integration of military and civilian educational systems, as one of the spheres in re-organization of military educational system, would foster this. Besides, state defense interests require unified approaches to personnel training for all Ukraine's military formations, and appropriately - developing a unified educational system for them. Together with optimization of the military educational network it fosters saving allocated funds.
New approaches to reform the educational system are to some extent implemented at the National Defense Academy of Ukraine. Since 2000 it becomes a complex educational institution, which would be responsible for training almost 90% of military experts on operational-strategic and operational-tactical levels. Besides, to enhance their professional level in state defense issues and get more in-depth knowledge, necessary to fulfil their duties, the Academy would train authorities of civilian central and local executive power agencies (holding 4th and 5th grade positions).
The State Program stresses further development of military science. Its main efforts are directed at research of forms and ways to engage troops in today's armed conflicts, justification of principles, guidelines and ways of Armed Forces development, improvement of its training, extending the service life of weapons and military equipment.
Within this priorities of military science would be:
In military research - justification of Armed Forces development areas, conducting large-scale research on the development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Model for 2010, elaborating drafts of legal documents, which would govern the Armed Forces engagement in modern conflicts.
In technical research-conducting research and design activities, aimed at extending service life of equipment and upgrading existing weapons and military equipment, at developing technical requirements for modern, competitive, domestically-produced armaments and at developing special and dual technologies.
The State Program also envisions a number of activities in the sphere of improvement of mentoring activity and morale support.
Drafting and implementation of the Comprehensive Program of cultural support and development within the Armed Forces of Ukraine would facilitate further development of social, educational and cultural work.
To deepen democratic basis in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, expand public relations, relations with civilian agencies and institutions a patronage system would be introduced. This work would be facilitated by setting up Joint Military Patronage Commission in the MOD and the Ministry of Culture and Arts of Ukraine.
It was also planned to gradually integrate military mass media into the state system.
The character of current military conflicts, changes in forms and ways of warfare require creation of adequate troops training system. Further improvement of forms and methods of forces training and training to accomplish operational assignments make the core of this training system.
It was planned to more effectively use simulators, computer technologies as well as available facilities. Such approach would provide a high level of forces training and reduce materiel and funds expenditures. For instance, with US DoD assistance it was planned to establish a modern International Training Simulation Center using capabilities of the National Defense Academy and International Peacekeeping Training Center (Yavoriv training area). This would give the possibility to conduct bilateral exercises and review the result without additional expenses.
The main priorities in training would be given to Strategic Conventional Deterrence Forces and Rapid Reaction Forces.
The State Program focuses also on improvement of weapons and military equipment.
The main purpose of the military-technical policy was to maintain combat readiness of those weapon systems, which constitute the core of the Armed Forces combat potential. The main ways to reach that goal are: profound modernization of available weapon systems and military equipment, using state-of-the-art technologies, which would enhance their combat capabilities to meet the modern systems standards and guarantee extension of their service life for 10-15 years; simplifying the nomenclature of weapons and military equipment; introduction of low-cost, effective maintenance and storage methods for weapons and military equipment.
However, the main attention would be focused on R&D works, aimed at designing future weapon systems. This would prevent scientific projects from falling behind world achievements and Armed Forces requirements and would allow the preservation of the scientific-technical and technological potential of the state.
Quite important issues, clearly stressed by the State Program, are the improvement of technical, logistic, medical and other types of support.
The main purpose was the creation of an optimal support system which would undergo no changes during transition from peace to wartime and would be similar to the systems, which exist in the developed countries. It may be reached by gradual introduction of a territorial principle of logistic troops support.
In particular, during implementation of this system, it was planned to develop a unified system of logistic support infrastructure in each operational command for all military formations within the area of responsibility of this command. After that that we would reach a unification goal; almost 15% of logistic organizations would be reduced, resources, forces and assets would be integrated and jointly used.
Under the territorial support system it was planned to expand commanders' functions and responsibilities for the logistic activities under the conditions of a market economy.
Within the State Program it was planned to develop highly efficient medical support system, based on sufficiency and economy principles. The main ways to improve it are the following: further re-organization of dispensary, general and specific medical care, based on the territorial principle in the areas of responsibility of military hospitals; further improvement of medical supply system on the basis of rational combination of centralization and de-centralization.
The State Program also defines ways for solving the housing problem and improving housing-related procedures.
Thus, it was planned to significantly increase housing construction within the Complex Housing Program for military personnel and their families.
Ways are being defined to improve housing maintenance and living conditions in officers and NCOs quarters, maintain every military garrison in pro-per condition.
Taking into account the role of international military cooperation in strengthening Ukraine's security, the State Program underlines specific guidelines and objectives of its development. It would be implemented in military-political, military, military-economic, informational, military-technical and ecological areas.
The main goals of international military cooperation are as follows:
Promoting the development of a reliable zone of peace and stability around Ukraine.
Making sure that national security was not subject to external military threats and challenges and that international organizations and foreign countries provide reliable support to Ukraine, in case any country threatens its territorial integrity.
Establishing and promoting friendly and mutually beneficial relationships with the Armed Forces of other countries.
Making sure international commitments concerning armaments control are respected. conducting events aimed at exchanging information and views on military incidents and unconventional military activities.
Enhancing transparency through exchange of information on Armed Forces with foreign countries and providing for political and democratic control over the Armed Forces.
The Program also allows for the further enhancement and improvement of Ukraine's and its Armed Forces participation in international peace-keeping operations. The improvement of a national training network, bringing it to the world standards and establishment of international peace-keeping training centers in the territory of Ukraine. It was planned to more effectively use the capabilities of the 108th peace-keeping training center and International personnel and units training center (Yavoriv training area). Different training courses, workshops and practical training at NATO-partners armed forces headquarters contribute to this aim.
The main characteristic feature of the State Program was the fact that it was not limited by only military aspects. It emphasizes a more clear definition of the Armed Forces role in the State system as well as development of an effective civilian control mechanism.
The Program allows for involvement of more State and public agencies with clearly defined roles and responsibilities in the process of civilian control over the Armed Forces.
Unlike the previous years, when Parliamentary control prevailed, it puts more emphasis on a mass media role in this activity. It would enhance a wider notification of the public about the Armed Forces activities and further democratization of civilian-military relations in general.
Taking it into consideration and coming out of the "efficiency-cost-stability" criteria, the Plan of Essential Measures for the Armed Forces Reform and Development was developed.
The State Program describes an effective implementation mechanism for planned activities. It was based on the long term defense-related funds allocation forecast until 2015, developed by the Cabinet of Ministers, and on defined materiel and technical resources of the country.
Thus, the development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was a balanced, planned, gradual, comprehensively supported and transparent process for the society.
After that implementation of the basic provisions of the State Program of Reform and Development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine until 2005 the modern, with Euro-Atlantic model characteristics, optimal by strength, multifunctional, mobile, highly professional, well equipped, reliably supported, capable of accomplishing assigned missions in any environment and at the same time, which are not a burden for the state, Armed Forces are to be developed.
This kind of Armed Forces would meet the requirements of the military-political and military-strategic environment for the near future.
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