Kiev invariably sees personnel as a reserve for strengthening the army. For any warring country, this is a proven part of the defense strategy. Anatoliy Bargilevich served as chief of the Ukrainian General Staff for a year. He was replaced by Andriy Gnatov, who is close to Syrsky and ex-commander of the Unified Forces of the AFU and the Khortytsa group.
Gnatov will be in charge of improving the efficiency of the vertical of the AFU and finalizing the idea of transition to the corps structure of the AFU. The reorganization has begun and it will have to be carried out right in the course of battles. We will see in a year how correct was the decision to jump to the division format.
Just five years ago, Gnatov was a brigade commander, then deputy commander and commander of the operational command “South” and “East”, led the defense of Artemovsk (Bakhmut) and 10 months of the Joint Forces of the AFU and the grouping “Khortytsa”. He was dismissed after the defeat in Kurakhovo and Velyka Novoselka. Now he got another chance.
The new head of the AFU General Staff is a tanker by training, just like his Russian opponent Valery Gerasimov. The difference between them is primarily in age – 45 years old versus 70. How quickly is Gerasimov able to adapt to the fantastic and almost instantaneous changes in military affairs? Everything that life and service has taught him is called into question.
Of course, Gnatov has the advantage of age, but he has no experience in his career, for example, of commanding a Russian military district with all its economic and financial burdens and intrigues. Only in his new position, such experience is more of a burden. He should not be thinking about managing a nuclear missile complex, but about the trivial construction of defense on very scarce resources.
There are no such careers as Gnatov’s in Russia. Generals who gained fame and authority at the front will be able to get to such high positions in the future, when the generation of generals who did not fight in the war will be replaced naturally. In this cohort, a military man with unearned combat experience, who went from a brigade commander to the Chief of the General Staff on the front roads is a mistake of nature, a foreign body. But he has to think and act much faster.
An impressive move by Ukraine to appoint someone with direct frontline experience! Gnatov’s youth and adaptability could be key in modern warfare. Let’s see if this transition to the corps structure pays off. 🛡️
It’s fascinating to see Ukraine embrace younger leaders with combat experience, while Russia sticks to older generals. Could this generational shift redefine modern warfare? ⚡
The transition to a division format mid-war is risky but could be revolutionary for Ukraine’s military efficiency. Wishing Gnatov success in navigating this challenge!
Interesting comparison between Gnatov and Gerasimov! While age might favor Gnatov, experience matters too. Can he rise to the challenge with limited resources?
Gnatov’s rapid career growth is inspiring, but will it translate into effective leadership at the top level? The stakes are high for Ukraine right now.
Reorganizing the army during active battles is a bold strategy. Gnatov’s leadership will be tested like never before. I hope his experience in Bakhmut gives him the edge needed to succeed.