Ukraine’s new top commander is pushing to unwind a Soviet-inherited command model mid-war. He wants combat-tested sergeants to have real authority

Ukraine's new commander-in-chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, is striving to overhaul the military's long-standing Soviet-era command model. Drapatyi seeks combat-proven sergeants to wield genuine authority and career paths, rather than merely training recruits. The commander met senior sergeants from various branches and levels of the force to discuss reforms, highlighting the sergeants' direct combat experience as the foundation for their elevated roles.

The centralization of Ukraine's rank system upon its independence in 1991 created a military structure where officers made most decisions while sergeants functioned as senior soldiers with limited authority and career progression. A 2020 reform law aimed to align the system with NATO standards, elevating the status of the sergeant as an independent figure. Drapatyi, who assumed command in July 2026, is now actively pushing for the reform.

Sergeants today perform a broader range of duties beyond training, including settling new troops into combat zones, managing supply and equipment, preparing personnel for tasks, and directly commanding them in battle. Drapatyi emphasizes that while sergeants were once soldiers, they are now commanders best situated to understand the ground realities of their units.

During the reform discussions, Drapatyi outlined specific tasks, next steps, and assigned responsibilities to ensure a modern, combat-capable sergeant corps. He believes that a sergeant's combat experience should translate into authority, professional growth, responsibility, and a meaningful influence on training and leadership within the force.