Combat operations in Ukraine are rapidly transforming into a high-tech process, which inevitably leads to major changes in the personnel policy of the defense forces. According to Yuriy Butusov, commander of the unmanned aerial systems company of the 23rd Assault Regiment within the 2nd National Guard Corps "Khartia", modern commanders must account for hundreds of various factors requiring deep technological integration when making decisions.
Speaking at the forum "Defense 2027. Army, Technologies, Industry", organized by NAUDI and Radio NV, Butusov emphasized that traditional approaches to troop staffing and management no longer meet the challenges of the frontline. To address these tasks, the 23rd Assault Regiment was created within "Khartia", specializing exclusively in assault and search-and-strike operations using unmanned aerial vehicles.
Personnel Transformation and New Leadership Approaches
A distinctive feature of forming new units has been the rejection of formal bureaucratic criteria when appointing command staff. Battalion and regimental commanders are selected based on real combat experience and necessary skills, regardless of ranks or personal file records. This allows for building flexible organizational structures capable of efficiently operating complex technological tools.
Special attention in the unit is paid to the automation of data analysis processes. According to the military official, modern technologies should help record what happens on the battlefield and promptly prepare materials for the command staff to reduce the time required for making strategic and tactical decisions.
Startup War and Human Capital Development
Summarizing the changes at the frontline, Yuriy Butusov characterized the current situation with a succinct metaphor: the modern army and every individual military unit have essentially turned into technological startups. Units are forced to become centers of not only combat operations, but also the advanced development of human capital and innovative competencies.
