Why Education Matters in War

Working with UFF, Major General William Mullen III USMC (Ret.) – then recently retired as commanding general of the US Marine Corps Training & Education Command – identified this issue while visiting Kyiv in 2023.  He developed UFF’s support plan, explaining the shortcomings of Ukraine’s existing military leadership:

“The legacy Soviet system of command and control focuses on tightcontrol of information, strict top down control, discouragement of subordinateleader initiative, ineffective, at best, Non Commissioned Officer ranks (theywear the rank but have little to no actual authority), unit leaders in commandposts well back from the fighting to facilitate the passing of orders fromhigher to lower, and a slow, intermittent pace of operating, especially in theface of electronic interference with command and control networks. Higher-level leaders lack situational awareness, resulting in orders that are not appropriate to the situation at hand.

Due to information control, there is an overall lack of situational awareness, which inhibits effective planning for large-scale operations – especially planning that involves combined arms and supporting services. There is little trust in either direction of the chain of command. Higher leaders do not trust subordinate leaders to make decisions and initiative based on changing circumstances, and lower-level leaders receive orders that do not make sense, and, in some cases, force them to do things that are counterproductive at best. In a military that has vast resources, especially personnel, this can work eventually, though it never works well. In a military that lacks resources, it can be disastrous.”

READ MAJGEN MULLEN’S COMPLETE GUIDANCE, NOW BEING EXECUTED BY UFF HERE:

What is Mission Command?

Mission Command is a NATO doctrine where senior leaders set clear objectives but empower subordinates—brigade, battalion, even platoon commanders—to decide how to achieve them. This approach is the opposite of the rigid Soviet model. It encourages initiative, speeds decision-making, and most importantly, saves soldiers’ lives.

Where UFF Comes In

Ukrainian Freedom Fund has been working for two years to bring this doctrine into practice. Through our educational programs, we’ve supported training at multiple levels—brigades, battalions, and now corps headquarters.

The shift is not just academic. It means:

 • Soldiers can adapt quickly to changing conditions.

 • Units can maneuver more effectively instead of 

 • waiting for top-down orders. Casualties are reduced because local leaders make faster, smarter decisions.

Why Education Matters in War

Weapons win battles, but strategy and leadership win wars. Without reform, Ukraine risks fighting “the big Soviet army with the little Soviet army,” as one soldier bitterly described it. That’s why education in military decision-making is as vital as drones, armor, or artillery. It builds resilience, trust, and effectiveness across the armed forces.

By supporting UFF, you’re strengthening Ukraine’s defenders not only with resources, but also with the knowledge and leadership skills they need to protect lives.

Thank you for standing with Ukraine!