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Kevin RayenMilitary Attache of the US Embassy in Russia, Brigadier General of the US Army
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Biography of Kevin Ryan
- Transition to a Voluntary Army
- Restructuring the Military
- Contract, Professional, and Voluntary Army
- Challenges in Commanding Voluntary Soldiers
- Lessons Learned and Future Priorities
Biography of Kevin Ryan
Kevin Ryan is a Brigadier General of the United States Army and serves as the Military Attaché at the US Embassy in Russia. He has extensive experience in the military, having served during the Vietnam War and witnessed the transition to a voluntary army in the United States.
During the post-Vietnam era and the military reform, there were similar doubts and concerns among military personnel in the United States, as there are in Russia today. Ryan shared his insights on the challenges faced, the skills emphasized, and the lessons learned from commanding soldiers in a voluntary army.
Transition to a Voluntary Army
Ryan explains that the combat spirit of the US army was not at its peak during that time. The country had a general aversion to war and militarism, and there was no consensus on how to address the issues and build an effective army. Transitioning to a voluntary army was a complex decision, and many had doubts.
The doubts were widespread, including among Congress, the military, and even veterans. Most decision-makers had personal experience with conscription armies, which they remembered from World War II, and were hesitant about transitioning to a voluntary army. There were concerns about the recruitment of specialized professionals like doctors and engineers, and whether only the poorest sections of society would join the army. The challenge was to attract a sufficient number of people to serve voluntarily.
Ryan acknowledges that Russia also has concerns about transitioning to a contract-based military. He mentions that the same fears existed in the US during the 1970s. Questions arose about the possibility of recruiting only a narrow, specialized group of individuals and whether they could attract enough people. Ryan has observed similar concerns raised in Russian newspapers about the decline in the number of military personnel and the potential failure to meet quotas. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy to recruit and retain soldiers in a voluntary army.
Restructuring the Military
Ryan explains that significant changes and innovations were necessary to address the challenges and analyze the situation over the years. They had to create a new structure, replacing the previous system of draft boards with an evaluation committee that oversaw the selection, training, and subsequent support of young soldiers. This new structure closed the gap between recruitment, selection, and training. Ryan suggests that Russia is already embracing the transition to a contract-based military, as evident from the advertisements promoting a professional army.
Contract, Professional, and Voluntary Army
Ryan highlights the importance of the principles underlying the military: contract, professionalism, and voluntarism. He states that the US military operates based on a contract system, where soldiers sign a contract upon enlistment, which is a normal practice in various aspects of life. However, he differentiates between a contract-based army and a voluntary or professional army. He believes that Russia is striving for a professional and voluntary army, which is commendable. He emphasizes the significance of all these principles and the need to underline them in promoting the military.
Challenges in Commanding Voluntary Soldiers
Ryan explains that training soldiers to be self-reliant decision-makers is crucial. He highlights the difference between conscripted soldiers and voluntary soldiers, stating that conscripts follow orders without question, while volunteers need to understand the purpose behind their actions. Commanders must instill a sense of purpose and ensure that soldiers willingly carry out their responsibilities. He acknowledges that it is challenging for officers to adjust to commanding voluntary soldiers but believes that Russian officers can overcome this challenge as well.
Lessons Learned and Future Priorities
Ryan emphasizes the importance of continuous analysis and learning from experiences. He states that the US military constantly evaluates lessons learned to ensure effectiveness. He believes that Russian military personnel also engage in similar analyses, even though it may not be as publicly discussed. Two major lessons he highlights are the need to adapt to warfare without defined fronts and the importance of being a flexible and rapid-deployment force.
Ryan acknowledges that military service involves risks, but the risks should come from the enemy, not from citizens or fellow soldiers. He believes that Russia can overcome the challenges by understanding the changes, receiving support from society, and addressing concerns about safety. He emphasizes the value placed on human life and the need to create an army that reflects these values.
