Russia Putin Shoigu Gerasimov military headquarters
President Vladimir Putin, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, left, and Army chief of staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov at a military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don on November 9.
  • The Russian and Ukrainian militaries both lack junior officers who can lead large forces in battle.
  • This is a longstanding issue for Russia, and it is affecting Ukraine's military more as it expands.
  • Both militaries may struggle to train more officers as they continue combat operations.

The difference between an army and a well-armed mob often comes down to the presence of good junior officers. The same applies to staff work, which ensures that combat operations are properly planned, synchronized, and supplied.