Lessons Learned in Ukraine Are Forcing the U.S. Army to Face an Uncomfortable Reality

Let’s be clear: Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was a wake-up call to military leaders in the United States. As strong as the U.S. military is perceived, the Ukraine War has exposed serious gaps in American warfighting doctrine.

So, what lessons can the U.S. Army learn from Ukraine that will make it a better fighting force?

Georgian soldiers stand ready for the opening ceremony for Exercise Noble Partner 16, May 11, 2016, at Vaziani Training Area, Georgia. Photo by Sgt. Daniel Cole. Public domain

As a forty-year-old law student and veteran of two branches of the U.S. military, I often find myself in the most interesting conversations.

Last weekend I was sitting in my Civil Procedure class in Lansing, Michigan, and I overheard two young, fellow students talking:

“You know, the U.S. has, by far, the largest military budget on the planet. Think about how those billions of taxpayer dollars could help solve issues here at home,” said one student.

Then another student chimed in, “I know right?! Spending $877 billion on the military is more than the next nine countries combined! Why do we need all that firepower?”

I saw my opportunity to strike.

“Excuse me for interrupting, but I couldn’t help overhearing the discussion about the U.S. military budget and I’d like to provide a little color, if you’ll permit me.