Artillery effectiveness requires trained forward observers capable of identifying targets and coordinating fire with gun crews, with shortages of these specialized personnel limiting Ukrainian ability to employ available artillery systems effectively. Forward observers operate in frontline positions identifying enemy forces, calculating firing solutions, and adjusting fire until targets are destroyed. The role demands extensive training combining tactical understanding, technical proficiency, and communication skills that take months to develop.
The forward observer shortage means that Ukrainian artillery units may possess adequate guns and ammunition but lack capability to employ them effectively against appropriate targets. Without observers identifying where Russian forces concentrate and coordinating fire to engage these targets, artillery becomes far less effective defensive tool. The shortage particularly affects counter-battery operations targeting Russian artillery, as these missions require rapid target identification and precise fire coordination impossible without skilled observers.
Russian forces have prioritized targeting Ukrainian forward observers, recognizing their critical role in effective artillery employment. Forward observer positions in exposed frontline locations make them vulnerable to Russian counter-fire once their presence is detected. The combination of Russian targeting and normal combat attrition creates constant personnel losses that training programs struggle to replace at rates maintaining adequate forward observer numbers across extended frontlines.
Western militaries employ sophisticated technologies including drones, sensors, and digital fire control systems that reduce reliance on traditional forward observers. Ukraine has received some of these systems but lacks sufficient quantities and trained personnel to fully replace traditional observer functions across all artillery units. The technology gap means Ukrainian forces depend more heavily on forward observers than western militaries would in equivalent circumstances, making personnel shortages more operationally significant than comparative numbers might suggest.
Thursday’s coalition video conference should address whether international partners can expand forward observer training programs or provide technologies reducing dependence on these specialized personnel. President Zelenskyy’s revised peace framework presumably requests enhanced training and technical assistance alongside equipment aid. However, as Russian forces continue advancing against positions defended by artillery unable to achieve maximum effectiveness due to forward observer shortages, this specialized personnel gap creates another factor limiting Ukrainian defensive capabilities and strengthening arguments for negotiated settlement before technical deficiencies contribute to military collapse.