Thread by @MarkHertling

In discussing the upcoming Ukrainian offensive yesterday with a group of govt officials, one asked me “when will it start?”

I said: “in the attack, it starts when the commander feels it’s the right time…that’s an advantages of the offensive.”

I then explained RSOI. 1/10

RSOI is Reception, Staging, Onward Movement & Integration.

When units enter a combat zone, they are “received” in country, “staged” to move forward, then “moved” to the combat area, and then integrated into a larger unit.

How is this related to Ukraine, you ask? 2/

Remember that Ukraine’s army has been receiving all kinds of different equipment from many different countries, and they are training at different EU training areas on new skills with that equipment.

Some training takes longer than other, depending on the kit. 3/

When finished in, say, Germany, Poland, Estonia or other countries, they travel back to Ukraine & are “received” & “staged” with other types of partner units.

Once all together, they “move” forward, closer to the front lines, & are “integrated” into even larger units. 4/

Now, multiply this by the estimated 9 Brigades - armor, engineers, artillery, logistics, staff & commanders, etc. (many of whom are coming together for the first time) - and it’s easy to understand why…it takes as long as it takes.

Commanders assess when they’re ready. 5/

I once heard a Sergeant Major say “RSOI is converting piles of puzzle pieces into combat ready units.”

Spot on.

BTW, these “puzzle pieces” are being put together all across the 400+ km front lines, at points of Ukrainian general’s plan. 6/

A few days ago, Czech President Pavel publicly told Zelenskyy “don’t be pushed, attack when you’re ready.”

I’m sure others have said the same to Gen Zaluzhnyi, chief of Ukraine’s Army.

A mentor once told me (as I prepared a division for combat) “go slow to go fast!” 7/

Ukraine’s army will attack when they’re ready, at time and place(s) of their choosing, & they will be successful in their operation to regain sovereign territory, transitioning to offense takes significant preparation, coordination & synchronization.

This ain’t a video game. 8/

In 2007, I had the honor of commanding the Germany-based @1stArmoredDiv.

We were the first “plug & play” division…we deployed with our division staff but all our combat brigades came from 7 different divisions in the US & our support units came from 13 different states. 9/

Each unit’s RSOI execution during this “surge” was critical to getting forces into the fight.

This execution is what the Ukrainian Army is doing now.

Those wanting the offensive to start need to be patient.

It will go slow, then it will go fast. 10/10