Condition, shooting skills and tactics form the core of the troops’ combat capability – the commander of the land forces of the Czech Army (Armáda České republiky), Major General Josef Trojánek, spoke about the changes and modernizations already introduced and planned in the Czech armed forces.
With regard to the modernization of combat and training processes, one must first choose a perspective that is often considered the most uncomfortable: not the collection of concepts, plans and documents, but the daily performance, which depends above all on the commitment of the individual. “This is too short a period of time to be able to assess the effects,” said the Major General, referring to the changes in the training of Czech soldiers that have already begun. One of the key steps is the revision of shooting training.
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“We have already made a relatively successful start on the revision of shooting training – from the preparation of the necessary tools and the purchase of equipment to explanations and demonstrations,” explained Major General Trojánek, emphasizing that only the next phase will be of decisive importance, the actual implementation of which is to take place this year.
Less paper, more training
Another important step forward is the reduction of the administrative burden. In this context, planning at unit level has been simplified and digitized. The point is obvious: if commanders and staff spend too much time on administrative tasks, there is less time for the actual training. Trojánek is convinced that the reduction in bureaucracy is perceived positively, as it gives those responsible more time for the essentials.
As far as the physical performance of soldiers is concerned, it is a matter of “the attitude and responsibility of commanders at all levels”, explained Trojánek, adding: “Despite my age, I perform excellently in strength disciplines in every category. And that’s the end of the discussion, at least for me.” This is not a boast, he emphasized, but a clear signal that there are certain areas where there is no room for excuses, as it is the basis of service and responsibility.
Modernization underway
In tactical training, particular emphasis is placed on the rapid implementation of findings from current operational and combat experience. In the opinion of the Major General, it would be desirable in future for new findings to be put into practice as quickly as possible. What is important here is the approach of commanders who do not wait for instructions or formal guidelines, but instead look for ways to apply new findings themselves in terms of mission tactics. Major General Trojánek also admitted that he tolerates a certain degree of improvisation, unconventional approaches and, in individual cases, even the procurement of material on his own initiative – although he is well aware that this is not the ideal solution.
For the commander of the Czech land forces, training is an area where system and responsibility meet. As part of the modernization of the Czech army, the focus is often on large projects and future technologies. However, Major General Trojánek considers it crucial that every soldier has the basic equipment and equipment for field service. Only then does it make sense to discuss further stages of modernization.
“We can talk about modern systems and artificial intelligence, but for me the priority is that every soldier in the ground forces is equipped accordingly – for all climatic conditions – with the right tactical equipment, protective equipment, weapons and means of communication and observation, so that they are protected for life in the field,” emphasized the general.
Czech Republic wants “soldier of the new generation”
In connection with the modernization of individual equipment, General Trojánek highlighted the approach of the Slovak armed forces (Ozbrojené sily Slovenskej republiky) as part of the “New Generation Soldier” project (-> New uniform and assault rifles for the Slovakian army), which makes it clear that the modernization of the army must focus primarily on the soldiers themselves and their equipment, as it is precisely this factor that has a decisive influence on their ability to perform their tasks in the field.
Josef Trojánek has been Commander of the Land Forces of the Army of the Czech Republic since January 2025. He was promoted to the rank of Major General in May 2025. His military career is closely linked to the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade (4. brigáda rychlého nasazení), which he led prior to his current position. In his role as Commander of the Land Forces, Trojánek focuses in particular on modernizing equipment and improving training processes. He is publicly committed to better equipping soldiers in the field and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
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