- 5.2.2026
Physical fitness, marksmanship and unit tactics form the core of combat capability. In this article, the Commander of the Czech Army Land Forces, Major General Josef Trojánek, outlines the changes and modernisation efforts that have been initiated, and explains why certain issues cannot simply be blamed on the system. He also highlights the responsibility of both commanders and individuals, and appreciates the initiative shown where units are quickly applying lessons learned from contemporary battlefields.
Major General Trojánek speaks about training in a way that is often the least comfortable: not as a collection of plans and documents, but as a daily performance shaped by people’s attitude and approach. At the same time, he remains cautious about drawing conclusions after only one year. “It is far too short a period to assess the impact,” the General says regarding the changes that have been launched.
One of the key steps is the revision of marksmanship training. Major General Trojánek is well aware that real progress does not begin with grand words, but with concrete action. “We have been fairly successful in launching a review of firearms training - from preparing the necessary aids and purchasing equipment, to providing explanations and practical demonstrations,” the Commander of the Land Forces notes, adding that the crucial phase will come next: implementation, which is scheduled to take place this year.
Another significant shift is the effort to reduce the administrative burden. In this regard, Major General Trojánek points out that planning at unit level has been simplified and digitalised. The purpose is clear. If commanders and staff spend too much time on paperwork, it inevitably reduces the time available for training itself. Trojánek believes that lowering this burden will be perceived positively, as it allows greater focus on what truly matters.
When it comes to soldiers’ physical fitness, the Commander of the Land Forces is unequivocal. “I mention physical conditioning quite often - this is a matter of attitude and responsibility of commanders at all levels,” the General says, adding: “This obligation is even set out in the Act on Professional Soldiers, so any shortcomings are largely our own failure.”
Trojánek reinforces this point with a personal example. “Despite my age, I am still able to achieve an excellent result in strength disciplines in any category. And for me, that ends the discussion,” the General states. This is not a matter of boasting, but a clear message that in certain areas there is no room for excuses - because they represent the very foundations of service and individual responsibility.
In tactical training, the General places strong emphasis on the rapid integration of lessons learned from contemporary battlefields. In his view, new insights should be translated into practice as quickly as possible. At the same time, he appreciates the approach of commanders who do not wait for instructions, but actively seek ways to apply emerging knowledge on their own initiative. “Here, I would like to highlight the attitude of commanders who do not wait and implement these lessons as quickly as possible,” the Commander of the Land Forces says.
Major General Trojánek also acknowledges a certain degree of tolerance for improvisation, unconventional approaches, and sometimes even the acquisition of equipment through individual initiative - although he recognises that this is not an ideal systemic solution. “From a systemic perspective, it is not the best approach, but for any reason it would be very unwise to suppress such initiative,” the General states.
The Commander of the Czech Army Land Forces sees training as the space where the system and personal responsibility meet. Certain improvements can be achieved through measures and digitalisation, but much ultimately depends on commanders - on their willingness to enforce standards, lead by example, and provide clear leadership.
In the modernisation of the Czech Armed Forces, attention is often focused primarily on major projects and future technologies. However, the Commander of the Land Forces considers it essential that every soldier has a basic standard of equipment for life and operations in the field. Only then, in his view, does it make sense to open discussions about further levels of modernisation.
“It may surprise you, but for me personally, the absolutely crucial fact is that after all the previous issues, the distribution of ballistic vests and field packs has finally begun,” Major General Trojánek says, adding: “Yes, these are not strategic projects - but for us, they are absolutely key.”
n his view, modernisation must not become merely an image of the future, but above all the ability to meet the real demands of military service. Without proper protection and equipment for soldiers in different climatic conditions, without the means to live and operate in the field, Trojánek believes that major debates risk becoming detached from reality.
“We can talk about modern systems and artificial intelligence, but for me the priority is that every Land Forces soldier has what they need to wear - in all climatic conditions - that they have appropriate tactical equipment, protective gear, weapons, communication and observation devices, so that they are properly supported for life in the field,” the General says.
The Commander of the Land Forces also hopes that helmet replacement will take place this year. If successful, it would mean that after many years the Army has finally reached at least a basic standard - something that could not always be taken for granted in the past.
In connection with the modernisation of individual soldiers’ equipment and armament, Major General Trojánek highlights the approach of the Slovak Armed Forces within their “Soldier of the Next Generation” project. It clearly demonstrates, in his view, that military modernisation must focus primarily on the soldier and their personal equipment, as this factor fundamentally shapes the ability to accomplish missions in the field.
