Czech Republic: VALEC (Reuters) – Dozens of pupils engaged in a trial Czech army program designed to increase declining enrollment rates crawl through woodland underbrush while learning appropriate shooting techniques, all as instructors yell orders.

Similar to the majority of former Soviet satellite nations currently part of NATO, the Czech Republic has had years of difficulties meeting military numbers and recruiting goals. Due to this, army units are undermanned and unable to prepare for fight, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is on the periphery of eastern Europe, serves as a clear warning of Moscow’s possible danger to the area.

However, the head of the Czech armed forces, General Karel Rehka, has declared the existing structure unworkable.