The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has denied reports that compulsory military training for students will be abolished from the new academic year. The ministry emphasised that training will continue, albeit in a modified format.
What happened
On the eve of the announcement, some media outlets, including the publication Dzerkalo Tyzhnia, reported that basic military training would no longer be compulsory. The Ministry of Education and Science explained that these reports were the result of inaccurate quotes from Deputy Minister Mykhailo Vynnytskyi and had caused misinformation.
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What does the new format entail?
The Verkhovna Rada has registered draft law No. 13347, which proposes changing the concept of military training in higher and pre-higher education institutions. Instead of the “BZVP” (basic general military training) course, which ended with the assignment of a military specialty and the taking of an oath, it is envisaged that a new discipline, “Fundamentals of National Resistance,” will be compulsory.
This course should be studied by all second-year students at universities and colleges.
Main components of the course:
- first aid;
- theoretical fire training;
- familiarisation with digital technologies in the field of security;
- short trips to training grounds to master basic weapon handling skills.
For individuals who cannot carry weapons for religious reasons, the training module on first aid will be expanded.
What remains unchanged
The Ministry of Education and Science emphasises that the course “Fundamentals of National Resistance” is not intended to prepare for mobilisation. The mobilisation age in Ukraine remains at 25, and younger age groups can only serve voluntarily.
The training that universities have already begun for teaching the theoretical part of Basic Military Training also remains relevant. This block is as close as possible to the theoretical component of the new course, so it will remain valid regardless of further changes.
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