Changes in education: preparation for national resistance from the age of 14 under the reform of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

A comprehensive reform in the field of military-patriotic education is underway in Ukraine. Preparation for national resistance will become an essential component of the educational program for all citizens, starting from adolescence.

Igor Khort, acting head of the National Resistance Policy Department at the Ministry of Defense, announced a new approach to developing the population’s defense capability during a roundtable discussion at Ukrinform.

The essence of the new system

He noted that Ukraine is abandoning the traditional model of basic combined-arms training. Instead, the “Fundamentals of National Resistance” system is being introduced, which will cover the training of schoolchildren, students, and all interested parties.

“This is not just a subject, but a full-fledged cycle of training citizens for national resistance,” the Defense Ministry representative emphasized.

Training begins at 14 years old.

The launch of the new training cycle will take place at the age of 14. The leading platforms will be the military-patriotic games “Sokil” and “Jura”, as well as the modernized school course “Defense of Ukraine”.

Basic military training will be canceled in higher educational institutions. Instead, students, regardless of gender, will take the course “Fundamentals of National Resistance”, which will be mandatory, but will not provide for obtaining a military specialization.

“This is not a military profession, but an awareness of your role in the defense of the country. If you do not want to take the course, be prepared to be expelled,” Igor Khort emphasized.

Practical training

The training will include acquiring fundamental skills, such as handling weapons, tactical training, and fire training. This will not only educate young people but also boost their motivation.

Upon completion of the training, young citizens will undergo basic military service through the general defense system.

Training for all age groups: “18 – 60+” centers

In addition to youth, the program will also involve an adult audience. The Ministry of Defense will create specialized training centers for reservists and all those interested between the ages of 18 and 60.

“Everyone will be able to come, train, get acquainted with weapons, and check their level of readiness,” Hort emphasized.

We also recall that in July, representatives of “Stop Corruption” underwent training in the basics of national security in Odessa, where they acquired survival skills in extreme conditions and mastered the tools of cyberspace.