9 Nov 2022 13:37

Basic military training seen resumed in Russian schools next academic year

MOSCOW. Nov 9 (Interfax) - A basic military training course is to be introduced in schools next academic year, Russian Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov said.

"The course will be introduced in schools next year. Now, it is really under preparation. We will finalize it by January 1, then there will be approbation, and schools can use it starting next year," Kravtsov told reporters on Wednesday.

The Education Ministry press service said there are plans to "envisage the receipt of relevant knowledge by students at the level of federal basic education programs." Thus, the draft federal program of the health and safety training course contains two program options, of which one is oriented towards cadet classes, the press service said.

The modules devoted to basic military training are already included in the program of the health and safety training course, it said. During classes, students discuss the rights and duties of citizens during draft and military service and study issues relating to citizens' military-professional activities and the provision of first aid.

The media earlier reported that the Russian Defense Ministry supported the proposal made by Sergei Mironov, leader of the party A Just Russia - For Truth, to introduce basic military training in schools and vocational colleges.

All parliamentary factions generally support this initiative.

In spring, discussions on reintroduction in schools of a course of basic military training, which was abolished in the early 1990s, resumed in Russia.

On September 13, Kravtsov said that basic military training had been included in the health and safety training course and the Russian Education Ministry was ready to discuss expansion and additions to the course.