In just 300 hours, students are to be turned into military men
17 January 12:56
Basic general military training for students of higher education institutions will begin in September 2025 and will include 300 academic hours. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Brigadier General of Justice Serhiy Melnyk, reports
Basic Combined Arms Training (BCT) will consist of two parts:
theoretical course – 90 academic hours, which students will take in their educational institutions,
practical course – 210 academic hours in training units, centers of the Armed Forces and other institutions.
“All students, both men and women, must take the theory course. The practical course is mandatory only for men who are fit for military service for health reasons. Women will only take the practical course if they wish to do so and after passing a medical examination,” noted Melnyk.
According to him, during the training, students will gain basic knowledge of tactical, intelligence and psychological training, first aid, and the basics of military discipline. They will also master the skills of handling weapons.
After completing the Basic Combined Arms Training, students will take the military oath and receive a certificate and a military specialty.
As you know, on January 15, 2025, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Law No. 12076 “On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine ‘On Military Duty and Military Service’ on the Peculiarities of Registering Citizens of Ukraine for Military Service” adopted by the Verkhovna Rada. The document, in particular, provides for the systematic introduction of basic military training for students pursuing higher education.

Refusal to participate in the BWT will result in expulsion
The refusal of male students who are recognized as fit for military service to undergo practical basic training is grounds for expulsion from the educational institution. This was reported by
The document states that “practical basic training for male students is a prerequisite for completing the relevant educational program (including bachelor’s, master’s degrees in medicine, pharmacy or veterinary medicine). The refusal of a male student who is recognized as fit for military service to undergo practical basic training is grounds for his expulsion from the educational institution in accordance with the legislation in the field of education.”
Initial general military training is provided for schoolchildren
In May last year, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law introducing basic military training through the teaching of the subject “Defense of Ukraine” for boys and girls. As explained to Hromadske by the Ministry of Defense, teenagers will be trained at the third level of complete general secondary education, meaning that this subject will start in schools from the 10th grade, and will also be studied in vocational and professional higher education institutions. It is emphasized that taking the subject “Defense of Ukraine” is not equal to taking basic military training.