Russia is expanding mandatory military training for students in grades 6 through 11 to at least 17 hours per year. Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov announced on June 26 that military training will now account for 50% of the “Foundations of National Security and Defense” subject, an increase from the previous 20% allocation.
What changes in the Russian school curriculum?
The new policy significantly alters the “Foundations of National Security and Defense” course. Under the previous curriculum, military training accounted for 20% of the annual 34-hour subject. Following Kravtsov’s announcement, that figure rises to 50%, ensuring students receive at least 17 hours of practical training.
Students will move beyond studying military history and survival techniques. The updated curriculum introduces hands-on training in several technical and combat areas, including:
- Unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) operation
- First aid and emergency medical response
- Basic firearm handling
- Grenade usage
- Field exercises and outdoor drills
While the subject still covers civilian services and wartime survival, the emphasis has shifted toward practical, combat-ready skills.
The current focus on practical combat skills mirrors the Soviet-era “Initial Military Training” program. That mandatory course for 10th and 11th graders, which included rifle handling and field camps, was officially abolished in 1993.
How does this compare to previous training standards?
The scale of this expansion is evident when comparing the time allocated to military drills. Previously, students spent roughly 6.8 hours per year on military training within this subject. The new mandate more than doubles that time to 17 hours.
The Russian government is also looking toward even more intensive training models. According to reports from the economic newspaper Kommersant, authorities are discussing a proposal to fully reinstate “Initial Military Training” as a standalone 64-hour subject by April 2026. This would focus specifically on discipline, combat, and survival skills.
A pilot program is already scheduled to begin this September. Kommersant reports that this program will target students in grades 9 through 11 across 10 regions, including occupied Crimea.
Why is military training being expanded now?
The intensification of school-based military education coincides with rising geopolitical tensions between Russia and NATO. Western leaders have expressed concerns regarding the security landscape in Europe.
In early June, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that Russia could potentially launch a large-scale attack on Europe by 2030. Russian officials have utilized these warnings to justify the acceleration of military preparedness among the youth.
Viktor Vodolatsky, the first deputy chairman of the CIS Committee of the State Duma, has advocated for even earlier intervention. On June 22, Vodolatsky suggested to local media that children should begin receiving war-related instruction immediately after completing the fifth grade to prepare for potential conflicts with NATO and the EU.
What obstacles do schools face in implementation?
The rapid expansion of military requirements has created logistical and legal challenges for educational institutions. Many schools lack the specialized infrastructure necessary to host combat-related training safely and effectively.
Reporting from the independent media outlet Verstka indicates that the Russian prosecutor’s office has taken legal action against numerous schools. In 2024, prosecutors reportedly sued more than 200 schools nationwide for failing to maintain or develop required military training facilities, such as shooting ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which grades are affected by the new military training policy?
The new policy specifically targets students from grade 6 through grade 11.
What specific combat skills will students learn?
According to Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov, students will learn drone operation, first aid, grenade handling, and basic firearm operation.
Is this a permanent change to the curriculum?
The increase to 50% of the “Foundations of National Security and Defense” subject is part of a broader government policy to expand military training, with discussions ongoing regarding a full 64-hour independent subject by 2026.
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