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After two years of training, approximately 800 young Ukrainian reserve officers from the National University of Defence were sworn in at a ceremony in Kyiv.
They are the future artillerymen, infantrymen, logistics officers and other specialists of the armed forces. For some at the ceremony in Kyiv, earning their epaulets is a major step towards achieving their dreams.
“I study at the law department in a civilian university. That is why, for me, to receive a rank and to move up the career ladder is a good perspective. Because of this, I think that I really need to receive a military rank, and I really need a military education,” said one graduate.
A minute of silence was held to honor those who were killed in the war in eastern Ukraine after which the graduates swore an oath of allegiance.
The Ivan Chernyakhovsky National Defense University has been educating officers for 17 years. But Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas has caused it to adapt its program. Among the instructors are war veterans who served in eastern Ukraine – and they believe practical training is a fundamental part of the military curriculum.
“The nature of education and training has drastically changed. It mostly concerns the practical part. We are paying more attention to the training of future commanders of platoons and commanders of companies. We take into account the experience of the anti-terrorist operation and the joint forces operation,” an officer said.
“My son dressed in uniform and swore the oath to Ukraine. I’m very proud and very happy. And I wish our Ukraine prosperity, peaceful skies, and that we only have shooting at the exercises,” said one glowing mother.
The cadets are awarded the rank of lieutenant. Many graduates will soon find themselves serving in the trenches of Donbas.
