The Ministry of Defense has unveiled a revised edition of the basic military training program. Here’s what has changed.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has released an updated basic training program (BZVP) for mobilization personnel in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This new edition will take effect on February 10, 2025, and aims to enhance the physical and psychological preparation of recruits, reports the press service of the defense agency.
This program was approved at the end of 2024 by Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky and represents another step towards adapting the training of mobilized personnel to the realities of modern warfare.
The updated course was developed taking into account the combat experience of elite Ukrainian units. Its key feature is the strengthening of physical and psychological training, as well as the incorporation of modern technologies and tactical techniques that have proven effective on the front lines.
Changes in the Training Approach
The previous version of the BZVP was also somewhat revolutionary: the training duration was extended from 30 to 45 days, and the program included a course on drone system management, basics of electronic warfare, and methods for protecting against enemy drones.
Fire training has significantly expanded: where recruits previously completed 23 shooting exercises, the reformed program now includes 45, and the number of rounds for training has increased from 500 to 866.
However, the new program goes further. The BZVP now includes a so-called "zero day", which will help recruits smoothly adjust to the military environment. This day is designed for psychological rebooting, familiarization with army realities, and preparation for the main phases of training.
The psychological training has also been enhanced. Previously, less attention was paid to this aspect, but now soldiers will work on stress resilience using VR simulators. One of the key tools has become the virtual simulation "First Battle", which models extreme combat conditions and teaches recruits to control their emotions.
If the previous version of the program already saw significant improvements in fire training, the current focus is on close combat. Recruits are taught to engage in combat at distances up to 100 meters, where the outcome of the confrontation is determined in seconds. The exercises are focused on reaction speed and accuracy, as well as firing in conditions of limited visibility and urban environments.
Overview of the Training Course
Despite all the innovations, the overall duration of the course remains the same — 1.5 months (41 days of classes, 6 days of rest, and 1 day for administrative matters). The total volume of the training course is 372 hours.
The program structure includes four main blocks:
- Introductory course — 8 hours.
- Individual training course — 107 hours.
- Training as part of a unit — 209 hours.
- Comprehensive tactical exercise — 48 hours.
The main innovations of the basic military training program include:
- Introduction of a "zero day" – adaptation of recruits to the military environment.
- Enhanced psychological training, including viewing VR films "First Battle".
- Study of tactical software "Kropyva" (for coordinating combat operations).
- Expanded medical assistance course.
- March training – physical exercises to improve endurance.
Upon completion of the course, soldiers receive a certificate and the qualification of VOS-100 "Shooter", after which they continue training in specialized military professions.
It was previously reported that after the war, Russia may reassess its mistakes in Ukraine and prepare its army for combat against a stronger adversary. According to Polish Colonel Maciej Korowa,