The five-day training of the first group of KPI students under the National Resistance Program has ended. Vadym Kondratiuk, Vice-Rector for Administrative Work of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, told the Kyiv Polytechnic correspondent about how the training was organized.
- The story of participation in the national resistance program began in the summer. Back then, the cadets of our military department had to undergo military field training at the end of their studies. Usually, such training was held at the sites of military units. However, these sites are now used for other purposes. Therefore, we asked the Kyiv City Military Administration to consider options for implementing joint programs to train reserve officers in other locations. We were given the opportunity to conduct training on the material base where the Armed Forces of Ukraine and various law enforcement agencies train. These are sites located in Kyiv, created at the expense of our international partners. They sufficiently simulate situations in the combat zone. Within a month, the reserve officers were trained and successfully took the oath of allegiance to the Ukrainian people. When we began intensive work on implementing the national resistance program, we had to take into account a number of important factors. Firstly, since the beginning of the new academic year, we have attracted a significant number of students to study full-time, and secondly, we already have a program of military and patriotic education for young people. And we have again asked KIAA to provide us with the opportunity to train and educate students, taking into account both the specifics of the national resistance program and the above factors. That is, to conduct training on the basis of the same sites.
- How were groups of students formed for the national resistance program?
- We spread an announcement through the university's media resources and recruited 200 people on a voluntary basis. Taking into account the capabilities of the Center for Professional Training of the Municipal Security Forces of the Kyiv City State Administration/Kyiv City Military Administration, we sent the first group of 36 students for a five-day training. The second group is already being recruited.
- What training modules did you offer?
- We were offered about 15 types of programs. After discussing them with the heads of student organizations, we selected the most interesting ones. I'll name the main areas of training: the basics of national resistance, combat and tactical training, engineering training (mine safety), organization and main types of weapons of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, psychological training, interactive multimedia shooting range, and complex tactical training.
At the end of the five-day training, all students received a certificate certifying that they had completed the National Resistance Program course to acquire the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform the tasks of Ukraine's territorial defense. It should be noted that this certificate confirms that they are somewhat prepared to participate in the defense of the country.
- It would be worthwhile to train as many polytechnics as possible under this program. How will they be involved in the program?
- We will ensure that the university community is informed about the program as widely as possible. KPImedia made a story about the results of the training, which was launched on all media resources, and will be published in Kyiv Polytechnic. Campus educators actively inform students about the opportunities to join the training, and the fact of receiving certificates plays a role.
- Will KPI employees also be involved in the training?
- Today we are engaged in recruiting student groups. In the future, we will most likely involve interested employees in the National Resistance Program. When we start, we will officially announce it.
Several participants of the program shared their impressions of the classes with KP.
Oleksii Kobylinskyi (IMZ, 3rd year): "I signed up for the training because I believe that after completing it, I will be better prepared for situations that may occur in the current war. The instructors turned out to be great people, and I gained a lot of respect for them after what they told me and showed me. My respect for the military who defend us in the Armed Forces of Ukraine has grown, and I understand how difficult it is for them physically and psychologically. I discovered a lot of new things about tactical medicine, communication with my comrades-in-arms, and much more. It is no exaggeration to say that every citizen of Ukraine should undergo such training and education."
Nina Shchur (VPI, 3rd year): "I have always wanted to take a course in tactical medicine, and here I have gained knowledge and experience in other areas. It is interesting that being conscious and interested in the news, I realized to some extent that war is not easy. But when you try on ammunition and hold a weapon for half a day, you realize that you really know nothing about real war. I believe that every civilian should take a minimum training course to be ready for any situation that may arise. And even if you don't have to fight, you should get an idea of the titanic work that our military does every day. And to start donating more, to better understand what our people are going through."
Anastasia Storozhuk (FMM, 2nd year): "We learned to be a team, because people who had never communicated before came to the training. And it happened thanks to our instructors. I gained experience and to some extent understood how military operations work. I would advise not only my classmates or peers to get this information and skills, but also all citizens of our country."
Vladyslav Shtandiuk (IMZ, 3rd year): "I believe that the skills I have acquired during this training may be useful to me in the event of any circumstances related to the war. They will help me, if I need to defend our country, to save my own life or the life of another person. I would advise every citizen of Ukraine to take such courses and test themselves."