With a focus on psychological resilience, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have updated their Basic General Military Training program

All training centers responsible for training mobilized military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are implementing the fifth edition of the Basic General Military Training (BGMT) Program, focusing on psychological resilience. 

The updated program's total training duration remains unchanged at 1.5 months (including rest days for recruits), with 41 days allocated for training, 6 for rest, and 1 for administrative matters. The total training volume amounts to 372 training hours.

The refinement of the previous edition, incorporating input from elite combat units, was overseen by Colonel Oleh Apostol, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

It is worth noting that as of November 1, 2024, the duration of the BGMT program is 1.5 months. To put this into practice, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has developed a tailored training program.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine approved it at the end of the year. The program will take effect on February 10, 2025. 

Among the key updates to the revised BGMT program:

• The so-called ‘zero-day’/’reset day’ (adaptation from civilian to military environment) has been introduced
• Expanded content of psychological training
• Studying the Kropyva software
• Advanced course in premedical care (first aid)
• ‘Marching’ drills (physical training) have been introduced to enhance the endurance of military personnel

Important note: The training program includes advanced marksmanship drills with individual weapons at short distances (close-quarters combat with the enemy up to 100 meters) and speed training, with additional ammunition allocated for this purpose. 

The exercises were improved by representatives of combat units who effectively eliminate the enemy in their areas of operation.

The program also incorporates psychological resilience training for military personnel through the “First Battle” virtual reality films. 

“The new BGMT program comes as a result of a thorough assessment of the combat experience of our units. We have streamlined the training process by eliminating outdated elements and concentrating on practical skills, psychological resilience, and other critical functions required on the modern battlefield,” said Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Brigadier General of Justice Serhii Melnyk.

The program includes four main modules:

• Introductory course (8 hours)
• Individual training course (107 hours)
• Training on unit-level operations (209 hours)
• Comprehensive tactical drills (48 hours)