What is a military department? All about the military department. How is studying at the department carried out?
The time is not far off when the reluctance to do military service in the army was the determining factor in the fate of a young man of military age. We are talking about the late 90s - early 2000s. The reason for this was the degradation of the army, its material equipment, and the armed conflict in Chechnya, which showed all the shortcomings of the armed forces of that time.
To shorten their service life, graduates entered universities after school.
- Firstly, they received a deferment for the next five years.
- Secondly, after higher education, one was supposed to serve for one, not two years.
- Thirdly, a man at 22-23 years old is already more independent than an 18-year-old boy.
During this period, the excitement around the army was so intense that choosing a profession was out of the question. Parents tried to place their child in any institute, and if there was also a military department at the university, then this was equated to a smile of fortune. A graduate of such an educational institution was no longer conscripted on a general basis, especially since he received the rank of officer.
As a result, the public completely forgot the history and purpose of creating military departments. The concepts were distorted so much that an institute with a military department was perceived not as an opportunity to receive additional military education, but as a privilege for the student, freeing him from the army.
In order to restore the former understanding of the feasibility of introducing a military department at a university or institute, it will be useful to consider the history of their creation, starting from their very inception. Only after this will it be possible to objectively answer the question of what the military department at the institute provides and why it is needed.
Opening of military departments
Throughout the history of the USSR, educational institutions of higher civil education took an active part in the training of trained reserve officers with military specialties, who belonged to the level of mid-level commanders and could join the ranks of the Armed Forces during the onset of the military regime. Back in 1926, a decision was made to train command personnel from students of higher and secondary specialized educational institutions. This period coincided with a global reform of the army.
The organization of pre-conscription training was initiated by the Resolution of the Central Executive Committee and the Council of People's Commissars, published on August 20, 1926. According to this document, 180 hours of theoretical studies were allocated for the study of military craft. After this, students were expected to take two-month practical courses, which were conducted in military units. The graduate of the educational institution was awaiting military service.
The period of service in the Red Army for those who graduated from the military department was 9 months. If a citizen who completed pre-conscription training entered the RKKF, then he served there for 12 months. At the end of their military service they had to pass an exam, and only after that they were sent to the reserve.
It's no secret that in Russia all young people who have reached the age of 18 are required to undergo military service, or, more simply put, to serve in the army. This matter can be “postponed for later” if you go to university immediately after school, which, in turn, provides male students with a deferment from the army for the duration of their studies. In addition, some universities can boast of the so-called military department. The competition for such educational institutions is usually quite large, and a significant number of applicants are boys. However, one should not assume that studying at a military department is equivalent to serving in the army. The military department is an opportunity for voluntary preparation for military service, and those who decide to take advantage of it will receive a number of advantages.
What does studying at the military department provide?
The answer is quite simple: such a department provides an additional military specialty. In principle, the word “additional” is defined by the fact that failure to perform well in your military specialty does not promise you expulsion from the university, but it can easily be expelled from the department. So, one way or another, when studying at the military department, it is worth keeping up with both the main program and the military field. The most important thing is that admission to the military department is a chance for further enlistment as a military officer. As you know, to enlist in the reserves you need to go through the army. But graduates of military departments do not need to do this, since only those who are not in the reserve are called up for military service.
In universities with military departments, meeting young people in uniform is a common occurrence. So they go to additional training once or twice a week. The program includes theoretical training, drill training, regulations, and fire. At the end of the training, students go to training camp. They last 30 days, during which time all the knowledge acquired at the military department is consolidated. Finally, some time after this, a document is issued confirming that you are a reserve officer. For those who are more interested in their military specialty, it is possible to enroll in military service, sign a contract with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and perform military service under a contract as an officer of the Russian Armed Forces.
It is worth saying that the number of Russian universities with military departments has significantly decreased recently. That is why we have prepared a list of Moscow universities that have a military department.
Information for thought for those thinking about enrolling.Last year I was at a meeting for freshmen, where parents were very worried about how things were going with the conscription after the VC. If I'm not mistaken, about 20 people shaved their hair last year.
Don't go, student, to join the army.
(7 reasons why a student should not enroll in a military department)
If military service is a debt to the Motherland, then when did I owe so much?
“A primo facie” for the average person to enroll in a military department is cool. Officer this is great! Again, you see, you have less chance of getting into the army. Indeed, before, when entering the military department, a student was 90% sure that he had avoided the fate of being drafted into our valiant armed forces. However, "Nihil simper suo statu mane." Now there are 7 main reasons why you should avoid concluding a contract with a military department.
1. A military department is the worst way to “deviate” from the army.
After completing your studies, in accordance with the training agreement at the military department, you will be obliged to fulfill your obligations, i.e. serve as an officer for two years. Enrolling in a military department is the worst way to realize the desire to free yourself from obligations to our humane and peace-loving state, which solves external and especially internal problems exclusively by peaceful means.
2. An officer can be called up at any time convenient for the military commissar. If a conscript is still somehow protected by law by the collegiality (even if formal) of the draft commission and the limitation of conscription periods in the spring and autumn, then for a reserve officer everything depends on the individual desire of the local military commissar. A reserve officer can be called up at any time only by the sole decision of the military commissar. Thus, you are deprived of a not very honest, but very effective way of filing a complaint against the actions of the draft commission in court and “delaying” the case until the end of the draft.
3. Health.
The health requirements for an officer when conscripted for military service are not higher, but lower, than for a soldier. For example, with myopia - 6 diopters. an ordinary conscript will be certified under category “B” (limitedly fit for military service) and will be exempt from conscription. A conscript with the rank of officer will already be certified as a contract soldier under category “B” (fit with minor restrictions) and will be called up. Conclusion: if you want to have a better chance of getting into the army, go to the military department.
4. Absence of some deferments during conscription.
When conscripted, a reserve officer is not provided with a number of so-called "social delays". For example, an ordinary conscript with a child under 3 years old. or two children? has the right to a deferment, and the conscripted officer will be called up again.
5. Impossibility to refuse service due to conscientious objections.
Since 2004, the law “On Alternative Civil Service” has come into force, according to which the service life for university graduates is 1 year 6 months. or 1 year 9 months, depending on where the young man who has chosen alternative civil service will serve. This, although not by much, is still less than the service life of a drafted officer. You shouldn’t have any problems proving that you have a desire not to kill and not to be killed (who said that a doctor serving in a hot spot wouldn’t be forced to pick up a Kalashnikov?). Since you have devoted 6 years of your life to studying how to alleviate the suffering of a patient, it means that you are not indifferent to the pain of others and it is more important for you to help a specific person, and not to “pay off your debt” to the state. In alternative service, you will be able to work as a doctor in a civilian structure or as civilian personnel as the same doctor in a hospital. Only, unlike your fellow officer, your working day will not be around the clock, like a military man! and ordinary - as in “civilian” life.
6. Heavy study load.
The military department is extra hours. These are additional exams. The knowledge that a student of the military department receives is not of paramount importance for a doctor. In any case, you will study everything related to possible defeats in war in other, “peaceful” disciplines while you are studying in medicine. university.
7. This sweet word "freedom"
Being a free person is cool! Is it possible to be free in the army? Doubtful! The army is based on the absolute subordination of junior officers to superior officers. A military man is a very limited person in freedom
However, if you like to live according to a schedule. You prefer to have your boss think for you, you are tempted to spend the best years of your life in a not very reliable iron box called a “submarine”, if you are ready to voluntarily give up your freedom for an extra piece of bread (or for underwear from the Moscow Region), then this is for you. Just remember about the "free cheese"
Samarin Ivan. Graduate of the Faculty of Medicine in 1997. Consultant of the "House 28" association on issues of conscription for conscientious objection to military service.
Today, many relatives and friends of school graduates recommend that young people enroll in universities that have their own military department.
The department has a great advantage - if a young man is usually called up as a soldier, a university graduate will already have the rank of officer. As a rule, it is not so easy to get into such institutions. Let's try to find out whether there is any real benefit from a university/institute with a military department?
The essence of the military department
Not everyone knows that military training in universities in Russia has existed for over almost 100 years; this is one of the most glorious national army traditions. Approximately in the form in which the department is now organized, it appeared in 1926. The essence of the creation of the military department was the training of high-quality officers of junior ranks.
At that time, 180 hours of theory were allocated for study, followed by 2 months of military training in a specially equipped camp. After this, future officers were required to serve in the Armed Forces for 9 months, then passed exams, and only after that they were included in reserve officers.
After the Victory in 1945, the tradition of creating military departments only strengthened, the number of higher educational institutions with military departments increased, since actions during the war showed that this system was indeed effective. Alas, with the collapse of the USSR, military departments were left unattended; in many universities they were simply abolished, not all of them have been restored to this day. Currently, the number of higher educational institutions with a military department in the country is 35.
However, in addition to traditional military departments, today special military centers have been created, after graduating from which students also become junior reserve officers. In other words, after such military training, the military registration and enlistment office will not be able to conscript young people on a general basis.
How is studying at the department carried out?
However, if a university contains departments of military training, this does not mean that absolutely all students will be able to become owners (of a military specialty). Firstly, there is a maximum age limit of 30 years, and attention is also paid to health. The department's educational training begins only in the 3rd year of university, and before that, students are required to undergo a medical examination at the military registration and enlistment office. Only after this they have the right to submit the following documents to the military department:
Medical examination results.
A copy of your passport.
Record book.
A certificate issued by the dean’s office and indicating that the student is actually studying at the university.
Studying at the military department consists of theoretical and practical parts. Theory is taught in the form of regular lectures, it alternates with the study of drill training. There are also classes on familiarization with weapons, fire training, and students become familiar with military equipment. From time to time, students can travel (even to regional cities) for special training to study technology (usually for up to a week).
The rank of sergeant requires that the student has been in training for at least 24 months. If the period of study at the military department is 30 months, the student can become a reserve officer. However, it is possible to become a reserve rank and file if the student’s course of study at the department does not exceed 18 months.
Upon completion of training, students are sent to. Their duration is a month, for which students are taken to a special territory (often located within the boundaries of a military unit). After passing the training camp, students are required to pass an exam, take an oath, after which they are awarded the rank of reserve lieutenant.
Sometimes it happens that during the process of studying or undergoing training, a student is inclined to believe that he wants to connect his future life with the army. In this case, the state provides him with the opportunity. In such a situation, he is given not only the rank, but also the position of officer.
In practical terms, this means a pretty good salary. In addition, it is usually easier for a person with a higher education to make a career in the army, so the prospects are quite broad. Moreover, in connection with the recent serious development of almost all branches of the military, the modernization of equipment, the revision of military training and the improvement of personnel, officers who are technically savvy are quite in demand.
Many young guys who want to get a higher education are advised by their parents and older comrades to choose a university that has a military department. They explain this simply: studying at a military department allows you to avoid compulsory conscription into the army as an ordinary soldier. It’s not easy to get into such a university; the competition for it is usually higher than for universities without a military department, and the majority of applicants are boys of military age.
What is a military department?
A military department is a special course for training reserve officers within a higher educational institution. Not every university offers its students such a valuable service, which is why the entrance competition to such educational institutions is much higher.
What's the advantage? Upon graduation, the graduate receives not only the status of “Young Specialist”, but also “Reserve Officer”.
Accordingly, you will have on hand not only a diploma of higher education, but also a military ID, which in the future will be a mandatory document for successful employment.
So you no longer have to run from the military registration and enlistment office, fearing another draft; the graduate is a ready-made officer, as if he had just graduated from a higher military educational institution yesterday.
Another advantage of such an integrated approach to the education system is the fact that military training takes place simultaneously with civilian training, that is, the student does not lose time upon graduation for military service in the army, but immediately receives a military document with the mark “Reserve Officer”.
Military departments in civilian universities will be renamed
On Tuesday evening, the government submitted to the State Duma a package of amendments unifying the system of training officers and sergeants in the system of civilian higher education. As stated in the explanatory note, amendments to the laws “On Defense”, “On Military Duty and Military Service”, “On the Status of Military Personnel” and “On the Basics of Protecting Citizens’ Health” are being introduced in accordance with last year’s order of the President and are aimed at increasing the efficiency of military training in civilian universities.
Military service - will they be called up or not?
After graduating from the military department, you will receive the rank of reserve officer. You won't have to serve in the army.
Previously, it was different - some graduates of the military department were drafted into the army with the rank of officer. Now this norm has been abolished: reserve officers are not subject to conscription.
The procedure for conscription for military service is determined by the Regulations on the conscription of citizens of the Russian Federation for military service, approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of November 11, 2006 No. 663 with amendments and additions of May 20, 2014. In the latest edition of this document, section III “The procedure for conscription of citizens of the Russian Federation enlisted in the reserve with the assignment of the military rank of officer” has been excluded.
Pros and cons of the military department
Unfortunately, few students can now boast that their university has a military department. Moreover, universities that have one after the education reform have become “elite” and desirable even in the eyes of those who would not have paid attention to them before. But even if you study at a university that has a military department, this does not mean that you are obliged to take it. Before signing a contract for training at a military department, you need to clearly understand what this training will give you, all the pros and cons.
Often, students who have little understanding of the laws become victims of popular myths (“after the military department they are not drafted” or, conversely, “after the military department they can be called up as an officer, or maybe as a soldier”). So let's figure out what consequences await us when signing a contract. Here are the main differences between the students, one of whom chose to study at the military department, and the other refused the military department.
A student who studies at the university devotes 1 day a week to studying at the university
- Receives a supplement from the Ministry of Defense (15% of the basic stipend)
- After graduating from the military department and university, he will receive the rank of lieutenant
- After graduating from a university and being awarded a rank, he may be called up for military service.
- Can be summoned at any time of the year
- Before conscription, a medical examination is carried out according to column III of the list of illnesses (there is a greater chance that they will be recognized as fit)
- Deprived of several types of deferments (2 or more children; mother (father) has 2 or more children under the age of 8 years or disabled since childhood and is raising them without a husband (wife)
- There is practically no chance of replacing military service with alternative civilian service
- Will serve as an officer if called up
- If called up, will serve for 2 years
A student who is not studying at the university
- Has an extra day off
- Receives nothing from the Ministry of Defense
- Will not receive any title
- After graduating from university, he can be called up for military service
- Can be summoned at certain times of the year
- Before conscription, a medical examination is carried out according to column 1 of the illness list (less likely to be recognized as fit)
- Has the theoretical opportunity to take advantage of various deferments from conscription into military service
- Has the chance, if he wishes, to replace military service with alternative civilian service. In case of conscription, he will serve as a private.
In case of conscription, will serve for 1 year
