Where civilians can get military training in Ukraine
In times of war, even civilians need to be prepared for combat operations so that they can act confidently and effectively if necessary. That is why adults should master basic military training, which includes weapons handling, shooting, UAV flying, tactical medicine skills, mine safety, psychological training, etc. We will tell you where in Ukraine theoretical and practical military training classes are held.
Civil Awareness Center
In 2022, Serhiy Prytula's charitable foundation launched the Civil Awareness Center project. The team aims to train civilians in basic military training and provide them with the skills they need in times of war.
Trainings at the centres are conducted in two areas: theory and practice.
Theoretical knowledge that can be acquired at the CAC:
- rules for handling weapons;
- mine and explosive safety;
- preparation for mobilisation;
- psychological support in wartime;
- preparation for blackout.
Practical skills that can be learnt at the CAC:
- first aid;
- marksmanship;
- basics of aerial reconnaissance;
- use of military optics.
As of July 2024, there are 87 centres in different regions of Ukraine. You can get to the training by registering by filling out the form of the city centre.
After confirming your participation in the training, the organisers encourage you to make a charitable contribution of any size instead of paying for the training.
National Resistance Training Centre
The Municipal Guard organisation trains and provides special military skills as part of the National Resistance Training Centre project. Their goal is to prepare volunteers for the protection and territorial defence of Kyiv. They train both civilians and military personnel and members of territorial community volunteer units.
Instructors with combat experience teach in the following areas:
- tactical and specialised training in the city and in the open;
- basics of topography;
- firearms training;
- shooting;
- work with UAVs;
- basics of radio communication;
- tactical medicine;
- mine and explosive safety;
- engineering training;
- actions in conditions of radiation and chemical contamination;
- psychological training.
The timing of the training is flexible and the programme is variable, depending on the goals of the future defenders. The most common courses are a one-day intensive basic skills course and a five-day practical training course, which are held throughout the year. After completing the five-day course, you can receive a certificate and a pass to take specialised courses (UAV basics, topography, and radio communications).
Training at the National Resistance Training Centre in Kyiv is free of charge.
You can register for the courses using a form.
Arsenal Military Training School
The Arsenal Military Training School is a Lviv social and patriotic project, which aims to teach Ukrainian civilians the skills of a modern soldier and military affairs.
The instructors share their experience using simple examples.
The school has several courses to choose from:
- Basic military training for civilians.
- Firearms training.
- Tactical medicine.
- Night mission (overnight training at the school).
- Psychological training on resource recovery.
The training takes place in small groups at the school in Lviv. The duration and cost of the courses depend on the chosen programme.
You can register for training at the Arsenal Military Training School on the website.
NGO Ukrainian Legion
The Ukrainian Legion NGO conducts military training courses in Kyiv and Kyiv region. The course lasts four weeks. During this time, cadets attend eight theoretical classes in the evening and four practical classes on weekends. The last lesson is a two-day (overnight) course.
The training covers the following areas of military training:
- handling of weapons;
- movement;
- camouflage;
- terrain orientation;
- engineering equipment of positions;
- use of shelters;
- first aid.
For training you will need:
- Comfortable clothes, shoes and a hat (for field training).
- A model weapon (if necessary, provided).
- Medical tourniquet or tourniquet.
- An infantry scapula.
Recommendations on equipment for further training at the initial and basic courses are provided during a special lesson.
You can sign up for training through a form with a questionnaire for the induction training. New enrolments are announced to those who fill out the form, as well as on the organisation's Facebook page.
Enrolment takes place every four weeks. Due to the need to ensure the educational process, pay rent and maintain the base, the training, which was previously free of charge, was charged.
