The duration of basic general military training has been increased to 51 days

The basic general military training will now last 51 days. Illustrative photo: Facebook The Armed Forces of Ukraine

Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT) will now last 51 days — this is included in the new, sixth edition of the curriculum being finalised by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

These changes were approved following a meeting chaired by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Mykolaiv Regional Territorial Centre for Recruitment and Social Support reports.

One of the main innovations is the addition of two days of training dedicated to countering enemy drones. This will allow recruits to recognise air threats more quickly, respond effectively to drone attacks and minimise personnel losses.

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Psychological training is another important focus. It is aimed at building the emotional resilience of the soldier, which is now critically important alongside physical readiness for combat missions.

In addition to the centres, basic training will also be improved in the rear areas of combat brigades. This will allow recruits to adapt to the conditions of service in real units before they arrive at the front line.

The meeting paid particular attention to safety at training grounds and in training camps. Mass gatherings of personnel and equipment, as well as living in tent camps, are prohibited. Instead, stationary shelters and dugouts are being built and engineering solutions are being implemented to protect personnel from missile and drone attacks.

«These solutions are aimed at the main thing: to make the training even closer to the conditions of real war and save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers», the statement said.

The training is now being coordinated by the newly appointed Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Major General Ihor Skybiuk.

It should be noted that previously, basic training lasted only 30 days — until 1 November 2024.

As a reminder, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has updated the programme of basic general military training. According to the new rules, starting from 1 May, servicemen who will be deployed to rear units will undergo a shorter training programme.