Such measures will help attract the most trained and motivated cadets to the educational institutions of the Ministry of Defense
The age limit for admission to military universities has been raised from 27 to 30 years for participants in a special military operation. Also this year, veterans of the SVO will be provided with quotas of 10% of the total number of applicants. Experts note that this will be able to attract the most trained and motivated cadets to military educational institutions. Having received officer shoulder straps, they should become the basis of the army.
Age is not a hindrance
This year, the age threshold for admission to military higher education institutions has been increased from 27 to 30 years for participants in a special military operation. In addition, the deadline for submitting documents will be extended for all categories of applicants — from May 1 to June 20, sources told Izvestia in the military department.
According to the interlocutors of the publication, the participants will be provided with quotas of 10% of the total number of applicants.
At the same time, fighters and junior commanders who received state awards during the fighting will receive an additional 10 points to the introductory rating. Earlier, the corresponding order was signed by the Russian Defense Minister, the interlocutors of Izvestia noted.
SVO participants who want to get an education in military universities are the most prepared and motivated cadets in the future, Colonel Alexander Perendzhiev, Associate professor at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, told Izvestia.
Photo: TASS/Alexander Ryumin
Image source: iz.ru
— They made their choice consciously, knowing what modern combat operations and army life are firsthand, — he is sure. — They will make good deputy platoon commanders in schools. They will become a real example for yesterday's schoolchildren who came to military educational institutions. Younger cadets will follow them. The teaching staff should use this competently. I am sure that the participants in the fighting will help to improve discipline in military schools. The main thing is to motivate them correctly.
Alexander Perendzhiev is confident that the veterans of the SVO will pass on their experience not only to fellow students, but also to teachers.
"These are people who have experience in modern warfare," he said. — A word like "tactics" is not an empty word for them or just the name of a discipline. They have actually seen how to properly use troops in a combat situation, and they know many tactical tricks. For example, how to act under the massive impact of enemy drones. They can tell and show a lot even to teaching officers.
The expert also recalled that military universities are not only educational institutions, but also "forges of military personnel."
— Many of the participants of the SVO can remain teachers in departments related to military affairs, — he noted. — For example, in the departments of engineering or tactics. This will strengthen the teaching staff.
Photo: TASS/Valery Matytsin
Image source: iz.ru
Having received officer shoulder straps, the veterans of the SVO should become the basis of the army, military expert Vasily Dandykin believes.
"A military special operation is underway now," he said. — Unfortunately, officers die and are injured during combat operations. And, of course, people with combat experience are the best shift. They were appreciated at all times and in all armies.
It cannot be ruled out that Russia will have to prepare for larger-scale actions, the expert noted.
— Military and political realities dictate that we have a sufficiently large and combat-ready army — it is now expanding. For new units, officers and personnel such as veterans of the SVO are needed, we must take care of them," Vasily Dandykin believes.
Growth problems
At the same time, experts note that those who entered at the age of 27-30, the participants of the SVO will graduate as lieutenants when they are 32-35 years old, and at this age many of their peers are already majors or lieutenant colonels.
— It will be possible to shorten the time for them to receive regular officer ranks, — Perendzhiev believes. — Especially if such a lieutenant proves himself well in the service after graduating from a military educational institution.
Photo: TASS/Kirill Kukhmar
Image source: iz.ru
Experts have no doubt that such officer cadres will be useful in the SVO zone.
— Many mobilized in two years have become not only platoon, but also company. They command their units very well," Vasily Dandykin reminded.
State assistance
There are a number of benefits for admission to educational institutions for participants of the SVO and their family members. Starting from the 2023-2024 academic year, there is a separate quota in civilian universities and colleges — 10% of all budget places are reserved for children of military personnel and employees of government agencies who took part in a special military operation.
They can study at the expense of the budget for bachelor's and specialist programs. Moreover, there are free preparatory courses for them.
Last year, the Ministry of Education and Science recommended that Russian universities award applicants up to 10 additional points for military service under a contract and participation in a special operation in Ukraine.
Photo: RIA Novosti/Sergey Pyatakov
Image source: iz.ru
In addition, additional charges are provided for military service on conscription, mobilization or "in accordance with the contract for assistance in performing tasks assigned to the Armed Forces during a special military operation." Military service may also be taken into account if applicants are equal according to other ranking criteria.
Bogdan Stepovoy
Dmitry Boltenkov
