School Military Training to Change Starting September 1

Starting September 1, schools and colleges in Kazakhstan will begin teaching Initial Military Training (IMT) in a brand-new format. This update was announced by the Mazhilis Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Security.

The subject, previously known as Initial Military and Technological Training (IMTT), is returning to its traditional name: "Initial Military Training" (IMT). Students will move beyond basic technological elements to receive a comprehensive military education. The curriculum is currently being rewritten, and new textbooks are under development.

Under the new draft law, not just any teacher can lead this class. The primary requirement is that the instructor must have a direct connection to military service.

"Many teachers have never served in the military, having come to schools straight from their university desks. Now, a teacher must either have completed mandatory military service or graduated from a military department with an officer's rank," said Arman Kulmagambetov, Chief Consultant of the Committee.

Free Retraining: Teacher professional development will now be conducted free of charge at military academies and university military departments.

 Servicemen with over 15 years of service are eligible to teach in schools after retiring to the reserve. This qualification system will directly affect teacher categories and, consequently, lead to salary increases.

The government plans to open specialized military boarding schools with advanced training across all regions of the country. A total of 16 additional military schools (11 urban and 5 rural) are planned.

"Zhas Ulan" schools have been officially transformed into military colleges. Schools are now encouraged to open military-patriotic clubs. Graduates of these specialized schools and members of the "Zhas Sarbaz" movement will receive preferential advantages when applying to higher military educational institutions.