Historical Overview of the Center for Retraining and Qualification Enhancement

In accordance with the directive of the Minister of Defense of Ukraine dated November 28, 1992, No. D-35 "On urgent measures for the formation of the Armed Forces Academy of Ukraine," the Faculty of Retraining and Qualification Enhancement of the Armed Forces Academy of Ukraine was formed in May-September 1993. During 1993-1995, training plans for qualification enhancement, educational and methodical materials were developed, and the corresponding educational and material base was created. In March 1995, qualification enhancement for generals and officers upon appointment to higher positions within the system of comprehensive continuous training of specialists began.

On May 5, 1995, the first graduation of retraining and qualification enhancement courses in the history of the center took place. 43 officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine completed their training.

In 1998, due to organizational and staffing changes in the academy and the transition to new educational programs, the Faculty of Retraining and Qualification Enhancement was renamed to the Faculty of Retraining and Qualification Enhancement (distance learning and extramural studies). Training of officers through distance learning and extramural studies began, and a new organizational and staffing structure was introduced.

In accordance with the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated February 8, 2000, No. 251 "On measures to improve the qualifications of officials and specialists of central and local executive authorities, local self-government bodies in the field of national security and defense of the state" (with amendments), the Higher Academic Courses on National Security and Defense of the State were established at the faculty. These courses aimed to enhance the qualifications of managers and specialists of central and local executive authorities, as well as local self-government bodies, whose official activities are related to defense and mobilization work.

In June 2005, the National Defense Academy of Ukraine began creating a system of training courses for specialists of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

By the directive of the Minister of Defense of Ukraine dated December 30, 2005, No. D-52 "On improving the system of qualification enhancement of the officer corps and civil servants of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the List of qualification enhancement courses for the officer corps and civil servants of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in higher military educational institutions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and military units of higher educational institutions was introduced.

On August 31, 2007, with the introduction of the organizational and staffing structure of the Center for Retraining and Qualification Enhancement as part of the Higher Academic Courses, qualification enhancement courses, professional level courses, foreign language courses, and courses for training foreign military specialists, the Faculty of Retraining and Qualification Enhancement, distance learning and extramural studies ceased to exist.

The leadership of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has always paid close attention to professional military training, which provides prospects for advancement in service for military personnel and civil servants of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, enabling them to acquire the knowledge, skills, and practical skills necessary to perform their duties.

Following the directive of the Minister of Defense of Ukraine dated November 30, 2020, No. 448 "On the organization and conduct of courses of professional military education and qualification upgrading of servicemen and employees of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for 2021-2022," significant changes were introduced to the training courses at the center.

These changes included:

• Organization of training courses for officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 7 training directions within the framework of professional military education.
• Conducting defense management courses in 43 training directions.
• Implementation of qualification upgrading courses for servicemen and employees of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 88 training directions.
• Conducting qualification upgrading courses for scientific and scientific-pedagogical workers in 9 training directions.
• Organization of training and qualification upgrading courses for contract soldiers and sergeants (senior sergeants) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 7 training directions.
• Fulfillment of tasks related to the organization of training for foreign specialists within master's educational programs at the strategic and operational levels of military education, as well as their qualification upgrading in professional military education courses and courses in specific areas.
• Improvement of language training for servicemen, civil servants of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, other military formations, and foreign specialists in language courses.

Over the years of its existence, the training courses have enhanced the qualifications of over 20,000 individuals.