Events

Lukashenko stresses importance of proper officer training

MINSK, 18 June (BelTA) - Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized the importance of high-quality officer training while hearing a report on proposals to adjust the plan for the construction and development of the Armed Forces for 2026-2030, BelTA has learned.

“The main thing is the officers. We must not deceive ourselves. We will never train an ordinary conscript in a year and a half or two to the level of an officer. But if an officer is well-prepared and has a head on his shoulders, he will quickly lead the servicemen, guide them, and teach them how to act and in which direction,” the head of state stressed.

“That is why officers are issue number one,” the president added. “They must be trained properly. And if someone does not want to do this, then we are not on the same path.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the state has done a great deal to ensure that the Armed Forces have all the conditions necessary for such officer training, as well as for providing them with housing and other living conditions.

“Exactly. A lot has been done [by the state],” confirmed Belarus’ Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin.

“And you constantly come to me saying that logistical issues must be solved: apartments, wives, kitchens, children, and so on. I understand that these things are needed. But an officer must understand that we all serve not just for the sake of having a kitchen. We chose this profession to defend the Motherland. And we will do this under different conditions,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“When we, an admittedly not rich country, sometimes take the last resources from the people for the sake of the Armed Forces, especially now, officers must repay this with their military service. There is no other way,” the Belarusian leader stated.

The head of state revealed what underlies his strict demands regarding the training of officers and the Armed Forces as a whole: "We understand that if, God forbid, a hot war breaks out, we will simply be like people sent to die. We will simply be doomed. We saw this in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine."

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