CAPTAINS’ COURSE
“Captains’ Сourse” is a professional military education course conducted at the Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv as the Command Tactical Level Course of the Territorial Defense Forces (L-1C TDF).
It is a tool for preparing officers using the approaches of NATO member countries.
Why the “Captains’ Сourse” course is needed
The continuous training of personnel is critically important for Ukraine’s defense capability. In the realities of the full-scale russian-Ukrainian war, it must be as fast and high-quality as possible.
Investing in the training of combat officers is essential because the level of preparedness of those making decisions directly on the battlefield directly determines the success of the Defense Forces. In the conditions of full-scale war, training must be as swift and effective as possible.
What “Captains’ Сourse” provides
The course’s goal is to teach officers to apply battle planning procedures – Troop Leading Procedures, military decision-making processes – Military Decision Making Process, share combat experience, and develop leadership skills.
During the course, officers from all regions of Ukraine master battle planning procedures, share real combat experience, and take an online course “Application of Technologies in Wartime.” They practice using the “Kropyva” software and the “Delta” situational awareness system.
Military education according to NATO standards
The course program was developed based on NATO armies’ standards, taking into account the experience of the russian-Ukrainian war. Thus, training cases for battle planning are based on examples from the defense of Kyiv, Chernihiv, and the Zaporizhzhia offensive operation and are constantly improved through the study and implementation of combat experience.
The course duration has been extended by four weeks, now lasting three months. In particular, more time is dedicated to studying comprehensive battle support, including intelligence and engineering training, logistics, communications, medicine, and more. Additional time is also allocated to learning specialized software. “Captains’ Сourse” is one of the first courses to transition to the WGS-84 world geodetic system and the first course to incorporate the study and planning of unmanned ground complexes and unmanned aerial vehicles, including FPV drones.
All instructors of the “Captains’ Сourse” course have combat experience – most were company commanders in the military. They have also undergone relevant training in the United Kingdom.
“Captains’ Сourse” – A Professional Military Education
In 2022–2023, “Captains’ Сourse” was implemented by the Command of the Territorial Defense Forces with the support of “Come Back Alive”, companies Genesis, SKELAR, Headway, appflame, AMO, and Universe.
In April 2024, “Captains’ Сourse” became part of the Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and was recognized as a professional military education course. Its program was expanded and approved by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. The L-1C Tactical Level Command Course “Captains’ Сourse” was added to the unified catalogue of certified courses.
The Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and “Come Back Alive” signed a memorandum and joined forces to implement “Captains’ Сourse”. In particular, the Foundation raises funds from donors, creates conditions for training and accommodation for students.
Why the “Come Back Alive” Foundation joined the project?
“Captains’ Сourse” provides the best level of tactical training in Ukraine. It is a unique combination of essential knowledge and skills for company commanders and battalion battle management officers, integrating advanced Western practices.
It is one of the most effective training projects of the Foundation. It provides maximum impact in terms of invested funds and achieved results.
Learn more on the official page of “Captains’ Сourse”
Testimonials of the Captains’ Сourse alumni
Yaroslav, first lieutenant, platoon commander in the 241st separate territorial defense brigade:
— I am impressed by the thoughtfulness and level of organization of the training, the attention to detail, and the motivation of the instructors. There is no soviet approach here, but rather a focus on results. We have received structured tools that can help us analyze facts and assumptions and better prepare for combat by making informed decisions. If everyone implements this knowledge in their own units, planning will reach a level that will help avoid unnecessary losses.
Serhiy Pankov, first lieutenant, company commander of the 241st separate territorial defense brigade:
— Everything taught in the course is new to me. I did not study at a military department. I gained my previous knowledge in practice. This course is changing the army. Commanders acquire new skills and then implement them in their units.
Oleksandr Zharskyi, Lieutenant Colonel, Battalion Commander of the 101st Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine:
— Captains’ Сourse is useful and necessary. It may sound crazy, but war is something like a production. There is a technological map, security measures, and regulations that increase your efficiency. I took the course to familiarize myself with the technology of war.
The course cuts off the secondary and concentrates on the main thing. I’ve already sent people from my battalion to the course and I’m planning to do so again. We need to speak the same language with them, and not show them the meaning of this or that element on our fingers. After the training, it will be easier for me to talk to both my subordinates and the higher-ups, where there are many officers with specialized education.
