Even girls received initial military training in Soviet schools

In 1968, a new subject was introduced in Soviet schools — primary military training. Each educational institution was equipped with a special office with thematic posters, fake grenades and a seasoned military instructor. The children were trained, if necessary, to fight back against a possible enemy, that is, the United States.

Initial military training provided an opportunity to get to know weapons better. The Kalashnikov assault rifle was disassembled and assembled for a while. Sometimes blindfolded.

The girls did not lag behind. For them, this subject was also mandatory, but the standards were more sparing.

Representatives of the fair sex also studied the basics of medicine and pharmacology, learned how to dress the wounded on the battlefield.

At this time, the young men were being drilled on an improvised parade ground.

Several classes of the course were devoted to the peculiarities of toxic gases and the device of a gas mask.

Every Soviet student had to have basic knowledge about the principles of radio engineering.

They went to the open-air competitions for military training.

The teachers of the NVP were usually reserve officers. In the republics of Central Asia, there were not enough experienced officers and the lessons were often conducted by sergeants who had served military service.

In many schools, a shooting gallery was opened, where small-caliber rifles were fired.

The lessons of the NVP formed the basis of patriotic education.