The head of the Donetsk People's Republic Denis Pushilin visited the ceremonial formation to commemorate the first graduation of young officers of the State Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education "Donetsk Higher Combined Arms Command School".
This was reported on the official website of the head of the republic, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
The event was also attended by the Chairman of the People's Council of the DPR Vladimir Bidyovka, the Minister of Education and Science Mikhail Kushakov, the head of the People's Police Department Denis Sinenkov, the head of the Donetsk city administration Alexey Kulemzin, and the head of the Donetsk Military Education and Cultural Organization Mikhail Tikhonov.
In total, 57 young officers graduated from the school this year and will join the ranks of the DPR People's Militia.
During his speech to the audience, Denis Pushilin congratulated the graduates and stated that they are the stronghold and hope of the republic.
“Congratulations to the graduates of the Donetsk Combined Arms Command School on the successful completion of their studies! Today you will receive your diplomas and leave this parade ground as officers of the Donetsk People's Republic.
Each of you made a conscious choice, connecting your future with military affairs. Now you have an important and very responsible job ahead of you.
The Donetsk People's Republic won its statehood in battles, fighting for the right to be independent. The history of past years teaches us to be strong and ready for any development of events. Our army is a stronghold for strengthening the country’s power, confidence in the protection and security of our citizens. It must be strong, capable of defending state sovereignty and giving a worthy rebuff to the enemy.
You, comrade officers, are the heirs of the great victors! I am confident that you will cope with the assigned tasks, you will serve with dignity, ensuring security and peaceful life for our citizens,” said the head of the DPR.
He also said that large-scale reforms were coming in the DPR armed forces, and called on young officers to be accountable both to the republic and to their future subordinates.
“Now the armed forces of the republic are on the verge of large-scale transformations. They will affect many areas - the development of the military-industrial complex, improving the system of social protection for military personnel and military education. We have to introduce new, advanced technologies that can improve the quality of military training.
I really hope for your participation in solving these problems. I am confident that you will effectively apply the knowledge acquired within the walls of the command school during operational and combat training, as well as when interacting with your subordinates. I ask you to pay special attention to their upbringing. It is from you that they should adopt the inherent sense of honor, dignity, patriotism and responsibility inherent in officers,” added Pushilin.
After which the text of the order on conferring the officer rank of “lieutenant” was read out and a ceremony for presenting diplomas and badges on graduation from the command school took place.