Solutions to win: Lviv veterans launch Kruk School, teaching Ukrainians essential wartime skills
Photo: Kruk School
Lviv veterans have established Kruk School, where Ukrainians are trained in essential wartime skills. The curriculum includes preparation for military service, emergency medical care, aerial reconnaissance, engineering, and mine and explosive safety.
Rubryka reports on this initiative.
What is the problem?
A full-scale war compels those concerned about Ukraine's future to focus on survival, reassess their priorities, and prepare to participate actively in the fight for its independence and sovereignty. During challenging times, when danger is ever-present, possessing practical skills to protect one's family and country becomes paramount.
What is the solution?
For over a year, the Kruk Training School has been active in Lviv. It was founded by Oleksandr Desiatnykov, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war and former company sergeant major in one of Lviv's brigades. The institution allows Ukrainians to master fundamental military disciplines, including fire and tactical training, emergency medical care, aerial reconnaissance, engineering, and safety regarding mines and explosives.
How does it work?
What is taught at the school?
Photo: Kruk School
Oleksandr Desiatnykov with cadets during a fire and tactical training class. Photo: Kruk School
"The name "Kruk" was chosen in honor of the three fallen battalion commanders with the call signs "Kruk" who died on the same day in the city of Bakhmut," the school's founder, Oleksandr Desiatnikov, says. "At first, our cadets were mostly friends and acquaintances, but over time, the number of those wishing to master military skills skyrocketed."
Veterans and career service members conduct classes at the Kruk School. All classes are held offline only.
Photo: Kruk School
"Only war veterans with real combat experience can become instructors at our school. This principle is unbreakable. Veterans who, after service, are looking for their place in civilian life, deserve the opportunity to apply their knowledge and ensure a decent life," Oleksandr Desiatnykov emphasizes.
Oleksandr Desiatnykov also teaches at the Kruk School, where he trains cadets in fire and tactical skills. Drawing from his combat experience, background as a martial arts trainer, and insights gained from working with professional instructors, Oleksandr has crafted a training program that is accessible even to beginners who have never handled weapons.
Photo: Kruk School
Photo: Kruk School
Photo: Kruk School
The primary focus of training at the school is fire and tactical instruction.
"Anyone interested in the basic course can learn the rules of handling weapons, hit targets from different body positions, test themselves and learn to shoot from a weak (non-dominant) shoulder, learn to disassemble, clean and maintain weapons," the school's founder says.
Providing first aid. Photo: Kruk School
At the same time, emergency first aid is the most popular course at the school. In the introductory course, cadets master what every citizen should be able to do today:
- assess the condition of the wounded,
- detect and stop massive bleeding,
- if necessary, correctly move a person to a safer place.
"The possibility of missile attacks, even in the deep rear, is a reality today. However, first aid skills are also relevant in other situations, such as accidents, fires, and emergencies. Without timely assistance, massive bleeding will kill a person faster than an ambulance arrives," Oleksandr Desiatnykov comments.
In addition, the school offers courses in aerial reconnaissance, engineering, and mine and explosive safety.
Students at the school can choose to specialize in one area or attend multiple courses concurrently. Cadets have access to a comprehensive information and training platform on Discord, which includes a library, video resources, and lecture recordings. The school also offers corporate training sessions, covering essential courses and tailored programs that address risks related to specific business operations, such as electricity, flammable materials, and cargo handling.
If you're unfamiliar with what's depicted in this photo or unsure of how to use it, it's time to enroll in a tactical medicine course. Photo: Kruk School
"Many companies understand the need for these skills and are ready to train their employees and equip first aid kits for offices so that they feel as safe as possible. Groups of employees also enjoy attending fire training: this is a necessary skill in our time, and also a great option for team building," the founder of the school shares.
Does it really work?
Cadets at the training ground. Photo: Kruk School
In its inaugural year, the Kruk Training School saw over 1,300 cadets complete their courses, with instructors dedicating more than 2,600 hours to training. The cadets range in age from 18 to 50 and include both men and women.
After completing the course, each graduate receives a certificate. Dozens of graduates are already in Ukraine's armed forces, where they hold positions in leading units.
"We take pride in everyone who joined the ranks of the Armed Forces after completing their studies, as well as those who are dedicated to training and personal development. We keep in touch with all cadets who became Defenders, remain interested in their progress, and offer assistance whenever needed," Oleksandr Desiatnykov says.
How to get enrolled in school?
The school is continuously accepting new students.
Interested individuals should send a direct message to the initiative's Instagram page.
A manager will address any inquiries through private messages and assist in scheduling classes.
Participants can customize the training intensity according to their availability and personal circumstances.
School education is free for military personnel.
Discounts are available for combatants, family members of military personnel, and families of the deceased.
