The experience of heroes in the service of the state: the integration of special military operation veterans into public service discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA
What mentoring for special military operation veterans should look like, how to translate combat experience into managerial skills, and why it is important not to limit the agenda solely to military-patriotic themes. These and other issues were discussed by graduates of the presidential programme "Time of Heroes" and participants of the regional programme "Heroes Among Our Own". The event was held on 19 February as part of the Days of the Republic of Mordovia at the National Centre RUSSIA.
"Everyone who returns from the special military operation must be fully integrated into our peaceful life. Today we will discuss what we should move forward with and what needs to be done <…> We need to speak openly about how interaction with authorities and subordinate structures is organised, because this is also part of service. This knowledge will certainly be useful in the future in any field. If we work together with young people and discuss such topics on equal terms, success will definitely follow," noted the Head of the Republic of Mordovia, Artyom Zdunov.
Participants of the meeting discussed how the federal programme "Time of Heroes" and regional projects bring theory and practice closer together. They build a mentoring system and prepare veterans for work in government bodies. After completing training, graduates are not simply issued certificates, but are added to personnel reserves and offered managerial positions.
According to the Hero of Russia, Chair of the Board of the Movement of the First, and participant of the first intake of the programme "Time of Heroes", Artur Orlov, the managerial experience of military service is in demand in civilian life, and work with young people is of particular importance: "When you come into lecture halls to speak with students, there should already be no questions about who stands before them. You are the ones they will follow. The future of the country belongs to children, but it depends on you what example they will see."
Participants of the special military operation are not only "military specialists". Among them are energy workers, builders, entrepreneurs, farmers and managers, and the task of the programmes is to help each person apply their experience in the civilian sphere, strengthening the country’s human resources and developing ties between regions. And this is only possible with the support of mentors.
"Today our country is fighting on several fronts at once. Two of them — the special military operation and the economic confrontation — are temporary in nature, and victory in them will certainly be ours. But there are also two other fronts: the value-based and the demographic ones, where the struggle will never cease. It is precisely here that the question of who the future will belong to is decided. Our boys, our heroes, who are returning from the front line today, are not merely participants in combat operations. They are living examples of courage, honour and love for the Motherland. Children see their eyes, hear their voices, and for them this is the most important lesson in patriotism. No guidelines or textbooks can replace live communication with someone who has truly served the country. Therefore, our task is to do everything possible to ensure that every returning hero can find his place within the systems of upbringing and education. In a school, in a sports club, in a youth centre — wherever his example can ignite children’s hearts," said Deputy Chair of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Anna Kuznetsova.
A recipient of two Orders of Courage and participant in the federal programme "Time of Heroes", Alexei Zhbanov, emphasised that a mentor is a person one can turn to almost at any time for advice in a difficult situation. For veterans, it is especially important that mentors are experienced managers, including former military officers — people who understand their path well.
One of the participants of the regional programme "Heroes Among Our Own" proposed uniting regions connected with the name of Admiral Fyodor Ushakov. The Head of the Republic of Mordovia, Artyom Zdunov, supported this initiative and called for the development of a special project involving the Mordovian Ushakov movement.
The meeting between graduates of the presidential programme "Time of Heroes" and participants of the regional programme "Heroes Among Our Own" became one of the key events of the Days of Mordovia. The open dialogue format made it possible not only to exchange experience and discuss current challenges for managers, but also to outline further steps for the development of the programmes and support for those who continue to serve the country in peaceful life.
Event photobank
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