Memory and continuity: Satbayev University celebrated Fatherland Defender Day as well as Victory Day

There was held a solemn ceremony of laying flowers to “Eternal Flame”, dedicated of Fatherland Defender Day and Victory Day at Satbayev University Military Affairs Institute. Ceremony was attended by Satbayev University’s Rector Meiram Begentayev, honored worker of Kazakhstan, chairman of “Elders Council”, professor Ulykpan Sydykov, as well as one of the former heads of the Institute, former first deputy defense minister and chief of the general staff, lieutenant general Bulat Darbekov, who congratulated the audience on their professional holiday and honored the memory of the deceased in the war.

A particular place in the program was occupied by the veterans’ memories. Colonel Nikolay Mamchenko, one of the honored veterans of the chair, who joined the department in 1984, shared his memories of the department formation in the early years of independence and what Military Affairs Institute has been able to achieve since then:

"When I joined the department, they trained gunners and mortar men here, then the list of military professions began to expand. From the very first day, we tried to pass on our military experience to young people and did everything to make our department one of the leading in the country. On the basis of it, there were held allied training camps of deputy commanders of military districts for field training. Despite the difficult time that fell in the 90s, we managed to preserve the department and its achievements, so that since Kazakhstan gained independence, we could pass on this experience further. And today, Institute graduates demonstrate better results in combat shooting than cadets of military institutes. The level of their training is beyond doubt."

Currently, Military Affairs Institute is demonstrating sustainable development. About 900 military reserve specialists are trained here annually in 30 areas. The expansion of programs, including the training of non-commissioned officers, has made it possible to strengthen the practical component of training. Institute graduates show high results and successfully serve in Armed Forces’ various units.

Holding such events highlights the continuity of generations, the military service importance and the education role in ensuring the country’s security. Satbayev University notes that  preserving the historical memory, educating the patriotism and evolving the professional competencies of future specialists remain key tasks aimed at strengthening the defense capability and sustainable development of Kazakhstan.