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How was the Basic General Military Training (BGMT) program improved in the context of first aid? At what stage of BGMT are tourniquet conversion and repositioning taught?
ArmyInform received answers to these questions during an interview with Colonel Vasyl Rumak, Head of the Training Department at training centers (schools) — Deputy Head of the Personnel Training Directorate of the Main Directorate of Doctrines and Training of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Extension of tactical medicine training
Back in December 2024, the duration of tactical pre-medical aid training was increased from 18 to 30 hours (out of the total 51 days of BGMT).
In addition, additional training stations are set up for improving “medical” skills during each core subject.
For example, during firearms training for a standard company of 150 personnel, 12–15 stations are set up directly for firearms training — including stations for tactical pre-medical aid.
Through daily rotation at training stations, servicemen continuously build practical medical skills: applying a tourniquet, stopping bleeding, evacuation from the battlefield, and more.
All of this is conducted using the MARCH algorithm.
Thus, medical training is not limited to 30 hours — servicemen continue to develop their skills during core subjects as well.
Selection of combat medics from each training center
A fixed number of BGMT graduates from each training center is allocated for training as combat medics, based on the center’s capacity.
This number is set individually for each training center, taking into account its capabilities. A pilot project was launched in September 2025, and in October–November the system began operating on a full, systematic basis.
Tourniquet conversion — dedicated training days
Previously, at the Air Assault Forces training center, tourniquet conversion was taught within the MARCH algorithm at the TCC stage, as an instructor from the 199th Training Center once told us.
However, separate training days are now allocated specifically for tourniquet conversion. Cadets train at stations designated exclusively for studying the rules of conversion and the correct repositioning of the tourniquet.
