Avangard is a center for military-patriotic education of youth, built according to a special project and operating on the basis of original educational programs. The center appeared relatively recently, but in a short time it was able to become one of the most prominent places on the map of patriotic education in Russia.

Everything is unusual in the Avangard center: the architectural appearance, classrooms, training simulators and programs, as well as a teaching staff consisting of young, motivated and highly professional people.

How the Avangard works
Avangard was established by the governments of Moscow and the Moscow Region with the support of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The opening of the center took place on September 19, 2020, it is located on the territory of the Patriot Park in the Odintsovo city district of the Moscow region.

Every week, from 900 to 1800 high school students and students of 1-2 courses of secondary vocational education institutions in Moscow and the Moscow region come to the center. For five days – exactly how long one shift lasts – students are in the “Vanguard”. They move through the territory in formation and with a song, and when they ask a question, they say: “allow me to apply.” They also respond in a military way: “that’s right” and “no way.”

The training center is divided into clusters – residential, educational, sports and household. The administrative and educational building and a large parade ground are located in the center, where solemn formations are held in the morning, cadets practice drill techniques in the afternoon, and take part in dance competitions in the evening.

Each cadet is given a set of uniforms designed specifically for Avangard: trousers, a T-shirt, a belt, a fleece jacket, a jacket and a cap. The guys can take the T-shirt and belt home as a keepsake.

Students spend the entire training camp period without gadgets with Internet access. It is allowed to use only push-button phones, the rest of the devices are deposited. A busy training program takes up all the time of training, and young Russian citizens do not have time for a smartphone.

How and what is taught at Avangard
The students (cadets) are divided into five companies, each with five platoons. An instructor and three shift counselors are assigned to each platoon. Each of the five companies belongs to one of the branches of the Armed Forces and separate branches of the Armed forces: the Navy, Aerospace Forces, Ground Forces, Strategic Missile Forces and Airborne Troops. At the same time, the subjects studied are all the same, so that each cadet can get an extensive understanding of the features of service in different structures of the army and navy.
Cadets undergo a practical course of initial military training and get a complete understanding of military service: they master the principles of drill, get acquainted with modern weapons, learn to put on gas masks, provide first aid, and observe army discipline. The material base of the center allows students to virtually participate in combined arms combat, drive trucks and even feel what a parachute jump is.

Avangard uses sophisticated, high-tech simulators for training. For example, a Paratrooper simulator is installed in the airborne training class. On it, students practice the elements of landing. The jump corresponds to reality by 90% due to the simulation of a scattering airflow from two powerful fans, a complex suspension system and virtual reality glasses.

Army car driving simulators are installed in the auto training class. The car trainers are integrated into the original cabins of heavy trucks mounted on dynamic platforms and equipped with 3D displays that help simulate the sensations experienced by the driver of a real car while driving on roads with different surfaces.

There are pneumatic and multimedia shooting ranges in the fire training classes. Here, instructors teach cadets the correct stance, breathing, and holding weapons when shooting.

Avangard has developed and implemented Russia’s first certified online distance learning platform. Before arriving at the center, students master the minimum required amount of theoretical knowledge, which allows them to adapt faster during the full-time period and fully focus on practical classes.

Another exclusive development of the center is the artificial intelligence of Avangard – I.R.A. It is an android with built-in intelligence that helps instructors and counselors control the movements of cadets, track their progress, and establish contacts with each other.

The entire learning process at Avangard is based on original programs of its own development, based on game technology, interactive educational and methodological complexes and digital content. There are currently 26 such programs.

The educational component is based on the fact that with the help of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the governments of Moscow and the Moscow region, the best people of the country are invited to meet with cadets. These are the military heroes of Russia, participants in a special military operation, politicians, entrepreneurs, cosmonauts, Olympic champions, popular artists.

Avangard’s experience is in demand
. Avangard not only creates unique programs, but also actively shares its experience. The center’s developments are already being used in their work by “Vanguards” created in other regions of the country. To date, there are more than 100 such centers.

Since the first year of operation, the center’s specialists have been participating in large-scale forums, exhibitions and conferences. The Avangard stand at the Army Forum invariably attracts a huge number of guests. Participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Russia–Africa Forum, the Moscow International Salon of Education, as well as other major exhibitions and events attracts the attention of specialists, including colleagues from abroad.
The United Arab Emirates, as a State, showed interest in the activities of Avangard and decided to build a training center similar to Avangard in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The work was organized with the direct participation of the UAE Ambassador to Russia, Mr. Mohammad Ahmad Al-Jaber. Currently, a number of contract documents have been signed for the development of the concept, joint work on technical documentation and technical supervision during the construction period.

Next, it is planned to organize work on training teachers from the UAE on the basis of Avangard for the subsequent teaching of academic disciplines, sending Russian specialists to transfer experience to Arab colleagues, transferring training programs and organizing the operation of a turnkey training center in Abu Dhabi. It should be noted that a significant part of the joint work consists in adapting the academic disciplines and programs of Avangard to local traditions, climate and terrain.

Avangard has potential customers on other continents as well. After the Russia–Africa Forum, representatives of several African states visited the center, discussing topical issues and ways to develop a possible partnership with the leadership.

The next Army Forum will be held in August 2024. Avangard has already begun preparations for this large-scale event. This means that there will be interesting acquaintances, new partners and promising prospects in the development of military-patriotic education and youth education.