Defense ministry training territorial troops’ commanders

February 28, BPN. People in charge of forming Belarusian territorial troops are having training sessions to improve preparedness and coordination, the defense ministry’s press office reported.

The drills began on February 28 and will continue until March 3, it added.

Such exercises are reportedly held annually in cooperation with the Minsk city and regional executive committees.

Individuals eligible for enlistment to territorial troops “will be briefed during a one-day training camp on the basics and procedures for the formation of the territorial forces,” the ministry said.

Territorial troops are an auxiliary part of the Armed Forces called up in times of war or tense military and political situations. They are formed of persons who had military training and are currently in the reserve.

In October 2022, Alaksandr Łukašenka stressed the special importance of territorial defense troops and the people’s militia, noting that everyone must know how to fight and shoot.

“Everyone must know how to fight and shoot,” he said. “My family has the same approach despite the fact that I am the president. My children are all military men, even the youngest one. They are getting ready to defend themselves, and not only themselves – the country needs to be defended.”