This year, seven graduates of a college in Astana decided to undertake compulsory military service in the National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. All seven trained as paramedics. They are currently at the training center of Military Unit 5571 in Almaty, where they are learning the fundamentals of military service and preparing to take the Military Oath.
The initiative came from Private Kadirzhan Baitenov. He was the first to visit the military enlistment office and undergo a medical examination before inviting his former classmates to join him in serving.
Private Duman Korganbayev also supported the idea. At the time, he was in Shymkent. When he learned that his friends were preparing to join the army, he bought a ticket to Astana and went to the military enlistment office that same day. Thus, the seven former classmates found themselves together again — this time in military uniform.
Today, the Guardsmen are undergoing basic military training. They are adapting to army routines, learning drill techniques and mastering the fundamentals of military service. According to them, having familiar faces around helps them adjust to their new environment more quickly.
“We have known each other for a long time, so we feel more confident here. We can always turn to one another for help. Serving together is interesting because we have people to share both everyday moments and the first challenges of military life with,” says Private Almas Bolysbek.
When asked why they chose the National Guard, the servicemen point to its modern service conditions. They were particularly interested in the digitalization of processes within the law and order troops, the use of intelligent video surveillance systems and modern technologies applied to organizing servicemen’s meals.
The seven classmates still have many months of service ahead of them. After completing their training, they will carry out public order and security duties in Almaty.
For some of them, service in the law and order troops may mark the beginning of a professional career. Several servicemen are already considering continuing their service in the Military Medical Department, where they could apply the knowledge they gained in college in a military setting.
Press Service of the National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
