Russian President Vladimir Putin Unveils ‘Heroes of Time’ Program to Train Military Veterans for Leadership Roles
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the ‘Heroes of Time’ program in February last year, aiming to equip military veterans with the necessary skills to take up leadership positions in state-owned companies and government agencies. The program, which started accepting applications on March 1, 2024, has already seen 43,000 applicants, with only 83 selected due to the high requirements for administrative experience and necessary training.
Putin redefined the term ‘elite’ during his speech, stating that it is not those who filled their pockets in the 1990s, but those who serve Russia, workers, and warriors who have proven their loyalty to the country.
The program’s goal is to identify and train talent for future leadership positions in large companies, ministries, and government agencies. The additional registration for the second round, which ends on January 15, 2025, includes those who did not make the initial cut but still demonstrated exceptional performance.
Putin emphasized the need for the country to identify and support individuals who have shown dedication and a willingness to take on responsibility, stating that the demand for such individuals is extremely high.
The program’s director, Dmitri Afanassjew, a veteran of the special military operation, believes that the ‘Heroes of Time’ program is the tip of the iceberg in terms of the state’s attention to war veterans and participants in special military operations. He noted that military personnel have the opportunity to enroll in various educational institutions without the need for a re-examination, allowing them to improve their qualifications and learn new skills.
Experts predict that the ‘Heroes of Time’ program will gain more attention in 2025, as the number of veterans returning from the front increases, and their experience is likely to be in demand for the implementation of new national projects.