Military training and education in China

Military training and education in China (Chinese: 军训) is a fundamental form of institutions of higher learning reforming education content and also a method for students taking on defence education, required by The Military Service Law of the People's Republic of China^[1] and The decisions of the central committee of the communist party about education system reform.^[2]

History

Military training of students could be traced back to the feudal era in China. According to the Book of Rites and Zhou, the Western Zhou Dynasty had two levels of studies: guoxue and xiangxue.The university in the Western Zhou Dynasty focussed on martial arts, and the teachers would be appointed as military officers. The major content of military training is learning archery and driving chariots. This is the earliest military training. From then on the following dynasty has taken military training.

During the Kuomintang reign, boy scouts training existed.

In July 1955, the first division of military service law was issued, which first requires high school students and undergraduates to take on military training by law. In the same year's winter Beijing Sport University and Beijing Iron and Steel Engineering Institute pilot projects were conducted, followed by 12 higher education institutes. More than 10,000 students were trained. During 1955 to 1957, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of National Defence authorized 127 schools to carry out military training. The number of trained students had reached over 70,000. At that time, higher education institutes focused more on training of technical reserve officers, while high schools paid more attention to basic military training.

In early 1960s, first grade students in 38 institutes of higher learning and 70 senior high schools and trade schools from 53 cities experimented with military training with the authority of the State Council.

After the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee,time is ripe to expand military training with the political stability and growing economy.Up to now,there are almost 500 universities and colledges and 3000 middle schools.

Purpose

1. To promote the spirit of patriotism and improve the idea of defence
2. To develop a good will and qualities
3. To shape collectivism
4. Beneficial for the following learning

Sort

military training of students

According to Law of the People's Republic of China on National Defense Education ,pupils,middle school students and undergraduates should have military training when term opens or after National Day.

Pupils and junior high school students mainly practise basic formation and movement.

High school students need to improve their ability of arrangement and emergency evacuation additionally,as well as acquire knowledge about national defence.

Undergraduates should take on formal military training and earthquake emergency evacuation programme.The training usually lasts 10-15 days for boys,6-7 days for girls.

Training content

Formation training (队形训练）:stand at attention (立正), stand at ease (稍息), footwork(步法), salute(敬礼) and at last military review.

References

1. ^ http://www.gov.cn/banshi/gm/content_63510.htm
2. ^ http://www.gmw.cn/content/2010-07/15/content_1181184.htm