Military meetings in Kuban set for 2025, marking the first such events in the region.
In the heart of the Kuban region, the annual Cossack military field training commenced this week, marking its 17th year of reviving, preserving, and perpetuating historical martial traditions. The event, organized by the Tamanskaya Department, serves as both a military-patriotic event and a social-cultural gathering for Cossacks, reinforcing their role as a military community with deep historical ties to the defense of Russia’s frontiers and the Kuban region.
Since its inception in 2005, more than 30,000 Cossacks have participated in these exercises. This year, over 10,000 Cossacks are expected to attend the training, which includes practical military drills, cavalry and infantry maneuvers, traditional Cossack combat techniques, demonstrations of horsemanship, marksmanship, and participation in commemorations of historical Cossack battles in the Kuban area.
The training is conducted by experienced Cossack instructors and fighters of the SVO, with classes covering tactical, engineering, medical, reconnaissance, UAV management, and small arms shooting. The event promotes Cossack unity, fosters military readiness, and supports recruitment of new generations into Cossack hosts, continuing their role as a semi-military society linked with Russian regional defense interests.
Many participants who complete the program join the volunteer units of the Kuban Cossack Host, demonstrating the training's importance in fostering a sense of community and commitment among Cossacks. The training strengthens ties among various Cossack hosts and highlights their ongoing symbolic and practical roles in regional security and cultural heritage.
The first training in 2005 saw the participation of over 700 Cossacks, a number that has grown significantly over the years. This year's training is no exception, with over 700 representatives of the Tamanskaya Department arriving for the event.
The press service of the regional administration reported on the training, emphasising its importance as a tradition that continues to thrive, connecting Cossacks with their historical roots while preparing them for modern military challenges. The annual Kuban exercises are a testament to the enduring spirit of the Cossacks and their continued role in the defence of Russia.
During the annual Cossack military field training, spectators might be able to witness demonstrations of both traditional Cossack combat techniques and modern small arms shooting. Despite the focus on martial traditions and military readiness, the training also serves as a means to foster a sense of community and commitment among Cossacks, even extending to sports such as football.
