The International Cadet Week (ICW) concluded successfully, with more than thirty cadets from ten countries participating in the program series recently organized by the Faculty of Military Science and Officer Training of the Ludovika University of Public Service.
The aim of the International Cadet Week — now organized for the second time — is to provide participants with an opportunity to learn about Hungarian military higher education, our institution, and each other’s cultures, while also building new professional and personal connections.
Cadets from the United States, Japan, Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Greece, Georgia, and Serbia took part in the week-long program together with Hungarian officer cadets.
On the opening day, participants introduced their institutions and their countries’ military education systems, followed by an informal networking evening held at Stefánia Palace. Brigadier General Dr. Péter Lippai, Dean of the Faculty, emphasized that the purpose of the International Cadet Week, now held for the second time, is not merely a one-time meeting, but the creation of a tradition that will connect future officers over the long term.
The following day, in addition to lectures held at the Zrínyi Miklós Barracks and University Campus, the students also participated in practical training sessions. Organized by the Hungarian Defence Sports Association at the National Shooting Range, they became acquainted with weapons currently in service with the Hungarian Defence Forces and also took part in sport shooting activities.
One of the highlights of the week was a visit to the Szolnok campus, where participants gained insight into air force-related training programs. They viewed the ZLIN and 3D tower simulators, as well as the VR, AR, MR, and drone laboratories. The delegation then visited the REPTÁR Aviation Museum.
This year, the organizers once again scheduled the International Cadet Week during the Ludovika Festival, enabling cadets to attend several scientific and professional lectures. Among others, they listened to presentations by astronaut Tibor Kapu and Professor Brankica Popović of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies in Serbia. They also attended lectures by a senior researcher from the Research Institute of Criminology of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Deputy Director General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy.
The international group also visited Tata, where they learned about the equipment and duties of the Hungarian Defence Forces’ Klapka György 1st Armoured Brigade and attended static equipment and weapons demonstrations.
As the closing event of the program series, participants attended the 100 Days Ceremony, which was also attended by the highest-ranking leadership of the Hungarian Defence Forces and the Ludovika University of Public Service.
The young future officers participating in the International Cadet Week unanimously emphasized that the program series held in Hungary provided an exceptional opportunity to build international relationships, gain insight into different military education systems, and strengthen allied thinking and cooperation. The program also demonstrated that the military profession represents shared universal values and a sense of unity for cadets arriving from all around the world.
Text: Renáta M. Révész
Photos: Ferenc Antal, László Gajdács, László Szabó