Генерал-майор Федір Раєвський – перший начальник військового навчального закладу у м. Хмельницькому

Next year will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the first military educational institution, Proskuriv (Khmelnytskyi) Tank School, in the city of Khmelnytskyi. Since then, this charming quiet town has been home to several military educational establishments, including Marshal of Artillery Yakovliev Khmelnytskyi Higher Artillery Command School, as well as Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Each institution has been responsible for training a significant number of highly qualified officers for the Ukrainian Army and Border Guard Service. The leaders of these institutions hold a vital position in the operation of military educational organizations, as they are tasked with both organizing the educational curriculum and overseeing combat training. The personality of the leader often plays a crucial role in the activities and development of an educational institution. When such institutions achieve success, it typically reflects the presence of a distinguished and extraordinary leader. In light of the aforementioned context, the authors undertook a comprehensive examination of the biography, military service, and combat contributions of Major General of Tank Troops Fedir Mykolaiovych Raievskyi, who served as the first chief of a military educational institution in Khmelnytskyi. The aim of this article is to examine the significant milestones in the biography, service, combat activities, and leadership of Major General F. M. Raievskyi, who played a crucial role in the establishment of Proskuriv Tank School. The methodological framework of this study is founded on the principles of historicism, objectivity, comprehensiveness, and systematicity. These principles are effectively implemented through the application of various research methods, including analytical, synthetic, descriptive, chronological, biographical, and synchronic approaches. Novelty. The scientific contribution of this study is significant, as it presents a comprehensive and detailed account of the major milestones in the life and military career of the distinguished military leader, F. Raievskyi. This research highlights his most important achievements and their implications, which are vital for a deeper understanding of his character, as well as his influence on the establishment and evolution of Proskuriv Tank School. Furthermore, the findings may serve as valuable considerations for enhancing contemporary military educational institutions and for the training of proficient Ukrainian officers entrusted with the defense of the nation. Conclusion. Proskuriv Tank School was led by an exceptional commander, Major General of Tank Troops F. Raievskyi. His biography reflects a strong-willed character and a determination to achieve his goals. Throughout his service, Fedir Mykolaiovych addressed his lack of formal education by attending various courses and internships, even participating in initiatives during World War II. As a result, he successfully progressed through all stages of his military career, rising from soldier to major general, and advancing from private to senior command positions within the armed forces. Under the leadership of Major General F. M. Raievskyi, the educational institutions he supervised achieved a distinguished ranking as the top schools within the armed forces, as evidenced by successful inspection outcomes. The high levels of training demonstrated by the cadets serve as a testament to Major General Raievskyi’s esteemed reputation. It is unsurprising that the tradition of establishing military educational institutions in Khmelnytskyi, nurtured by such an accomplished individual, has persisted for eight decades.