The article reveals the essence and content of the leading pedagogical ideas of the outstanding Russian classic of Soviet pedagogy A. S. Makarenko and identifies the main directions of their use in the process of professional training of future officers. The fundamental differences between teaching and upbringing, the specifics of “team pedagogy”, the critical position of A. S. Makarenko to the opponents of official pedagogy are revealed. The accentuation of methodological provisions based on the fundamental foundations of the pedagogical concept of A. S. is reflected. Makarenko and his practice-oriented achievements are presented, which are really and potentially aimed at solving the state task of educating a new person in the system of collective formation, as a means of building the future of the country and humanity.