The article presents an analysis of the historical periods of the introduction of initial military training in Russia. The modern legislative framework that regulates the preparation of citizens for military service in the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is analyzed. Attention is focused on the current stage of the introduction of initial military training in educational institutions of the country, where it is noted that from September 1, 2023, the integration of the initial military training program into the educational process of Russian youth is planned, but at the same time trends of a supposedly formal approach to this initiative are revealed.