REUTERS/Eduard Korniyenko The middle-schoolers spar for conditioning and learn proper rifle form.
At The General Yermolov Cadet School in Stravropol, Russia, academics and military training occur side by side.
The state-run school, named after Alexei Yermolov, a former Russian general and hero of the Caucasus War, blends a normal academic course load with physical drills, weapons training, and overnight camp-outs.
Information about the school is sparse, but images in a Reuters photo package offer a unique glimpse into the daily lives of students, also referred to as cadets.
Take a look below for a glimpse at how the cadet school molds Russian youths into soldiers.