In the USSR, the health of the nation was taken seriously at the state level. In essence, GTO is a physical training complex. It was introduced in 1931 and died along with the Union in 1991.
GTO is a tricky thing. At the same time, it is both a goal (to make the nation healthier, to maintain readiness for work and defense) and a means to achieve this goal (an incentive for citizens to monitor their health, maintain and increase their ability to work and combat readiness)…
The GTO program is a creation of the Soviet government and a natural continuation of its philosophy. From the first day of its existence, the Bolshevik government perceived the country's citizens as a mobilization resource that they simply had to know how to use - not only in war, but also in peacetime.
Already in April 1918, the All-Russian Central Executive Committee of the RSFSR adopted a decree “On compulsory training in the art of war.” From that moment on, men and women from 18 to 40 years old were required to study military affairs at their place of work. 
To support students, numerous societies were created - at the Red Army Academy, the Military Scientific Society (VNO) and its branches in 1920. The Society of Friends of the Air Fleet (ODVF) in 1923 and the Society of Friends of Chemical Defense and Chemical Industry (DOBROHIM) in 1924. The head of the VNO was the military people's commissar Mikhail Frunze.
In 1925, Frunze wonderfully formulated the meaning of the existence of military training for the population of the USSR:
“We need to more firmly instill in the consciousness of the entire population of our Union the idea that modern wars are waged not by one army, but by the entire country as a whole, that the war will require the exertion of all the people’s forces and means, that the war will be deadly, a war not for life, but to death, and that therefore all-round thorough preparation is needed for it even in peacetime.” 
OSOAVIAKHIM. 1931
In the second half of the 1920s, disparate military sports organizations merged and in 1927 the Society for Assistance to Defense, Aviation and Chemical Construction (OSOAVIAHIM) was created, which was later transformed into DOSAAF.
This organization had about two million members, under its leadership hundreds of shooting ranges, shooting ranges, flying clubs and other circles were opened, where children and youth received their first knowledge in various military disciplines.
The physical training program “Ready for Labor and Defense of the USSR” was introduced in 1931 and was, in fact, part of preparing the population for total war. The officially stated goal of the program is “to further increase the level of physical education and mobilization readiness of the Soviet people, primarily the younger generation.” 
TRP badges
The point is that the entire population of the country - with an emphasis, of course, on schoolchildren and young people - should pass standards in the simplest sports disciplines. People who ran fast, jumped high and threw dummy grenades far received badges. They were silver and gold, differed by age level, special badges were awarded for passing standards for several years in a row, and an entire work team could receive a separate badge. 
In ten years - from 1931 to the start of the war in 1941 - six million people received the first level GTO badge, and one hundred thousand received the second level badge. Preparation for labor and defense of the USSR was mandatory in schools, vocational, secondary and higher educational institutions, in the army, navy, police and many other organizations. Competitions in the GTO disciplines received no less advertising than sports competitions and other sports championships in the country.
Over time, the Soviet government lost its vigilance and stopped preparing the entire nation for total war. Of course, no one has canceled the GTO standards, but people have already become interested not in military sports training, but in much more peaceful sports, such as figure skating, football, hockey, chess and dominoes. 
As the economy developed, human life acquired more and more value (material, of course) - the patient had to be treated in public hospitals, a person who died prematurely, for obvious reasons, stopped working at a state factory or other production facility. In general, it became clear to the Soviet government that a healthy person is better than an unhealthy one.
This was the reason for revising the GTO standards in 1972. Now the main emphasis was not on training soldiers, but on maintaining a person in good physical shape. 
Now the GTO has five levels - “Brave and dexterous” for children 10-13 years old, “Sports shift” for 14-15 years old, “Strength and courage” for boys and girls 16-18 years old, “Physical perfection” for men 19 -39 years and women 19-34 years old and “Vigor and Health” for men 40-60 years old and women 35-55 years old.
Nothing was provided above the V stage - women after 55 and men after 60 retired and ceased to bring significant benefits to the national economy, in addition, it was much more difficult to organize them, because pensioners sat at home with their grandchildren, and did not go to factories in an organized manner .
To receive a beautiful badge, it was not necessary to pass all the GTO standards; it was enough to achieve several specified indicators in different disciplines. 
However, the GTO system did not affect average life expectancy - unlike, for example, Mikhail Gorbachev’s anti-alcohol campaign.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, everyone seemed to have forgotten about the GTO. Only citizens remembered him, who were confident that returning schoolchildren to training for total war would make them real patriots.
Five age levels of the GTO
The last all-Union physical training complex of the GTO had 5 age levels (each had its own standards and requirements):
Stage I - “Bold and dexterous” - 10–11 and 12–13 years old;
II stage - “Sports shift” - 14–15 years;
III stage - “Strength and courage” - 16–18 years old;
IV stage - “Physical perfection” - men 19–28 and 29–39 years old, women 19–28 and 29–34 years old;
Stage V - “Vigor and health” - men 40–60 years old, women 35–55 years old.
(Children's poems of the 30s).
The firefighters are looking, the police are looking,
photographers of our capital are looking for
they've been looking for a long time, but can't find it
a guy of about twenty.
He wears a white T-shirt and cap.
The GTO sign is on his chest.
They don't know anything about him anymore.
Many guys are broad-shouldered and strong.
Many wear T-shirts and caps.
Everyone is ready for work and defense.
Who, where and what kind of bird is he?
the guy the capital is looking for?
What did he do and what is he to blame for?
This is what people say about him.
One citizen was traveling around Moscow -
white cap on head.
I was riding on the tram platform in the spring,
humming something to the roar of wheels.
Suddenly he saw, opposite in the window
someone is rushing about in the smoke and fire.
A lot of people crowded onto the panel.
People looked under the roof with alarm:
there from the window through the fiery smoke
the child held out his hands to them.
Without wasting one minute,
a guy rushed from the tram platform
across the car
and climbed up the drainpipe.
The third floor, and the fourth, and the fifth...
Here is the last one, engulfed in fire.
A shroud of black smoke hangs.
Fire bursts out from the window.
We still need to tighten up a little.
The guy, weakening, crawled to the window,
stood up, choking in smoke, on the ledge,
He took the girl and went downstairs.
Here he grabbed the column with his hand.
Here he stepped along the cornice towards the balcony...
My foot can barely stand on the ledge,
and the balcony is four steps away.
Step.Stop.Another.Stop.
He made it to the balcony deftly.
Climbed over the iron barrier,
opened the door and disappeared into the apartment...
A cloud of dust mixes with the smoke,
fire trucks are rushing,
They click loudly and whistle alarmingly.
Rows of copper helmets shine.
Instantly, the copper helmets fell apart.
The stairs grew quickly, like in a fairy tale.
People in tarpaulin - one after another -
climbing stairs into flames and smoke...
The flame is replaced by smoke monoxide.
The pump drives a stream of water.
A woman, crying, approaches the firefighters:
Girl, save my daughter!
No, - the firefighters answer unanimously, -
the girl was not found in the building.
We have now walked around all the floors,
but no one has been found yet.
Suddenly from the gates of a burnt house
A stranger came out.
Red with rust, covered in bruises,
He held the girl tightly in his arms.
The daughter cried, hugging her mother.
The guy jumped onto the tram platform,
flashed like a shadow behind the carriage glass,
He waved his cap and disappeared around the corner.
The firefighters are looking, the police are looking,
looking for photographers in our capital,
they've been looking for a long time, but can't find it
a guy of about twenty.
Medium height, broad-shouldered and strong,
he wears a white T-shirt and cap,
"GTO" sign on his chest.
They don't know anything about him anymore.
Many guys are broad-shouldered and strong,
many wear T-shirts and caps.
There are many similar icons in the capital.
To a glorious feat
everyone is ready!
In the Kady municipal district, as throughout the country, the “GTO” complex - “Ready for Labor and Defense” - was renewed four years ago. This year, emphasis has been placed on introducing the complex standards in preschool institutions. Kindergartens should become the foundation on which pupils are introduced to a healthy lifestyle and sports, and cultivate moral and patriotic feelings. After all, it is in preschool age that the foundation is laid for the physical development, health and character of a person in the future. The genetic characteristics of children are clearly outlined. This period of childhood is characterized by gradual improvement of all functions of the child’s body.
In May, the standards of the GTO complex were passed by primary school students, then by high school students. More than 100 gold, silver and bronze insignia were issued. In the summer, the children were taught swimming, and next year they will be able to pass the standards on the water.
And recently, an expert commission adopted the standards of the GTO complex in preschool institutions of the regional center.
24 pupils of the preparatory group of kindergarten No. 1 and 12 - kindergarten No. 3 passed. The reception was conducted by an expert from the culture department I. A. Chistyakova and a methodologist of the RMK department of education M. O. Krylova.
Before passing the standards, a warm-up was first carried out to warm up the muscles. Children perceive activities as a game, they like to run and jump. They willingly performed movements such as lifting the body from a lying position on the floor; flexion - extension of the arms while lying on the floor; bending forward from a standing position on a gymnastic bench; hitting the ball on target.
The commission concluded that preschoolers are sufficiently developed, perform tasks willingly, and show endurance and activity. A worthy replacement is growing. And most importantly, both children and their parents and teachers have increased interest in physical exercise and sports.
In the near future, a commission is planned to visit the villages to accept the standards of the GTO complex.
 |
|
 |
 |
Many people no longer remember the famous poem “The Unknown Hero” by Samuil Marshak. But in Soviet times, almost every schoolchild could recite it by heart, because it was a kind of anthem to the GTO physical culture and sports complex.
Firefighters are looking for
The police are looking for
Photographers are looking for
In our capital,
They've been looking for a long time,
But they can't find
Some guy
About twenty years old.
Medium height,
Broad-shouldered and strong,
He wears white
T-shirt and cap.
"GTO" sign
On his chest.
They don't know anymore
Nothing about him.
It is no coincidence that we remembered the poem by Samuil Marshak and the GTO complex, with which we will all have to make friends again. The decree “On the All-Russian Physical Culture and Sports Complex “Ready for Labor and Defense” (GTO)” was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin back in the spring, on March 24, 2014, and came into effect on September 1.
The M-SPORT correspondent decided to find out how this long-term and multifaceted program will be implemented in the capital from the deputy head of Moskomsport, Alexey Pyzhov.
Veterans are ready to lead by example
Alexey Nikolaevich, not much time has passed since the presidential decree came into force to talk about any successes. The main work on introducing the GTO complex into our daily lives is still ahead. How ready are the capital for it?
Moscow, along with the Yaroslavl, Sverdlovsk regions and a number of other regions, took on the role of initiator in the revival of the GTO complex in our country. Of course, on a modern basis. We understood well that without such programs, which, of course, includes the GTO complex, it is very difficult to develop physical culture and sports. It was especially difficult in the early 90s. And later, when the GTO complex essentially ceased to exist, we came up with a certain analogue for it - the multi-purpose program “Moscow Athlete”, which at a certain stage helped us out and justified itself.
The task that faces us now is also not as simple as it might seem at first glance. But since we have already accumulated certain experience, inherited from previous generations and acquired in modern conditions, we will certainly cope with it. The revival of the GTO complex is not a one-time event that was carried out and forgotten. This is a long process that requires competent analysis and a well-thought-out approach. We are actively involved in the work, which is currently in test mode, since both we and representatives of other regions continue to make amendments and proposals to the GTO complex - until the program is formed.
You belong to that generation that did not need to explain why the GTO complex was needed. By the mid-60s, when it was time to pass the standards, the GTO complex had already received such development in our country that no one had any questions about its feasibility. Every self-respecting citizen, regardless of age and membership in a particular social group, was obliged to comply with existing standards, despite the fact that this was considered a voluntary matter. Otherwise, your schoolmates began to look at you with some bewilderment and even reproach. How is it possible to not pass the standards of the GTO complex, they are not so complex?
At that time, that's pretty much how it was. We were undergoing the first serious test of physical readiness in our lives. And no one objected to this. On the contrary, everyone tried to show the best results. And if someone didn’t succeed the first time, he came a second, third time... It couldn’t be otherwise, we were raised and taught that way. Having received the GTO badge as our first award, we then proudly wore it on the lapel of our jacket - like that unknown hero of Samuil Marshak.
No one was embarrassed to wear their first awards. By the way, over time I managed to put together a unique collection, which represents all the issued TRP badges starting from 1931. It is still intact and, I hope, will soon begin to replenish again.
- Why aren’t badges being issued to those who meet the standards of the GTO complex?
Because badges are not supposed to be issued for testing standards. You must have paid attention to the grade books during the Moscow GTO festival, which was held recently at Luzhniki. On them, in black and blue (this is the color the participants were given the books), it is written that they are intended for testing the standards. By 2017, when all the work on the formation of the GTO complex is completed, I hope that badges will appear.
- Wasn’t it easier to rehabilitate the old system rather than create some new one?
If you approach the task at hand formally, it might be easier. But we are not going to blindly copy the old system, it is outdated. Today a new approach and new proposals are required. Although we will try to preserve the foundation on which the GTO complex rested for many years. Of course, making certain amendments. Specialists from the Ministry of Sports constantly receive them from us, process them, consult and give recommendations: what to remove and what to add to the new GTO complex.
There are plenty of questions too. For example, where and how best to pass the standards of the GTO complex? Since we do not have universal sports facilities at our disposal, which would include a swimming pool, a shooting range, an athletics stadium, and in winter a ski stadium, we have to think every time about a suitable place for passing the standards. Or here’s another difficult question related to throwing a grenade. Where to do this exercise? You can’t do it on a football field; you could ruin the grass lawn. But finding a specially designated place is not so easy. So you have to think about what to do: either decide on a place, or decide on a test that makes life so difficult for everyone.
So it would be useful to test all the standards again. Maybe not even once. So that in the end there would be as few controversial issues as possible. For example, when choosing positions such as pull-ups and push-ups. On the one hand, there seems to be nothing complicated: some people choose push-ups, and others choose pull-ups. But, if you take a closer look and study both processes, it will not be difficult to notice that the number of pull-ups in terms of effort and energy consumption does not correspond to the number of push-ups.
That is why various proposals are being made.
We, in turn, are also waiting for proposals. From physical education teachers who can give us some tips or recommendations, from physical education instructors at work. They can also offer us something useful. Then this data will be collected and transferred to the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation.
Specialists from our main department of the country informally approached the development of standards for the GTO complex, involving science, medicine, coaches, athletes, and physical education teachers in this process. And today they develop not only the standards themselves, but also give certain recommendations for their implementation.
This is very important because there are many different nuances. For example, how to do pull-ups on a horizontal bar? Where should the hands gripping the crossbar be directed: inward or outward? It is clear that with the internal grip of the horizontal bar, it is much easier to pull yourself up. But this is wrong, you need to wrap your hands around the crossbar in reverse, otherwise the result will not be counted.
Or take, for example, the standard for walking - for older age categories. Some believe that 3-4 kilometers a day is enough for older people, while others do not agree with such standards. Tests will obviously tell you which of them is right. Therefore, we need to experiment and discuss before making additions and adjustments. It was on this principle that we, at one time, implemented the “Moscow Athlete” program. Now this experience has come in handy for us.
In every business, incentive is important
- What do you think is the most important thing in the GTO complex?
Without going into details and nuances, the most important thing is the incentive. Firstly, in order to test your physical capabilities. Secondly, based on the verification, adjust your training process, or make some amendments to your independent physical education and sports activities. And, thirdly, to harden the body, make it stronger, more resilient and healthy. This is not just my personal opinion. Experts involved in health care and education, with whom we have to work together to develop and implement the GTO complex, think the same way.
- Why is so much time allocated for testing?
So as not to make mistakes and ultimately ruin the entire project. The test is an indicator that will help you find the right solution. Before asking people to fulfill certain standards, you need to make sure that they are suitable for the majority in terms of age and strength. A person decides to test his physical capabilities not because he suddenly felt like it or came into his head at one fine moment. If this were really the case, then he would go out into the clearing, take a cobblestone instead of a grenade and throw it as far as he could. I measured the approximate result and went on about my business. But he doesn't want it that way. Firstly, it’s not interesting, and secondly, there must be some specific meaning. For example, a person did twenty push-ups, fulfilling the standard set for his age group. It’s one thing if he did it with reserve, and quite another thing if he did it with all his might. Potential is important to him. And not only potential, but also some element of competition. It doesn’t matter with whom - with a friend or with yourself. The result sometimes depends not only on strength, but also on technique, speed and endurance. I looked at how others were doing it, tried it, and got a completely different indicator. In other words, he approached the task more preparedly and, thanks to this, achieved a good result.
So in any business there must be an incentive. At first I only did five pull-ups on the horizontal bar - no big deal. Next time you can try more. And so you don’t forget, here’s a reminder for you - in the grade book. It is not necessary to pass the standards every month. It's better to do it after a year to compare how physically fit you are. And this is another additional incentive.
Get ready to exercise!
Do you agree that the GTO complex should have some kind of family origin? Because it’s one thing when a child is shown an example at school and quite another when parents pass standards at the same time as him. If dad has done twenty push-ups, then the son will try to keep up, and the daughter will try to keep up with her mother. Also a kind of incentive.
I agree that parents, first of all, should set an example for their children. I remember well how, as a child, my father woke me up for exercises, which were regularly broadcast on the radio. He was not an avid athlete, but as a man of wisdom who had gone through a difficult and harsh war, he understood perfectly how important it was for me to grow up strong and healthy. Sometimes I didn’t want to get up, laziness overcame me, but seeing my father’s example before me, I tried not to let him down and regularly did exercises with him.
Now it may seem funny to many - charging by radio. But this idea justified itself in its time. Maybe it’s worth thinking about how it can be modernized? In Moscow, sometimes we do exercises with champions. It’s worth thinking about what else interesting things you can come up with. Because we have so many people, for various reasons, rarely leave their homes. Some are embarrassed by being overweight, others are embarrassed by poor coordination, so they feel embarrassed every time they are asked to lean forward or squat. And there are still others who you can’t drag away from the computer. They crawl away when their back begins to hurt and their eyes have trouble seeing. They go to doctors, but they could do without them if they spent at least half an hour exercising every day.
The same can be said about industrial gymnastics. It was once broadcast on the radio during workday afternoons. Then they canceled it, they say, it has outlived its usefulness. But some modern managers have again introduced industrial gymnastics at their enterprises and institutions. They also encourage employees who regularly engage in physical education and sports in every possible way. And they don't do it for fun. They understand that physically fit and healthy employees work better and more productively. Therefore, such modern enterprises and industries provide fitness and gyms, recovery and treatment rooms. I have no doubt that workers and employees of such enterprises will be able to meet the standards of the GTO complex without much difficulty.
- On what principles should the GTO complex system be built?
On fairly simple and long-known ones: voluntariness, accessibility, variation
activity, since the GTO complex should provide not only some clear standards, but also some elements of the game. For example, hitting a basketball with a basketball. In addition, regions, at their discretion, are allowed to introduce two of their own standards into the GTO complex - one for some national sport, the other for a popular sport among young people.
We don't need fictitious indicators
There is no need to chase indicators: who has more TRP badges in the region or district. We need to pay more attention to quality, then there will be no additions. Why do you think you have become more active in physical education and sports in Moscow? Because conditions and opportunities have appeared for independent sports in the capital. Look at how many sports grounds have been built in the area of residence in recent years, how parks and forested areas have begun to be developed, how the embankments of the Moscow River have been transformed, how many bicycle paths have been laid, so-called health trails have been trodden, and areas for workout classes. All these are links in one chain aimed at implementing the state program to improve the health of the population. Today we want to return physical education not only to stadiums, squares and streets of our metropolis, but also to Moscow courtyards.
Previously, passing the standards of the GTO complex was always carried out en masse. As a rule, in stadiums or some other large sports facilities. Today there are not many such places in the capital. Where do you plan to hold such events?
Obviously, where there are opportunities. To feel the strength and power, energy and enthusiasm of the younger generation, it is not at all necessary to gather everyone in one place. And to pursue mass popularity contrary to common sense. It is much more useful to think about how to make the most of all the mass competitions held in Moscow. We believe that they should contain at least one or more GTO elements. Then the mass participation will increase and some additional interest and incentive will appear.
- You and I started with the GTO complex, and then gradually switched to physical education in general.
Indeed, it all starts with physical education, with exercises, with determining a person’s physical capabilities - this is already a GTO complex. And then, if a person is hardworking and talented, he can try his hand at sports or maintain his physical fitness as an athlete.
Both are useful and interesting. We just need to decide what suits each of us best.
Our information
The physical education program in general education, professional and sports organizations of the USSR was adopted in 1931. The initiator of the creation of a special physical training complex for the GTO was the Komsomol. May 24, 1930
Yes, the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper published a note in which it proposed to establish uniform criteria for assessing the physical readiness of young people. And then, using these criteria, conduct tests for strength, agility, endurance and speed. The initiative quickly found supporters and soon Komsomol organizations and the All-Union Council of Physical Culture under the USSR Central Executive Committee began to receive various proposals for the creation of a GTO complex. It was even necessary to create a special commission in order to select the best of them. The author of the GTO complex was eventually named 20-year-old Moscow athlete Ivan Osipov, who proposed the most interesting option.
The first GTO complex, approved on March 11, 1931, consisted of one stage. In order to complete it and receive a special badge as a reward, it was necessary to complete 21 tests, 15 of which were practical. They included such disciplines as running 100, 500 and 1000 meters, long and high jumps, grenade throwing, pull-ups, rope climbing, swimming, as well as the ability to ride a bicycle, drive a tractor, motorcycle, car, horseback riding driving and advancing in a gas mask. Theoretical tests required military knowledge as well as a history of physical training achievements.
The GTO program, created in the 30s, subsequently covered almost all segments of the population from 10 to 60 years old. It consisted of two parts: “Be ready for labor and defense of the USSR” (BGTO, designed for schoolchildren in grades 1-8 (four age levels) and GTO - for students and various age groups over 16 years of age (three levels).
Students who successfully fulfilled the standards of the GTO complex were awarded a special badge. To get it, you had to perform a certain set of exercises: do a given number of push-ups
at once, run a hundred meters, long jump or throw a grenade. Depending on how prepared the teenager who passed the GTO standard was, he was awarded either a silver or gold badge.
In 1940, 1947, 1955, 1959, 1965 changes were made to the program. The last All-Union GTO physical culture complex was approved by a resolution of the CPSU Central Committee and the USSR Council of Ministers on January 17, 1972. It provided for five age levels (each had its own requirements). The first stage is “Brave and dexterous” (10-11 and 12-13 years old). The second stage is “Sports shift” (14-15 years old). Third stage - “Strength and courage” (16-18 years old). The fourth stage is “Physical perfection” (for men 19-28 and 29-39 years old, as well as women 19-28 and 29-34 years old). Fifth stage - “Vigor and health” (men 40-60 years old and women 40-55 years old). In the Armed Forces of the USSR, starting from 1972, there was a military sports complex (MSC), corresponding to the standards of the 4th stage of the GTO.
In the period from 1931 to 1941, more than 6 million people fulfilled the standards of the GTO complex of the 1st stage, and more than 100 million of the 2nd stage.
The army of athletes and athletes in our country continued to grow. If in 1948 in the USSR there were only 139 physical education groups and 7.7 million athletes, then by 1977, thanks to the GTO complex, there were already 219 thousand physical education groups and 52,300,000 athletes.
In the period from 1972 to 1974, 58 million people fulfilled the standards of the GTO complex. Since 1974, All-Union TRP all-around competitions began to be held in our country. More than 37 million athletes took part in the mass starts in 1975. The winners and prize-winners of the final competitions (about 500 people) were awarded the title of Master of Sports of the USSR and Master of Sports of International Class. Seven people in our country became world champions in the all-around GTO after the most massive physical education movement stepped beyond the borders of our country.