This is how Lieutenant Ing. Kryštof Harant, this year’s top graduate of the Faculty of Military Leadership at the University of Defence, describes his life philosophy—one he fully embraced throughout his studies. He had the honor of representing all his fellow graduates during the official graduation ceremony held on Thursday, July 31. During the event, the Rector-Commandant of the University of Defence, Brigadier General Jan Farlík, ceremoniously touched Harant’s shoulder with a sword, formally marking the end of his studies at the military university.

Bearing a name that evokes associations with a famous historical figure—especially among the middle and older generations—Lieutenant Harant is not, however, from Polžice or Bezdružice. He was born and raised in the city of Most, where he attended the multi-year Podkrušnohorské Gymnasium. During his penultimate year, he discovered the University of Defence at a university fair.
“I’ve always gravitated toward physical activity, and I found out that this school integrates it as a significant part of the curriculum, which really appealed to me. In my final year, I decided once and for all that this was the right path,” Harant explains, referring to the decision that shaped his professional journey.

Upon entering the university, Kryštof first had to come to terms with the fact that, alongside field exercises, academic study formed a significant part of the program.
“From the range of specializations, I was most interested in artillery, considering the impact it has on the battlefield and the weapon systems it operates,” Lieutenant Harant says about his choice. His interest was further reinforced by information from upper-year students:
“It’s a highly complex field. The outcome relies on many sub-units, such as fire support coordination units, fire control teams, fire support logistics, and others.”

Following graduation, Lieutenant Harant will take up the position of fire control platoon leader in the artillery regiment stationed in Jince. He plans to settle in the Příbram region with his girlfriend, who he previously visited in Liberec. Given his life philosophy, he has a good chance of joining his dream unit soon—the Fire Support Coordination Battery. To achieve that, he will need to advance at least one rank higher in the command structure.

One of the most challenging aspects of his studies, Kryštof recalls, was writing his diploma thesis, which focused on the ballistic preparation of an artillery unit and battery.
He lacked prior experience in creating a work of such scope, as the five-year integrated master’s program did not include a bachelor’s thesis. In the end, however, he successfully identified certain deficiencies in ballistic preparation and described them in the context of the planned rearmament of the artillery forces.

Kryštof fulfills his need for physical activity through sport—both individually and in team sports—and he also enjoys hiking. He relaxes by reading fantasy literature.

Author: Viktor Sliva
Photos: Viktor Sliva and the personal archive of Kryštof Harant