On November 7, Kazakhstan celebrates the Day of the Military Journalist — a holiday honoring those who, through their pen, camera, and word, stand on the information front line, telling stories about the daily service, heroism, and traditions of the defenders of the Motherland.

This year, the date coincided with a significant milestone in the history of the military press — on the eve of the professional holiday, the 3,500th issue of Qalkan, the official newspaper of the National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was published.

The history of military journalism in Kazakhstan is inseparably linked with the printed publications of the troops of law and order. It all began in 1961, when the first issue of the newspaper On Combat Duty was released — the predecessor of today’s Qalkan. For more than six decades, the military journalists have faithfully and objectively covered the service of the guardsmen, preserving the traditions and spirit of army brotherhood.

Throughout its long history, the newspaper changed its name several times — Dzerzhinets, Qalkan–Shchit, Qalkan — but its mission has always remained the same: to reflect the daily life of the servicemen, to tell about their duty, sporting achievements, courage, and devotion to maintaining public order.

Today, Qalkan continues to evolve as a modern multimedia platform of the National Guard, where printed journalism is effectively combined with digital formats. The updated design, the introduction of QR codes, visual reports, and interactive publications make the content more engaging and accessible to a wide audience.

The editorial team is also active on social media — Instagram, Aitu, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, where news, interviews, and documentary videos about the guardsmen gather thousands of views. This modern approach helps convey the spirit of military service to the younger generation, fostering respect and pride for the people in uniform.

In addition to the newspaper, the National Guard produces other media projects — the Bürkit magazine, the educational and methodological digest Ulttyq Ulan Jarsysy, documentary films by the video studio, and books dedicated to the heroic history of the troops. These publications have become a true chronicle of duty, courage, and patriotism.

A special role belongs to the video studio of the National Guard, which creates documentary and short films about the service and life of the guardsmen. Their works are widely shared across social media and digital platforms, resonating with audiences nationwide.

The editorial media projects not only tell stories of heroes but also inspire a new generation of journalists, officers, and soldiers who continue the traditions of honest and dedicated information service.

The military journalists of the National Guard serve with honor on the information front line. Their pen, camera, and microphone are their weapons of truth — tools through which they strengthen public trust in the army, shape a positive image of the guardsman, and instill in every reader a sense of pride for their country.

Press Service of the National Guard
Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kvv/press/news/details/1100686?lang=kk