The article deals with the problem of functioning in the post war period of educational institutions of the system of labor reserves-schools of the Federal district, vocational and railway schools. The goals, methods and results of these institutions are outlined. There are marked deformities in the functioning of the system associated with the use of methods of coercion against mobilized, as well as unsatisfactory material and living conditions provided to students. The causes and vectors of reforming the system of labor reserves in the late 1940s-early 1950s are identified.