How not to be a sucker in the army. How is service in the Russian army carried out - pros and cons, what a conscript needs to know

How is service in the Russian army carried out, is there hazing? What do they do in the army? What a conscript needs to know - legal advice.

Rumors, stories, publications in the press, high-profile scandals - all this creates a motley picture of how service in the Russian army takes place. In the minds of some, service in the ranks of the Russian army is a “school of life”; in the minds of others, it is the fear of physical pain, a situation of complete powerlessness and subordination to the will of sergeants and officers. Let's figure out how military service works in modern Russia: what are the advantages of serving in the army, what does a conscript need to take to the army and to the assembly point, what does serving in the army provide.

Boys are taught from childhood that when they reach adulthood, they will become soldiers. The initial image of a soldier-defender of the Motherland does not evoke negativity in most children, and becoming a soldier does not seem scary to most of them. Only later, during adolescence and youth, a negative image of army service begins to form. By the time the time comes for the first time to appear for a medical examination at the military registration and enlistment office and receive a conscription certificate, the conscript no longer wonders how long he will serve in the army, because he knows that for conscripted military personnel the period of service is 12 months and is calculated from the date of conferment of military service rank of private. At the same time, the conscript begins to take an active interest in how military service is going, living conditions in the army, orders and traditions prevailing in the army environment.

As military service gets closer and closer, stories about it from friends who have served occupy more and more of the conscript’s attention and make him think seriously about what the army is, what the conscript needs to know and whether he has enough strength to break away from his usual family life for a year. For some, this is a difficult life test, but for others, long-term service in the Russian army is not scary - over time, they enter into a contract and army life becomes a natural way of life for them.

In order for the memories of military service to remain good, an appropriate psychological attitude and good physical preparation are necessary.

The point is not so much that military service involves high physical activity, but rather that it involves some violence against the individual and a mandatory regime:
performing physical exercises at any time of the year, regardless of the weather;
minimum of household amenities;
changing sleep and rest patterns;
change of climate and time zone;
transition to fairly monotonous food.

There is a simple answer to the question of how to prepare for military service - learn to be as independent and collected as possible before serving, gain maximum self-care skills, and try to get your health and physical fitness in order. All this will help you go through the adaptation period faster and easier.

It has long been noted that young men accustomed to physical labor from childhood (rural residents, representatives of blue-collar professions) adapt more easily to military service. The adaptation process takes a slightly longer time for conscripts who are physically weak. Service in the army after higher education is especially difficult due to the difference in age and sometimes the prejudiced attitude of less educated colleagues towards a conscript with a “tower”.

Read also: Military conscription service in the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation

If desired, you can also obtain a military specialty (MUS). VUS training is especially popular among conscripts who want to obtain a driver’s license and subsequently serve in the army as a driver. Young men who have completed training in driver specialties and passed exams by military examination commissions receive a certificate, which is the basis for passing qualifying exams at the local traffic police and obtaining a driver's license.

The initial registration of conscripts for military service is carried out from January 1 to March 31 in the year they reach the age of 17 years. During the same period, a preliminary selection of conscripts for training in military training is carried out.

So, the army is just around the corner - what does a conscript need to know, what should he take with him to the assembly point? Citizens in respect of whom a decision has been made to conscript for military service are given a summons to appear at the appointed time at the military registration and enlistment office for subsequent transportation to the assembly point and further to the place of military service. On the day conscripts are sent to the assembly point, they are required to have with them:
– passport of a Russian citizen;
– registration certificate (on the same day the registration certificate is confiscated, and a military ID is issued in return);
– driver’s license and certificate of VUS (if available);
– shoes and clothes (according to the season).

Preparing for departure to a military unit is often done by wives, mothers or grandmothers, who strive to provide the conscript with a mass of unnecessary and useless things in army life: warm knitted socks, scarves, etc. The advice received by the conscript on what to take into the army will not be the most effective. from fathers and grandfathers who served several decades ago and who recommended taking with you more needles and threads or a week’s supply of stew - a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, the standards and procedures for providing for the defenders of the Fatherland have changed greatly.

At the assembly point, all conscripts are provided with food and clothing in accordance with established standards. Moreover, after receiving a military uniform, the conscript has the right to send his personal belongings home free of charge from the local branch of Russian Post (Clause 8 of Article 20 of the Federal Law “On the Status of Military Personnel”).

Often, conscripts at the military registration and enlistment office at their place of residence are given a memo that lists things that can be taken with them to the assembly point:
- toiletries;
– products (bread, canned food, condensed milk, water in a plastic bottle).

You can also take some cash with you, since there is often a small store on the territory of the assembly point where conscripts can purchase essential goods.

The same memo from the military registration and enlistment office usually indicates what is forbidden to take with you to the assembly point, in particular:
- piercing and cutting objects;
— alcoholic drinks;
- any medications, unless prescribed by a doctor.

Arrival at the military unit, young soldier course (KMB)

Conscripts can stay at the assembly point for several days while a “team” is formed to be sent to a military unit. Immediately upon arrival at the unit, recruits are taken to the bathhouse and dressed in uniform. Usually the foreman has such a trained eye that he can accurately determine the size and size of the issued uniform. But do not hesitate to immediately ask to change any element of the form in size if it does not suit you. Tight shoes and hats are the main cause of injury among recruits.

Once in the army, a soldier is subject to a strict routine: there are regular morning and evening formations, group exercises and exercise classes, and even a certain time is allocated for relaxation hours while watching television programs. At the beginning of service, recruits are also worried about such a concept as hazing in the army. But whether it exists or not - everyone decides for himself... All this is the “skeleton” of army life and is strictly controlled by commanders, brought to the point of automatism.

Meanwhile, a soldier is still not a clockwork mechanism, and the character of any fighter is revealed in relationships with his own kind. “Getting accustomed” to the army also means establishing understanding with conscripts just like you. Anyone who doesn’t “take root” will become a victim.” army hazing" What kind of behavior is acceptable in the barracks will be discussed below.

How to join a new team?

First of all, you need to understand: leaders are not liked in any team, and older employees especially do not like them. Yes, and leaders are different: some are too “correct”, some are superior to others in sports training or studies, some immediately put a “barrier” between themselves and others. Any “barriers” in relationships separate a person from the group. In the army, you need to do the opposite - join the team, become part of it.

The more friends a soldier has from his conscription, the better. Mutual assistance, help, support of comrades is an indispensable condition for being considered one of their own. A separate conversation is eating. If you receive a package from home, share the products with your friends. Eating canned food alone is the first step towards hazing in the army. If you still don’t succeed in joining the team for some reason, or hazing has become a real nightmare, you should under no circumstances complain to higher command or write to your family about it, according to unspoken soldier rules. They will definitely find out about the complaint, and the letter may be read, and then the situation will become much more complicated. It is better to immediately contact the military prosecutor’s office with a complaint about hazing.

However, we must remember that there are different types of complaints. It’s one thing to complain about a presumptuous group of “grandfathers”, and quite another to complain directly about the commander who exhausts the soldiers with drills. It is the responsibility of any soldier to timely carry out the instructions of the higher command staff. Failure to comply with an order can result in severe punishment.

Cleaning and order are sacred

For example, one of the soldiers decides to refuse to clean the barracks: “Why me again?” “Me again” in the case of cleaning does not “roll”. Each soldier takes part in the cleaning in turn, because the barracks is a common home for conscripts, and both their well-being and mood depend on how clean it is. In addition, most simply will not understand your reluctance to clean: “We are cleaning, but are you something special?”

The situation is the opposite with cleaning toilets. If you mess up, cleaning the toilets is a common punishment. But if you were not punished, no one has the right to send a soldier to such cleaning. In general, any assignment that degrades human dignity is illegal. If someone considers himself “superior”, and enrolls another as a “slave” and teaches him, how to behave in the army, such a person must be put in his place. It is desirable, together with comrades, for the humiliated to feel the strong hand of mutual assistance.

What else can you be fined for? For sloppiness - first of all. Untidy appearance is the main reason for bullying. Bad foot odor is the same. Weak belt - note. If I didn’t understand the first time, I got it for misunderstanding.

If there are no comments about the soldier, they don’t touch him. Discipline and adherence to regulations in the army are valued above all else. A surefire way to avoid army hazing" - to be a good soldier.

The army is a good school of life, which many men who have not served are advised to take in absentia. We will not rant on the topic of whether it is worth going there or not (since every young man must make such a decision himself), but will only give some advice from the series “how not to behave in the army if you want to serve well.” Therefore, if you are probably going to “taste the army porridge” (and maybe you have even been serving for some time), make yourself comfortable at the monitor and remember everything that we are about to tell you. Let us make a reservation in advance that situations are different, and our advice should not be taken as the only possible behavior, but most often they will help you avoid some problems.

Seriously. Many guys who end up in the army begin to believe that since there is no opposite sex here, and no one from your relatives/acquaintances sees you, you can not care about your appearance and walk around like a pig.

Leave it alone! People around you see you, and, as you know, they greet you based on your clothes.

In addition, such people in the army are shunned and despised, and are often sent to the dirtiest and most “disrespected” jobs (hello, cleaning the “outhouse”). Conclusion? Start respecting yourself (and therefore your appearance) and others will respect you!

Don’t agree to dubious “requests” from old-timers

In the army, the orders of your superiors are undeniable, but in addition to the officers, you will also be dealing with old-timers (“grandfathers”, “demobes”, etc.). And if the former are unlikely to give you an order that you should refuse, then the latter may try to bend you from the very first day.

Imagine a situation: on the first day of service, one of the soldiers comes up to you and asks you to wash his uniform, make his bed, find him a cigarette, etc. Doing all this is strictly contraindicated, otherwise your reputation will be ruined for the rest of your service. Say a firm “No” and even despite possible threats, stand your ground! Of course, the so-called “grandfathers” may subsequently try to make life difficult for you in the army, begin to put moral pressure on you or even threaten you physically - don’t give in!

Remember that if you break down once, you will no longer regain the respect of both the old-timers and the soldiers of your conscription.

Do they bet on money? Don't give anything away. If they tease you, humiliate you, or even beat you, hit them back or send them to hell. All this will not continue indefinitely and at a certain moment they will leave you behind, realizing that you are a person of principle who does not serve anyone.

Don't be greedy

It would seem to be a truism. However, there is such a thing as “military greed,” which is due to the fact that in the army it is very, very difficult to get sweets, cigarettes and other joys of life. For this reason, it is not uncommon for you, having received a package, to eat only a couple of candies from it, and the rest is distributed among your colleagues. After such moments, some begin to hide in every possible way that they have something tasty (or, for example, cigarettes, which sell like hot cakes here) and try to find opportunities to eat it alone. I’m ready to give at least 3-5 examples when people were caught eating under the covers after lights out or even in the toilet!

“Forget” about responsibilities

There is a clear hierarchy in the army, and if you haven’t memorized the regulations, the inspection officer will ask the sergeant first, who will then remind you of this.

Don't focus on thoughts about home

Now let's talk about your state of mind. If you don’t want to “go crazy” and feel more or less comfortable, try not to burden yourself with unnecessary memories. Of course, there is no need to completely forget your home, parents, friends or girlfriend.

But you better take it right away that the army is now your new home with its own rules and conventions. And the faster you master them, the better.

Meet people, take an interest in the design of the entrusted weapon or tank, keep yourself busy with something and your service will be quick and interesting.

Don't be a "mum"

Try to speak clearly and to the point, and don’t mumble under your breath. Maintain your posture, do not slouch, act calm and confident, without lowering your eyes.

Remember that lowering your eyes, head, or slouching is taking on the role of a “potential victim.”

Don't be secretive

“Dark horses” are openly disliked in the army, so don’t distance yourself from the team, make acquaintances by moving in this direction on your own (for example, treat a colleague to something). Showcase your existing talents. Can you play the guitar? Play! Do you understand radio electronics? Fix the ensign's favorite radio!

The sooner If you prove yourself, the better your relationship with the team will be.

Don't be fooled by provocations

Try not to succumb to various provocations. In addition, in the army there are many different peculiar pranks that are aimed at breaking you psychologically. For this reason, try to show restraint and calmness in situations where this is possible (of course, sometimes you can and should prove that you are right with your fists, but a good commander is the one who managed to win without a battle).

Weigh all your actions and always think about how correctly you are behaving.

In the language of the Charter, everyday life in the army is called “the hardships and deprivations of military service.” What does a young fighter need to know, and how to behave correctly in new living conditions?

First rules

As old-timers say, there are several simple rules that will help a recruit behave correctly in the army and easily integrate into a new environment. And these are not the rules that a new recruit will hear in the unit, such as “do not wake up, do not turn over, in case of a fire, take out first”... About what to take with you to the army,

First of all, you need to behave carefully. Under no circumstances provoke conflicts with other conscripts. It is also not recommended to discuss or ignore orders from higher ranks. Any “show off” is severely punished. It must be remembered that soldiers are a monotonous mass, a single mechanism capable of suppressing any less clearly coordinated machine.

To make adaptation easier in the first days, It is best for a recruit to try not to constantly think about home and loved ones. A soldier also needs to realize that military service is an excellent opportunity to strengthen his character and become physically stronger. Most conscripts are demobilized in good athletic shape and with a clear understanding of discipline.

It is best to behave kindly and calmly in the army with other recruits. You can try to find your fellow countrymen in the unit, with whom you will definitely find common topics and it will be easier to communicate. Friendly and sociable guys find it easier to win over their colleagues; a healthy sense of humor is also encouraged.

It is advisable to memorize the charter in the first days, to know what those higher in rank will require of you.

First skills

Be more simple. If you have a professorial education and find yourself in the military service, throw away your “professor stuff” for a while and don’t be smart. They don't like people like that here. Don't forget that soldiers are a monotonous mass. Communicate the way everyone else communicates. Be part of the company.

Stay in the crowd. People get into trouble from great strength or great intelligence. If you get involved in the “mass” at first, it will benefit you later. Don't be a gray mouse. Don't be an upstart.

Remember unity. Everyone who surrounds you in the army is just like you. Don't let yourself be convinced otherwise. Do not be afraid of your fellow soldiers. Try to communicate with them. You have the same rights with them. Is someone showing themselves to be cool? This is first. The army machine will put everyone in their place.

Look around. You are not alone. The main thing is to understand people. Who can be trusted and who should be avoided. Try to talk to others until you identify those who are more inclined to talk and who can be trusted. Be with them so as not to be alone.

Be constant. Do not switch communications from one company to another. They don't like that here. Remember that it is better to have one reliable friend than several unreliable ones.

First days in the army

On your first night in the barracks, consider all the advantages of your stay here. Remember that everything is not so sad. You don't need to worry about clothes - they will give you some. You don't need to worry about food - you'll eat on schedule. Not enough food? This is how it is for everyone in the first days of the army. In fact, they give out exactly as much food as you need. Not enough sleep? You will sleep eight hours a day, if you are not on guard or on duty - this is enough for a young body. Don't depress yourself with thoughts about home. This will pass.

When exercising, be like everyone else. Everyone is running - and you run. Do not fall exhausted under any circumstances - in most cases, your comrades will pull you along. If it’s completely unbearable, slow down, let everyone go ahead, but keep running - you’re no worse than everyone else.

Hide your talent. If you have talents, do not rush to reveal them. If you are a hairdresser, you can be forced to cut your hair by 200 men. If you are an artist, you will draw wall newspapers in order and design stands. And this is when everyone has free time. If, of course, you really like it, it may help you in your future service. The army loves talent.

Hide the money. Don't trust them to anyone. Remember, you don't know the people around you. They become comrades only after several months of service. Don’t give money either to “demobes” who promise a sweet life “under the wing”, or to officers who, as a rule, give “fake” receipts. A person who has profited once will want to profit again, and you will be the first victim.

Write letters home. Your parents are worried about you. In letters, don’t write to your mother how lonely you are and how harsh life is. This will only upset her. Write how fun and eventful the service is, and later it will be like that if you can find your interest. After all, the reality surrounding a person is a clear reflection of his own thoughts.

Alexander DASCHENKO

IT IS CAREFUL that the army is somewhere deep down in the list of life values ​​of today's teenagers, leaving the top places for girls, "swill", discos and other "bells and whistles". But let’s assume that you still didn’t succeed in mowing down and you get to wear kirzachi, outfits, physical training, drill and other joys of soldier’s service. What to do?
AT MY “farewell benefit” I do not advise future warriors to “bite themselves to the point of disgrace” - drink just enough to keep you on your feet. Of course, you won’t be able to get enough sleep on your last night at home. True, it would be very nice to take a nap for an hour or two, because you will probably have tedious journeys, transfers and waiting.
When leaving for work, you should not dress smartly. Put your Levi's sweaters, diesel and other clothes in the closet, mentally say goodbye to them until you return and choose something simpler for yourself. Because your things, despite the assurances of officers and warrant officers, will not find their way back home. You should not take with you a solid electric razor or a full set of toiletries, cosmetics and writing utensils; limit yourself to a simple machine with a pack of blades, a bar of soap, a tube of toothpaste with a brush, a comb, a pen with a notebook and a couple of envelopes (parents and friends will write to you in their letters send envelopes). It is already during your service, having matured and matured, you can ask your parents to at least send you a telefax with a photocopier.
There must also be a spoon and several needles and threads - this is in short supply in many parts. Shoe brushes and wax (cream is still too greasy for you!) are found in abundance in the parts.
When you arrive at your unit, try to find more friends. Find a fellow countryman from among the soldiers of higher conscription - this will be some kind of protection and patronage for you. Don’t immediately boast about your achievements and talents. If they find out that in civilian life you were a good sprinter or guitarist, then you will be forced to beat the records of Ven Johnson and Carl Lewis or recklessly please the ears of the “grandfathers” all night. So it’s simply not profitable for you to “get into trouble.” Write a letter to your family and friends right away. In general, letters from home are a huge psychological support and a breath of fresh air. This is what the young soldier lives for. Write more often, but do not tell your family anything bad - this will not be the best option for both them and you.
If you really feel unbearable, you shouldn’t go to extremes or run and “knock” the officers. This will be perhaps the biggest mistake in your life, and you will only worsen your service and make your further stay in the unit impossible.
Usually in the army they will never touch a person who has dignity and has not tarnished his honor (no matter how trite it may sound). Some of the so-called “schmucks” can’t stand it and arbitrarily leave the unit - they weren’t distinguished by dignity even in civilian life, couldn’t stand up for themselves and were always hiding behind other people’s backs.

First time of service

The MOST important thing during the first time of service is to figure out what's what. And the sooner you figure it out, the better, that is, to feel the atmosphere of a soldier’s life, its spirit. And then fewer curses and offensive words like “brake”, “handbrake”, etc. will be thrown at you. And if among the “pack” of “spirits” just like you, stupefied from the first days of your stay in the army If you are chosen as a “messenger” for cigarettes, vodka or something for food in a store that is located outside the fence of the unit, then you can safely count the first prize point as your asset - this is at least a small, but important victory for you: they trust you and we noticed that, although slightly, you are different in intelligence and intelligence from the rest. And under no circumstances should you think that this important function was entrusted to you because you became a “ass on duty” or a sycophant. No, this is a wrong opinion. In the end, all “spirits” usually go through this, but not everyone copes with it. The only thing left to do is “not to get knocked up” on this task.
You shouldn’t “die” when they decide to test you - they forced you to do push-ups from the floor, etc. - endure the blow (to be honest, in most cases they are not very strong) or calmly do as many push-ups as they require of you. If you are unable to, do as many push-ups as you can.
It’s a good idea to study the character of the “grandfathers” - sometimes be rude to the weak-willed or “excuse” them from the task assigned to them (you also need to gradually gain courage and arrogance). Control yourself in everything, check that everything is in place - because because of some torn button you will get into trouble.
If you notice something wrong with a friend, tell him about it. Sitting in the Lenin room studying the regulations, don’t suffer and don’t think about what’s left in civilian life - try to thoroughly study all these books, and you’ll have fewer problems with tedious questions during briefings and divorces. And the memorized charter is your legal protection.
Special discussion - soldering. In the army they eat and want to eat everything - from skinny ders to an overly well-fed demobil. There is no need to show that you are hungry, like the residents of besieged Leningrad, there is no need to tearfully beg for more and say that there is a breeze in your stomach. The army does not like the so-called “shortages” very much. You will still have to learn the art of quickly absorbing food.
I would like to say one more thing about the officers. As you know, there are no absolutely identical people - just as there are no absolutely identical officers and ensigns. Although they all have one thing in common. It was not for nothing that one general said: “Why are you putting on such a smart face? You’re an officer!” Try to learn their names, titles, positions, and character as quickly as possible. Knowing the officer’s character, you can easily manipulate his feelings and play on them. For example, knowing the lousy character of a loud and always dying sergeant major, you ask not him, but the “green” platoon commander to take you to the post office and call home. And one last thing. I do not advise arguing with officers and ensigns, because, as you know, they are always right.

How to negotiate with "Grandfathers"

1. A victim is selected from among the grandfathers, and the candidate for treatment must be the most frostbitten. These are difficult to break, but forever.
2. Agree in advance with the orderly, who stands on the nightstand at 3-4 o’clock in the morning, to wake you up. You get up, get dressed, pick up a couple of trusted comrades. You send an orderly to quietly (according to all the rules :)) wake up the victim, so that he can tell him that a man from a neighboring part has come to him on an urgent matter, a whore from the city, etc. (depending on circumstances) and that they are waiting for him in the smoking room, behind the cubicle on the street (optional).
3. There, the victim is given a firm beating of the torso, or possibly with the legs.
4. The most important stage: _moment_of_truth_. Here you need to approach this process creatively. The main thing is to break the will of the scumbag. There are plenty of methods. But be sure to break it. He won't knock. His grandfathers will slaughter him for this.
5. Send him to bed. Don't sleep yourself. Control the sleeping area.

In the morning there will be one less bastard, he will become silk. In front of the grandfathers, he may bullshit, but politely. And he will forget about letting go of his hands. There is one more point - never remind him of that St. Bartholomew’s Night. At every opportunity, he will say to the grandfathers like: “to hell with these young people... demobilization soon... suddenly a disbat?” The main thing is to sow confusion in the ranks of the bastards.
And with skulls you need to fight call after call, having first intimidated the most zealous ones at every opportunity. Old-timers usually do not interfere in such disputes - they are just having fun, and their grandfather’s show-off does not allow them to descend from Olympus to the mortal earth of the spirit-skull. :)
Our call was transferred ahead of schedule to the skulls, and the skulls were transferred back to the spirits. Their grandfathering was very ungrandfathering.
In the original forward (ARMY.TXT) it was mentioned about “educating” weak fellow conscripts with one’s own call... This should under no circumstances be done. In this case, you become like a six, a mongrel barking at the orders of its owner. We must stick together and support the weak guys. They are _still_ weak and weak-willed.
You will not have a truer and more reliable friend if you are the first to extend a helping hand to him. You have to find the right word and be friendly and condescending. Such weaklings in the right situation