Hazing in the army of modern post-Soviet states is a phenomenon that is very difficult to eradicate. This is facilitated by the continuity of “generations” of employees, a low level of culture and other factors. For this reason, many defenders of the Fatherland want to mow down from the army, so as not to endanger their health and psyche. One way to do this is to “grease” someone you need in the military enlistment office. The size of bribes that periodically settle in the pockets of officers range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
The army of our great Fatherland has never been a comfortable place for ordinary soldiers. Even at the time of the tsar-priests, many soldiers deserted due to the tough arbitrariness of the officers, unbearable conditions, the stick regime, and the enormous length of service estimated for decades for recruits. Only in the 1870s did the situation in the armed forces of the Russian Empire noticeably improve. The service life was reduced, corporal punishment was applied less frequently, the number of shoots decreased.
In the first decades of the existence of the Soviet state, hazing in the army was a rare occurrence. There was simply no place for her - disciplinary powers
the commanders were broad, and the draft system was class. But everything changed already in the mid-fifties. At this time, amnestied, former convicts began to be drafted into the army. Obviously, this was a major mistake by the leadership of the Armed Forces. Yesterday's prisoners brought into the ranks of the servants thieves habits, which they picked up in the zones. There was something that had never happened before in the troops of the Soviet Union. The elders at the call began to beat and oppress the younger, forcing them to do the dirty work for them. Such phenomena were rare in the 1950s and occurred mainly at guardhouses. However, in the late fifties all this appeared in the barracks. And in the 60s hazing in the army was already a fait accompli. Reduced service life also contributed to this.
Hazing in the army is not just a negative phenomenon. This is a system that has developed over time its traditions, rituals and even certain folklore. Employees still have a non-statutory hierarchy. Lower step in it
are “ethereal spirits” or “smells” - guys who have not yet taken the oath. They are forced to endure various jokes from the "old-timers" who experience the moral qualities of newcomers. But I must say that "smells" are not particularly annoying. Usually they are given the opportunity to get comfortable. The next step is actually “spirit”. This “title” is valid for the first few months after the oath. The main purpose of "spirits" is to serve "grandfathers", performing the most dishonest work, as well as being the object of humor on the part of the latter. The third step is the elephant. The ritual of transferring to this level is quite simple: the "grandfather" hits the soldier several times with a belt in the ass. "Elephants" perform all the same functions as "spirits". The next level is much more honorable - the "skull". The ritual of transferring from “elephants” is the same flogging with a belt, less often is a “plywood check” - a strong blow to the chest. But the most privileged status is, naturally, “grandfather”. The next level is a demobilization, which “before the order” has a hundred days left. As a result of shortened service lives in some parts, some of the missions ran out. However, we can safely say that the "system of ranks" as a whole remained the same.
Hazing in the Russian army patted the nerves of many "spirits" and "elephants." Unfortunately, cases of bullying that resulted in loss of health, and even the life of young soldiers are not too rare. If you are preparing for the service, then know that you will come in handy three basic qualities: savvy, physical strength and stamina. Possession of any martial arts will also not be superfluous for you. Some soldiers immediately flatly refused to run errands with their grandfathers, and their decision was respected. The other half did not let mops out of their hands. Much depends not only on the existing system, but also on the person himself. Despite all its shortcomings, the army of Russia is a good school of life. Hazing, which is still preserved in it, is not so scary as it is painted.
