Such people are not accepted as occupiers: How I went to enlist in the Russian army

Valentin Filippov, TV journalist, Odessa-Sevastopol

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They don’t want to recruit Ukrainian citizens to serve in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. More precisely, they want to, but they can’t. Until further notice, they say. You understand, they say. Now, if you were a citizen of Belarus or Kazakhstan, they say.

– Is it possible for a Tajik? - I ask at a show in Sevastopol promoting military service.

Thinking.

“It’s possible,” they say, “but it’s not advisable in Crimea.”

In general, the situation is such that a citizen of Ukraine can enlist in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, and they will even give him Russian citizenship. But he will not be able to serve in all regions.

In Sevastopol they don’t know which ones are possible.

It is known that a tradition has developed according to which citizens of other states, but those in which Russian troops are based, are accepted for service. And Sevastopol is Russia. What kind of foreigners are here?

– And in Transnistria – I ask – citizens of Ukraine live there.

“So they also have Russian passports,” the colonel got out.

Well, no need, I didn’t really want to. I’m already old, that’s it. I won’t pass the standards, that’s two. And in the morning they still won’t even lift me up with a tank.

Thus, those wishing to enter the contract service must meet certain requirements.

• Age – 19-35 years
• Education – not lower than secondary (complete) general
• Physical fitness
• Professional preparedness
• Professional suitability
• Health

The algorithm of actions for a citizen who meets the requirements of the Army is simple, but, judging by the visual propaganda, it is very confusing.

This is what the diagram presented by the Ministry of Defense looks like:

And in short:

1. A citizen who decides to serve under a contract must contact the local selection point for contract soldiers.

2. Next, the future soldier must submit an application with a passport to the local military registration and enlistment office.

3. A citizen who successfully passes all the tests is issued a military ID, a contract is concluded with him, after which he is sent to a military training unit to undergo intensive combined arms training.

4. Upon completion of his studies, he is sent to his main duty station.

Everyone is interested in a simple question: how much money? This is the most mysterious question in the Russian army. Because specific monthly payments consist of several components. However, all this can be simplified.

If we talk about specific figures, the amounts of monetary allowance today are approximately: 30 thousand rubles for ordinary contract soldiers, 40 thousand rubles for squad commanders and 55 thousand rubles for lieutenants.

They are supplemented by surcharges for:

- length of service,

– qualifications,

– work with information that is a state secret,

– special conditions for military service,

– risk to life and health,

– significant achievements in service,

– good level of physical fitness, knowledge of languages.

And additionally - bonuses for excellent service, as well as annual financial assistance.

Whether it is a lot or a little, everyone decides for themselves. It is necessary to take into account a solid social package, provision of food and housing. Serious payments in case of loss of health. And the fact that bonuses are not limited by such a convention as 100%.

I’m talking to a Russian citizen:

– And are you already a citizen of the Russian Federation?

– Since birth, recently recognized.

- A soldier?

“Sometimes,” he answers.

- Private?

- He himself is a private! - the Odessa resident is indignant.

He is over forty. He's a specialist. He is needed. The Ministry of Defense once again extends the contract.

- How many? – I’m interested.

- Honestly? 35! - answers.

- Is that all?

– Monthly bonus 100%.

- Is that all?

– Quarterly bonus 100%.

“Then it’s clear...” I say...

– 13 salary plus bonus 100% – says... - and no, it’s not clear. Can not understand anything. They don’t say what to do with Ukraine. They demand that you forget this word.

- So you went through this whole scheme? - I ask

“They need me,” a graduate of the Odessa Polytechnic University calmly answers... – What schemes could there be? If I want to, I’ll quit!

He is right. Russia needs specialists. In all industries. For all specializations. This is not an army of people with machine guns. This is a complex structure of specialists.

And it’s easy to be proud of her.

Waiting for her is a long time...