What is a young army? "Youth Army": Shoigu's new patriotic project

IN last years In Russia, huge funds were allocated for various propaganda projects. It seems that the state has seriously taken up the patriotic education of schoolchildren, and the Russian military department will be involved in this project. Since September 1, 2016, the military-patriotic movement “Youth Army” has been operating in schools across the country. The main initiator of the creation of this organization was Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, and the idea was supported by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to the Minister of Defense, the Youth Army is needed to make young men “proud of the exploits of their fathers and grandfathers” and prepare for “future service to the Motherland.” However, judging by the statements of other military officials, Russia plans to create one of the most militarized children's organizations in the world. The military has already promised that the participants of the new patriotic movement they will get their hands on everything that the Russian army has today - except perhaps missiles.

The first all-Russian rally of the “Youth Army” took place in May 2017, more than five hundred teenagers from different parts of Russia took part in it. The event turned out to be very pompous: at the first ceremony of joining the Yunarmiya (it took place in Yaroslavl), the first female cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova was present, and a teleconference took place with several Russian cities. Within a few months, the new movement was replenished with a number of regional branches. This is not surprising - almost everywhere the Yunarmiya received support at the level of governors and commanders of large military units.

Currently, Yunarmiya has its headquarters in Moscow, as well as an impressive network of regional offices. In the first two months of the movement’s existence alone, it was replenished with 76 branches opened in different areas Russia.

The creators of this project hope that Yunarmiya will become the most massive military-patriotic movement among Russian youth. Over the course of several years, they plan to attract several hundred thousand teenagers. Shoigu said that the main goal of the Yunarmiya is to educate a new generation of patriots, smart, brave, loving their homeland and ready to defend it at any time. The plans of the new patriotic movement include increasing interest among younger generation to the history and geography of Russia, its peoples, outstanding scientists, heroes and commanders.

Children will engage in military sports, study military science, take a young fighter course, engage in fire and drill training, and study weapon design. In addition, teenagers will learn the rules of first aid.

It’s not just the Ministry of Defense that is involved in “Youth Army”. The Central Sports Club of the Army (CSKA) and the Voluntary Society for Assistance to the Army, Aviation and Navy (DOSAAF of Russia) also take care of the young army members. The military department has already developed a structure for the Yunarmiya branches, linking them to the location of military units, military registration and enlistment offices, military educational institutions and branches of DOSAAF and CSKA.

According to the plans of the Yunarmiya organizers, teenagers in their free time from school will engage in volunteer work, care for and protect military burial sites and monuments, and participate in sports and cultural events.

The Ministry of Defense believes that in recent years many military-patriotic organizations have appeared in the country that work with young people. According to officials, the Yunarmiya should coordinate these movements, make their work systemic, give them general shape, symbolism, charter.

"Yunarmiya" already has own form– these are red berets, sand-colored trousers, blue and red polos. Young patriots will wear sneakers or combat boots on their feet. In addition, the uniform includes socks, a jacket, a sweatshirt, a backpack, a tablet and a first aid kit. The organization's emblem has already been invented: it combines the Soviet five-pointed star with a predatory eagle profile. Also, uniform sets will be developed for the children, corresponding to various types of troops: tank crews, pilots, sailors.

It is not yet entirely clear at what age a child can join the Yunarmiya. The age is called fourteen, ten and even seven years.

Children will not be distracted from school curriculum, classes in the new military-patriotic movement will be held in free time from school. Young Army soldiers will be provided with special rooms (headquarters), where there will be a banner of each detachment, a library, teaching aids and visual propaganda. Each squad will report to its own commander.

The organizers of the new movement never tire of repeating that they will not force anyone into the Yunarmiya; membership in the organization is exclusively voluntary. The question has not yet been resolved whether members of the Yunarmiya will have any benefits when entering universities.

Does modern Russia need Youth Army?

Of course, work with the younger generation is necessary, but is military education its optimal form? The mood that is in the air today Russian society, many call it nothing more than “patriotic frenzy.” Do I need to warm them up even more?

It should be noted that today “Youth Army” is not the only project related to the military-patriotic education of youth. Not long ago, schools began to open cadet classes, where children who study without C grades are accepted. In these classes, military science, Russian history, combat training, military training, and life safety are also studied.

Another attempt to revive old Soviet traditions is the practice of passing GTO standards, which appeared in Russia several years ago. You can also call it the “Race of Heroes” - a unique form of the Soviet “Zarnitsa” for adults. It is carried out at military training grounds and is actively supported at the state level.

It should be noted that the creation of such projects may be great way“cutting” of the state budget by unscrupulous officials. Today, teenagers have every opportunity to engage in shooting or parachuting, and whether it is necessary to revive Soviet ideology is a highly controversial issue. Maybe, budget resources it would be better to spend it on improving the education system to make it more in line with modern realities.

Participants in the Yunarmiya movement will receive educational preferences: activities in the Yunarmiya will be counted towards students when entering universities.

More than 200 Youth Army members entered the highest military educational establishments Ministry of Defense this year, which is four times more than last year. As Elena Slesarenko, head of the apparatus of the General Staff of the Yunarmiya, said, at this moment the leadership of the movement is negotiating with the Ministry of Defense to active work Youth Army members were taken into account when entering higher educational institutions. For example, in the form of additional points for the unified state exam for civilian universities or references from the head of a regional department for the military. “Participation in the Youth Army movement is a kind of career guidance for children. Choice future profession Such a student has a more meaningful one,” notes Slesarenko.

Today, more than 267 thousand schoolchildren from all over the country have joined the all-Russian youth movement. Work with children is carried out in several directions, while it is aimed at spiritual, moral, social, physical and sports development. To achieve these goals, a huge range of various cultural and sports events are organized: promotions, competitions, quizzes, festivals, rallies, sports days, and so on. Activities within the framework of Youth Army projects unite children from all regions of Russia.

Any schoolchild between the ages of 8 and 17 can become a participant in the movement; for this purpose, Youth Army detachments are created on the basis of schools and patriotic public organizations. However, participation in the movement is not for the lazy; it requires an active citizenship, a desire for knowledge and achievement. The units are supervised by the organization’s regional headquarters, which are already open in all 85 regions Russian Federation. Heads of departments and mentors for children become the best teachers and honored citizens of the country. So, Main Headquarters The Yunarmiya movement is led by a cosmonaut, Hero of Russia and deputy State Duma Roman Romanenko.

Over the two years of the Youth Army’s existence, its prestige has grown significantly, many boys and girls want to join its ranks, and their parents are also interested in this. At the same time, as Elena Slesarenko noted, projects are implemented with funds from sponsors, donations and grants. The movement receives strong support from public organizations and local authorities, who allocate funds, for example, for the purchase of uniforms. The uniform of the Youth Army members is also carefully thought out and functional, like the military one, but stylish in a youthful way. The guys receive it, along with the badges and flag of the movement, at the ceremonies of joining the ranks of the Yunarmiya.

For many children, being part of a movement will be a defining moment. The guys are already thinking about a future military career. For them, successes and achievements in the Yunarmiya will be a significant advantage when entering universities in the country. The leadership of the movement is going to take care of this next year.

Children and youth social movement dubbed "Yunarmiya" first began its work in 2016. His the main task is to unite all organizations that are involved in pre-conscription training into one single one.

The program includes military training, sports areas that will help educate young people and instill in them an interest in the history and geography of their country, its people, as well as famous commanders and scientists. Another goal is to attract young people to volunteer and take part in various sports and cultural events.

The number of participants in this movement last year reached 70,000 people. Over the past year, more than 85 headquarters of this movement have opened in Russia. Any student can join the movement, since it is open to everyone.

Yunarmiya: the essence and tasks of the movement

This year, participants in this movement will participate in the parade, which will take place on May 9 on Red Square. The Youth Army will be able to revive the military sports game called “lightning,” which was very popular among young people in Soviet times.

Young Army members not only play, but also learn shooting, as well as how to provide medical care, how to navigate on a map, as well as many other skills. IN free time From their classes, they will volunteer and assist in the preservation of memorials.

The teachers here are military reserve officers. Future plans include creating more than 100 centers that will be aimed at military-patriotic education, some of which will train pilots, paratroopers and tank crews.

Tasks of the Youth Army

The tasks of the Youth Army include the following:
- take part in the development of state youth policy to educate patriots, increase authority in society and the prestige of military service among young people.
- persons of any age can take part in the movement, the minimum age is 8 years.

After a youth member has reached the age of majority, he has the opportunity to join the ranks of DOSAAF, then he will be considered a member of two organizations at once. But he may not do this, and continue to remain an instructor.

Advantages of the Youth Movement Youth Army

For young Youth Army members, various trips to different children's camps throughout Russia are offered. It should also be said that all Youth Army members live in well-maintained barracks, which have all the necessary amenities. In addition, their food is top notch.

But, despite all this, they have discipline. Lights out in the evening, rise early in the morning, after which everyone goes to exercise and run, and after that, classes are held at the training ground.

Everyone without exception can get into Yunarmiya, even children from low-income families and orphanages. The material well-being of the Youth Army member’s parents does not play any role here; it’s all about the parents themselves. Here a special uniform is issued, only the parents sew the chevrons at their own expense.

The All-Russian children's and youth military-patriotic public movement "Yunarmia" began its activities in May 2016. The main task was to unite all organizations involved in pre-conscription training of citizens into single organization. Military and sports directions became fundamental in the training program, designed to educate Russian youth in the spirit of internationalism and patriotism, to instill in the younger generation an interest in the geography and history of their country, its peoples, heroes, outstanding scientists and commanders. Invite young people to volunteer and participate in major cultural and sporting events.

The number of movement participants, according to April 2017, amounted to more than 70,000 people; within a year, movement headquarters were opened in all 85 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Any schoolchild, military-patriotic organization, club or search party, because membership in the organization is open and voluntary.

This year, Youth Army members will take part in the parade on Red Square on May 9. Thanks to the Youth Army, the military sports game “lightning”, which was very popular among young people in Soviet times, will be revived. In addition to games, Youth Army members will learn shooting, providing medical care, map navigation and many other useful skills, and in their free time they will engage in volunteer activities and work to preserve memorials. To carry out events under the auspices of the movement, the infrastructure of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, CSKA and DOSAAF is used. Military reserve officers act as teachers
By 2020, more than 100 military-patriotic education centers will be created in Russia, some of which will carry out specialized work on training young paratroopers, pilots and tank crews.

In more detail, the chief of staff of the regional branch of the all-Russian military-patriotic public movement “Yunarmia” answered the question in more detail: what is Yunarmiya? Leningrad region Bushko Oleg Nikolaevich. Oleg Nikolaevich has held his position since the opening of the Youth Army headquarters in the Leningrad region and St. Petersburg, and has also been working with children for more than 8 years.

Oleg Nikolaevich, what tasks are set for the “Youth Army”?
- Participation in the implementation of state youth policy with the aim of educating patriotic citizens. As well as increasing the authority and prestige of military service among young people in society, the comprehensive development and improvement of the personality of children and adolescents.

Are there plans to involve citizens over 18 in the movement? summer age, but not included in the ranks of the armed forces and DOSAAF?
- There is no way without this, our children are not independent, therefore, it is necessary for someone to guide them, tell them something, therefore in the Yunarmiya there is no upper age limit as such. “Youth Army” from the age of 8 and for life.
Upon reaching adulthood, a Youth Army member can join the ranks of DOSAAF, then he will be a member of two associations, or he may not join DOSAAF, remain an honorary Youth Army member and become, for example, an instructor.

Do Youth Army events take place only in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, or is there an opportunity for Youth Army members to travel around the country?
- There is a regional branch of St. Petersburg, and there is a regional branch of the Leningrad region - these are two different regional branches. No one is stopping us from holding joint events among ourselves or together with other branches of our country. At the end of May this year, an “All-Russian rally” will take place, which will bring together members of the Young Army from all regions of Russia.

This year, in Kovrov, the Youth Forum of the Western Military District took place, the next one will be held in Moscow in May of this year. This gathering is held for all Youth Army members.
With the assistance of the main headquarters of the Yunarmiya, we receive invitations to various children's camps in Russia, in particular, the Sestroretsk Frontier detachment won a trip from May 4 to May 25 this year to the international child Center"Artek" for 10 people. The next trip is planned to Orlyonok.

How willingly modern families send their children to the ranks of the Youth Army, are there problems with recruits?
- If the goal is to join the society in order to simply be listed in it, then this is not a question at all, but I would like the parents who bring their children to the Yunarmiya to understand what the movement is. These are serious training sessions in active military units. We had such a training camp during spring break in the 138th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, stationed in the village of Kamenka, Vyborg District, Leningrad Region, and lasted 3 days with 2 overnight stays.
For big and small (under 18 years of age) boys and girls, everything was arranged exactly the same as for soldiers. If parents understand this and are ready to send their children to such events, then Yunarmiya is for them.

But many are mistaken, they perceive the “Youth Army” as, first of all, parades, honor guards and visits to various entertainment events. But in the Leningrad region department there are still hardships and hardships military service.

True, speaking frankly, it cannot be said that in Kamenka children live like real soldiers. The food there is very good, many people don’t eat like that at home, 3 meals a day. You have a choice of 2 soups, 2 main dishes, compote, tea or coffee and 6-7 " buffets"with all sorts of things: peas, cookies, candies, etc.
They eat well, live in comfortable barracks, where there is a shower and toilet. Well, what are the hardships and deprivations here? Just maybe discipline. Lights up in the evening, rise early in the morning, then exercises with a run and exercises at the training ground.

Do you think the subject “Military-Patriotic Training” is needed in school?
- Rather, we need “Initial military training, as it was in the Soviet Union, with competent instructors who have combat experience, so that they can teach children the direction as broadly as possible, it is necessary.

Should the subject be required or optional?
- You cannot live in a country and be a patriot voluntarily or at will. It seems to me that if a person lives in a country and is not a patriot, he should seriously think about moving. We have an absolutely free country, but if a person living in it scolds everyone and everything, does that mean he doesn’t like it? And if he doesn’t like it, maybe he should look for a country where he will like it? Why does he need to stir things up here?

How can you teach patriotism? What grade should I teach in, first or tenth?
- Patriotism should be taught in all subjects, but “Basic military training”: military regulations, types of weapons, self-defense skills and military history, from which you can learn some tactics. This is what you need.

What are they like, modern children?
- We were just at the Vocational Lyceum No. 120 named after S.I. Mosin. I asked the students a question: “Where is Sergei Ivanovich Mosin buried?”
Embarrassed, one girl, as if some shameful secret was being extracted from her, said that he was buried in the cemetery in Sestroretsk.
The rest were silent or giggled, that is, children who studied for a year at an institution named after such a person as Mosin, at best, know that he invented something there. Moreover, he didn’t even invent something, but stole it somewhere and said that he invented it himself.

How interested are children in military-patriotic games? Does their physical condition allow it?
- For modern children - yes. If we take the same “Sestroretsk Line”, we are not CSKA, we do not have the task of preparing super warriors, super soldiers or super athletes. A good half of the participants in the “Sestroretsk Frontier Youth Patriotic Club” will not be drafted into the army due to health reasons. I have no doubt about this, but this does not mean that they should not be accepted into the Yunarmiya. Nowadays, the army should not consist only of “Rimbaud”. The army needs "brains". A person can be a genius but have poor health. Why deny him admission to the Yunarmiya? Therefore, the ranks of the “Youth Army” are open to absolutely everyone. And a health check is required to diagnose and prevent ailments that nature could “reward” a person with.
When we fully organize the work of the movement in the Leningrad direction, it will function not to look for super-soldiers, but to maintain and strengthen the health of the Youth Army members.

The first medical commission, which 14-year-old conscripts undergo at the military registration and enlistment office, may reveal violations that can be corrected by taking the proper set of physical exercise measures, and at the age of 18, it may be too late.

Can children from low-income families and from orphanages get into the ranks of the Yunarmiya?
- The most tragic example is Andryusha Zhukov, who at that time was one of the main leaders in the group of comrades of the patriotic club “Sestroretsk Frontier”. He was from a very dysfunctional family, but he preferred the Sestroretsk Frontier to his drunken mother at home. But, unfortunately, they didn’t save it.
The financial status of the Youth Army member’s parents does not matter; it’s all about the parents themselves.

Well, what funds will be required to join the Yunarmiya? Road. Buying a card and traveling to public transport it comes out very cheap. But, as practice shows, either people are lazy, or people don’t know that there is such an opportunity, they ride a minibus.
The uniform is issued by the government, only the chevrons are sewn at the parent's expense. Although they are inexpensive, this is wrong. After all, when a soldier joins the army, he is given everything he needs. This is how it should be in Yunarmia. There must be things that are mandatory.

Is the Yunarmiya accused of militarizing children? How fair is this accusation?
- What’s wrong if a child is physically developed by the age of 10, masters the structure of a weapon and learns to shoot well? What's bad about it? Does anyone think that it’s better when an 18-year-old idiot gets into the army and gets a machine gun and doesn’t know how to use it? And he doesn’t even know which hole to look in to see if it’s charged. This is a completely wrong approach.

In order for a person to handle weapons well, he must know what it is and what it carries from childhood. Moreover, these should not be just stories, cartoons and computer games, which only “blow children’s minds.” It’s another matter if a child, under the guidance of an adult, takes a machine gun and shoots at the body armor. He will clearly understand that even though the bullet did not penetrate the bulletproof vest, the force of inertia made him fly somersaults, and if you shoot at a target from a machine gun, chips will fly apart. Then, by the age of 18, he will understand that by buying a traumatic pistol and shooting at someone without thinking, he can kill or seriously injure a person.

From childhood you need to instill that if you pick up a weapon, you can kill someone with it and you must be aware of this. That's what it is safe handling with weapon. Now there are many irresponsible citizens who take up arms without understanding what it is at all, and this is why all the accidents occur.
Won how much illustrative examples can be seen in minor accidents. At the slightest scratch, drivers grab their “injuries” and start shooting in all directions, most often they don’t even hit each other, while causing harm to bystanders. Therefore, it is so necessary to lay down this knowledge at the very beginning.