The internal state of the army reveals that far-reaching and profound military reform cannot be achieved by pure arms build-up. It becomes clear that a new military strategy and a meaningful military reform plan are needed in order to improve its state. Sustainable change can only be achieved through numerous multi-facetted reforms that reach the military at its core. It is therefore advisable for these reform plans to not only come from the outside (namely the political administration) but additionally be co-developed within the army itself. Only in such way will it be possible to implement them fully and to minimize inefficiency, corruption, vagueness and violence, archaic structures of hierarchy and an attitude that reminds of vested rights.
Finally, it has to be mentioned that the picture painted in the course of this paper is a rather negative one as its purpose is to outline weaknesses. Of course, the debated flaws and deficits are problematic and need to be addressed. Nevertheless, experts are divided when it comes to the measurement of the strength of Russia’s military.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Problems and weaknesses
2.1 Dedovschina
2.1.1 The cases of Andrej Sytschow and Radik Habirov
2.1.2 The curtailment of Dedovschina in the Russian army
2.1.3 The Union of the Committee of Soldiers’ Mothers of Russia
2.2 Lack of financial resources
2.2.1 Obsolete military equipment
2.2.3 Housing issues and the state of accommodations
2.3 Corruption
2.4 Recruiting and retaining personnel
2.5 Lack of civilian control over the army
2.6 Lack of transparent information policies
2.6.1 The case of the submarine Kursk
3. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This seminar paper analyzes the current state of the Russian military by identifying and examining its critical weaknesses and internal challenges, focusing specifically on structural, financial, and policy deficits.
- The prevalence and systemic impact of Dedovschina (hazing) in the Russian armed forces.
- Financial limitations affecting equipment modernization, soldier welfare, and pay.
- The influence of high-level and systemic corruption on military operations and reform.
- Challenges in recruitment and the impact of the military's low social prestige.
- The lack of civilian oversight and transparent information policies within the military hierarchy.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Dedovschina
One of the main problems in the Russian military is a phenomenon called Dedovschina. This Russian expression can be literally translated as the ‘rule of the grandfathers’ and describes the serious harassment and subjugation of junior recruits by more senior ones.
The suppression by older conscripts has probably always taken place (not only) in the Russian military system. The actual emergence of Dedovschina can, however, be connected to the introduction of the four-class-system of October 12th, 1967: Conscripts that were formerly drafted for three and sailors that were formerly conscribed for four years served in the military at the same time as conscripts that were now drafted for only two years. All in all, four age cohorts were now simultaneously present in the Russian army. As a consequence of this change of conscription periods, jealousy, frustration, violence and the feeling of superiority allowed an organized precedence with its own norms and positions to emerge. The one group (out of the four) that treats the younger soldiers in the worst way, are the so-called Deds. They are the second ‘oldest’ and accordingly the third youngest group of recruits serving in the army. If a member of this group is not satisfied with the chore he had given to one of his younger colleagues he would punish them in the worst ways possible.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the historical shift in the status of the Russian military and states the objective to analyze its current imminent weaknesses.
2. Problems and weaknesses: Provides a comprehensive overview of structural, financial, and management deficits facing the modern Russian military.
2.1 Dedovschina: Examines the phenomenon of hazing, its historical roots, and its severe impact on the well-being and readiness of troops.
2.1.1 The cases of Andrej Sytschow and Radik Habirov: Details specific, harrowing accounts of abuse that drew significant national and international attention.
2.1.2 The curtailment of Dedovschina in the Russian army: Discusses the failures of the military command to effectively address hazing and the impact of reduced service terms.
2.1.3 The Union of the Committee of Soldiers’ Mothers of Russia: Profiles the leading NGO dedicated to protecting the rights of soldiers and their families against military abuse.
2.2 Lack of financial resources: Analyzes the economic constraints and the resulting inability to maintain the military infrastructure effectively.
2.2.1 Obsolete military equipment: Discusses the decay of military hardware and its detrimental effect on the safety and effectiveness of the armed forces.
2.2.3 Housing issues and the state of accommodations: Highlights the poor living conditions in barracks and the systemic failure to provide adequate housing for soldiers and retirees.
2.3 Corruption: Explores the prevalence of corruption within the ranks and its role in undermining military integrity.
2.4 Recruiting and retaining personnel: Addresses the difficulties in staffing the military due to low social prestige and fear of service.
2.5 Lack of civilian control over the army: Discusses the absence of democratic oversight and the challenges of asserting civilian authority over military leadership.
2.6 Lack of transparent information policies: Criticizes the secretive nature of the military apparatus and its negative impact on public trust.
2.6.1 The case of the submarine Kursk: Uses the 2000 Kursk disaster to illustrate the consequences of poor communication and secretive information policies.
3. Conclusion: Summarizes that sustainable military improvement requires multifaceted reform co-developed within the institution itself.
Keywords
Russian Military, Dedovschina, Conscription, Military Reform, Corruption, Financial Scarcity, Soldiers' Mothers, Civilian Control, Kursk Disaster, Military Infrastructure, Personnel Retention, Human Rights, Defense Policy, Military Strategy, Modernization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the current problematic state of the Russian military, focusing on the various internal weaknesses and systemic challenges it faces.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key areas include the prevalence of hazing (Dedovschina), severe financial limitations, high levels of corruption, personnel recruitment issues, lack of civilian oversight, and opaque information policies.
What is the main research objective?
The aim is to analyze the present condition of the Russian armed forces and identify the specific weaknesses that hinder its development as a modern, efficient military force.
Which scientific methodology is used?
The paper utilizes a qualitative analysis based on secondary sources, including news reports, human rights organizations' findings, and academic articles to describe the state of the military.
What does the main body of the paper address?
It provides a detailed breakdown of structural and policy deficits, supported by specific examples such as the Kursk submarine tragedy and the cases of severely mistreated soldiers.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Russian Military, Dedovschina, Corruption, Military Reform, Civilian Control, and Conscription.
How does Dedovschina affect military readiness?
It impacts combat readiness, unit cohesion, and morale by creating an atmosphere of fear and institutionalized violence, which also undermines discipline.
What role does the Union of the Committees of Soldiers' Mothers of Russia play?
The organization acts as a crucial human rights watchdog, providing support to families, fighting for legal reforms, and exposing cases of abuse within the military.
How does the lack of civilian control affect the Russian military?
The lack of oversight hinders effective budget management and allows for corrupt, opaque practices that prevent necessary innovation and institutional reform.
- Quote paper
- BA Julia Christin Bauer (Author), 2008, The State of the Russian Military - Current Problems, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/132613
