Russia’s Defense Ministry launched a voluntary military recruitment campaign this Thursday based on a film containing messages of “virility”.
“You are a man. Act like one,” shouts the voice-over of the film, which shows reports of men presenting themselves as a security guard, taxi driver and gym instructor respectively who think they are properly enlisted in the armed forces and uniformed.
“Is this the kind of defender you dreamed of becoming?” questions the institutional ad at the beginning of the film, which shows a security guard with a metal detector at the entrance of a supermarket.
“Is this what your strength is based on?” continues the same voice as he shows off a sports instructor in a gym.
“Is this the path you wanted?” the Defense voice asks a taxi driver in the work vehicle.
The new recruitment appeal film then shows the three young men in uniform and armed marching through the fog: the voice calls on young people to join in exchange for a salary of 204,000 rubles a month (approximately US$2,500).
Although the Russian authorities have refused new mobilizations, after last year’s military call-up in September, which recruited 300,000 reservists – Recruitment campaigns are still present in the country.
The “partial mobilization” at the end of last year, intended to support the Russian military campaign against Ukraine, led to a mass flight abroad of adult youths who wanted to avoid participating in the war against Ukrainian territory.
In late March, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree requiring 147,000 Russians to perform military service.
The period of military service (Spring Campaign) began on April 1 and lasts until July 15, with more than 12,500 young men added than in the same period last year.
New recruits are between the ages of 18 and 27.
Source: DN
