My grandfather’s were drafted for WWII, my uncles were drafted for Vietnam. When they arrived to report for duty, they knew they would get at least a few weeks of training, a pair of boots and a few pair of socks, and a weapon. Is this not the case in Russia?
The party looked to the peasant conscript soldiers - many of whom were wearing their first real pair of boots. When the boots had worn out, they’d be ready to listen. When the time came, I was able to take three whole battalions out of the front lines with me - the best day’s work I ever did. But for now, there was nothing to be done. There were too many volunteers. Most of it was mere hysteria.
By the second winter, the boots had worn out... but the line still held. Even Comrade Lenin underestimated both the anguish of that 900-mile long front... as well our own cursed capacity for suffering. Half the men went into action without any arms... irregular rations... led by officers they didn’t trust.
Finally, when they could stand it no longer, they began doing what every army dreams of doing...They began to go home. That was the beginning of The Revolution.
- Yevgraf Zhivago
“least a few weeks of training, a pair of boots and a few pair of socks, and a weapon. Is this not the case in Russia?”
No. According to reports. The clothing issued has holes, old uniforms & old rusty weapons. Some from mobilization have aready been sent to Ukraine.
Russian commander, who has just been drafted himself, tells his recently drafted recruits about the mobilization. He says that nobody knows anything, there is absolute chaos, and nobody cares about them.
https://fb.watch/fQ25OzRlQ_/
Russian corruption has given short shrift to their conscripts in every category. Even the Ukrainians were logistically weak Many families here sent helmets boots, gloves etc. to relatives serving, along with freeze dried rations.