...in which older soldiers forced him to spend hours in an unnatural crouched position and brutally beat him.
Of course, I reserve the right to be incorrect.
There has been a long history of officers beating up on the grunt soldiers. That's why the Soviet threat was never much of a threat at all (militarily). There is no morale, and not it's probably worse.
Just read "A Mighty Fortress" about a B-17 bomber. One guy was forced to stand at attention in the freezing cold because of a minor infraction. The poor guy almost froze, could hardly warm up that night.
How long before Kerry, Durbin or Kennedy blame Bush for this?
Oh that is just so sad. Bless his heart- and I hope those that are responsible are made to pay dearly.
There is nothing serious there, otherwise I would have certainly known about it
--Really now, a man has been ruined for life, and countless other soldiers have died as a result, but there isnt anything serious going on. I dont like communists or recovering communists as much as the next guy, but that is rediculous!!!
Ah, the poor young guy. His life has been completely ruined. What a bunch of savages.
Methinks there is something rotten in the Military of Russia.
how sad! no wonder you can always spot a Russian...they always look MAD. i would be too!!!
The system was rotten to the core to begin with.
Also, after 80 l-o-n-g years of the brutality, athiesm, cruelty and inhumanity of Communism, the system got even worse. Who would have thought that possible?
If this CAN be changed and if the Russian military and politicans WANT it to change, it will take a long, long time.
If it is to change, what will be required is many rubles, a changing attitude toward the VALUE of their young men, infinite patience and consistent, constant pressure from THEIR OWN people -- that is, the religious and business communities, workers unions, medical communities, and so on.
Foreigners wailing on them won't change them one iota. In fact, they will "dig in" and defend themselves.
If the "first world" countries pressure them, via the UN, NATO or the ever-annoying media-cum public advocates and non-profit (They are a lie.) organizations, the Russians will turn to China, Iran, etc., for whatever they need to buy or sell.
China can always do what it wants and the USA will bend over, as always. Dollars top the list of priorities at all times.
Bottom line: The change in the Russian military will have to come from within. NO OTHER way will insure permanent change and success.
Because it's Russia honey. Ain't it great!
It's no damn wonder that the Russian army can't defeat anyone decisively if at all. Needless to say, we'll never have to worry about a conflict with the Russians if one were to arise.
Never having achieved the status of "Worker's Paradise", it has now become "Sadist's Paradise".
Unbelievably revolting.
Government/socialistic/Democrat/Union mentality. We're here. We're so-called professionals, but we'll act, or in these cases, won't act unless you pay us like day laborers or piece good workers.
This wasn't hazing; this was torture plain and simple by sadistic older soldiers.
FYI Ping.
Reminds me of Vanya, a Christian soldier who was tortured to death:
http://chi.gospelcom.net/DAILYF/2003/07/daily-07-16-2003.shtml