Recruiting young talent in Russian

How does a navy get enough new recruits? A question that arises in many countries around the world, at least as long as the local economy is booming and offers many, often better-paid jobs. While Germany likes to present itself as less military and advertises with soft factors such as free WLAN or far-reaching working time regulations, the Russian navy focuses on addressing people at an early stage and awakening their enthusiasm for seafaring.
Some time ago, we received a report from the central Russian city of Novosibirsk that cadets from the Karavella Children's Naval Centre were taking part in a maritime exercise on the Glazunova ship from Project 780. Sponsored by the High Command of the Navy, the youngsters were able to spend three days looking at, touching and trying out everything that makes up a ship and seafaring itself. Information about river shipping was provided as well as the basics of navigation. There were also briefings on the various safety devices and instructions on the correct behaviour in emergency situations. More important than imparting technical knowledge, however, was to familiarise the children with life on board and the camaraderie they experienced, because even in Russia, young people do not join the navy on their own. Were these days effective in recruiting new recruits? That will probably only become clear in a few years' time.

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Text: mb; Photo: MoD Russia