PBS Frontline: Russian Soldier Boy (1986)

PBS Frontline takes a rare look into the lives of Soviet Army recruits (conscripts) during the height of the Afghan War, 1986.

[@gregorybentley5707]

Mike, the documentaries that keep showing up on your channel are just incredible. Seriously, I don't think I can put into words how much I've enjoyed, and appreciated the content like this that you've put up. Content that's now preserved and shared, that would have otherwise been lost to time. Thank you so very much and please please don't stop.

[@MikeGuardiaAuthor]

Brother, that's probably the nicest comment anyone's ever posted on my channel. Thanks so much! Glad to have you here.

[@Нес_Тор]

​@@MikeGuardiaAuthorMike thank you for reviving my youth! Good luck !

[@matthewwinn4006]

​@@Нес_Тор ...and mine too!

[@davidweston9115]

they'll ban him eventually. It's too good, and others wish it to be kept behind paywalls or more likely unavailable completely because it doesn't instill proper fears of today. Thermonuclear war fear is old hat. Now we have to scare kids about having the wrong gender.

[@Microphunktv-jb3kj]

9:25 - 3rd one from the left... most tryhard russian >D showed up in comrade trousers : )

[@MaxVonStierlitz-wy7zb]

I was drafted to Soviet Army in fall of 1985. Needless to say the process wasn't like depicted in documentary. Aside the Oath of Allegiance the rest of the КМБ or Course of the Young Soldier is much more grimmer and under constant harassment from sergeants assigned to us. Despite the conditions it was the safest few weeks of the first year. Once you are assigned to regular platoons that's when the worst of your first 6-7 months starts. First 6 months you are called a "Ghost". A nobody, the lowest of the low scum in the army.

[@DrTruffaldino]

In some places "Ghosts" were called "Elephants" because they are constantly marching, stomping, smelling strong and bad. In general hierarchy was 1) "Ghost"="Elephant", 2) "Scoop"="Pheasant", 3) "Grandfather" and 4) "Dembel" (i.e. almost demobilized) at the top.

[@saus9870]

Yes this is what they wanted the west to see not reality for most soviet recruits that was rough treatment.

[@cmconley33]

Yes, there has been a lot written about “dedovschina,” or rule of the grandfathers. Of course the documentary showed the Soviet conscription and service process in the best possible light: the Soviets showed them what they wanted the western media to report. And to be fair, the western reporters were skeptical about how truly representative all of it was of the larger Soviet conscription program.

[@cmconley33]

Maybe you could provide an answer for me. I’ve been told that Soviet (and Russian) Army sergeants were nothing like their US counterparts. That Russian sergeants are selected from conscripted soldiers because of their perceived greater loyalty, not actual experience. In the US military, to become more than the most junior of NCOs (like a corporal, Airman 1st Class, or Petty Officer 3rd Class), you typically must have completed one full term of enlistment (3 or 4 years), have an MOS or rating, AND attend a school for NCOs before being promoted to Sergeant, Senior Airman, or Petty Officer 2nd Class. Basically, the US Army wants its NCOs to be 1) highly competent at their job, 2) able to train newer personnel at at least a 1:3 ratio, 3) have shown commitment and good behavior (as evidenced by re-enlisting), and 4) have formal leadership training.

[@cmconley33]

Actually, the only way I know of to become an Sergeant or equivalent in the US military during your first enlistment is to enlist with at least 2 years’ of college or a 4 year degree (because that gets you a higher rank upon completion of basic training), and then become qualified in a very technical position that requires extensive training. For example, get into Special Forces (which requires completion of Infantry School, Jump School, SF Assessment and Selection, MOS training, Robin Sage exercise and foreign language school after which you are promoted to Sergeant. Or if in the Navy, complete a very technical MOS like Nuclear Power School or Sonar School, and then complete Submarine School or Aircrew School, and earn your Dolphins (submarine qualification, done while serving aboard a sub) or wings (earned while serving as actual aircrew). And enlistees that are offered those contracts often have a longer contract to begin with-because the military knows it will take longer to complete training in the technical specialties, and they don’t want you to spend your entire first enlistment in training.

[@AGhostintheHouse]

I recorded this on tape back in 1986 and found it to be particularly interesting because I was committed to going into the U.S. Navy boot camp in January. I would occasionally look for this on youtube without any luck then all of a sudden it finds me!

[@brennende_brucken]

Wow! What impression did the documentary gave to you back in the day?

[@cbraat27]

In Soviet Russia, video search you

[@mybirthday1986]

Poor Valera grew up at the worst time for a young Russian with the 90s right around the corner.

[@Buttersausage]

Yup lol

[@plevalnatebya]

But those young guys were one of them who fought against many infantry afghan fighters . There are a lot of documentaries showing events when such soldiers held attacks with enemy majority. Same faces, same faiths, same psychological types, same ages.

[@retke922]

Наоборот! Валера не «бедный». Ему повезло отслужить, когда афганская война уже была обречена на окончание, и ему не пришлось туда попасть, как мальчикам в брежневские и постбрежневское время… Обэтом и беспокоилась его мама. Но ему после службы так и не удалось снова поступить в медицинский, и пришлось идти на военный завод. Тогда не работать, даже короткое время нельзя в ссср было.сейчас гуляй пока не поступишь, если есть на что жить.

[@mybirthday1986]

@@retke922 Do you have any information on him now. I want to believe he had a happy and normal life

[@ДенисД-ф5в]

Глупости 90е золотое время. Тогда многие делали состояния которые своим горбом и за 100 лет не заработать. И девушки были неизбалованы и доступны. Вот сейчас да задница для молодежи.

[@ivanlowjones]

I was stationed in the US Army's Berlin Brigade in Germany in 1987-1988 and we encountered young Russian soldiers at the border checkpoints while travelling between West Germany and West Berlin. I remember thinking how they looked as young as we did, and they were impressed by our western automobiles (my Section sergeant had a 1985 IROC Z28 Chevy Camaro, and they would practically drool over it whenever he came to one of the checkpoints). Sometimes we would trade music cassette tapes and cigarettes in exchange for Soviet military uniform items. All in all, I came to realize that our governments were responsible for instilling fear between our two countries and those Russian soldiers were doing their jobs the same as we were.

[@stvjjgcj]

great people bad politicians.

[@dmitry73n]

Так и есть

[@JIUNnF]

Союз-Аполон.

[@tomarrese3756]

@@JIUNnFInterKosmos

[@Militaria_Collector]

Did you keep any of your uniforms?

[@rufusufusus65]

Никогда не думал, что будет так интересно читать комментарии. Люди с теплотой делятся воспоминаниями и пережитым опытом, никакой ругани и оскорблений. С удовольствием посидел бы в каком-нибудь баре за кружечкой пива и пообщался со многими) Жаль, что нынешнее время не позволяет.

[@shaunphillips6160]

It's not the people, it's the politicians.

[@JeepWrangler1957]

I served as a Marine from 1974-78. The Soviet soldier was portrayed as a super soldier

[@fistingendakenny8781]

In comparison they were, imagine being a neo nazi in army fatigues and being proud of it, it's almost like killing Hitler had effect, Vietnam, Korea etc. so many lost wars yet if your black you only end up in prison. Long live our communist leaders

[@GLEN1061]

It's because they were! They were lean and mean haters that had nothing to lose!

[@blaydCA]

The kid was from a wealthy area and the family had connections, if they had a nice place like that with television, and a nice decorated home with indoor plumbing. A hard working farm boy from a farm family he isn't.

[@andrewwomble2722]

I was surprised at the somewhat casual atmosphere of Soviet basic training. I guess it has to be somewhat different when everyone has to join but man when I was in basic, I couldn't take a crap without an RDC making sure I was maintaining military bearing while wiping my butt.

[@blaydCA]

@@andrewwomble2722 Doubtful it was realistic to some extent, as the USSR needed to show a non-aggression stance while we were pumping out nuclear weapons like sausage. Once those BBC cameras were gone, things changed. The film didn't show very much either.

[@happynowfarms]

Very interesting to see the other side. I was just entering US Army Infantry basic training at 17 in June of 86. I would serve in West and East Germany in the next few years after this documentery was filmed. Their training was definately conducted differently from ours. Some of the basic Soldier stuff was in there but we related to each other different.

[@cmconley33]

I bet you were issued socks, though, am I right?

[@Chaz31358]

​@@cmconley33Nyet, foot wrap is fine, comrade

[@Нес_Тор]

1987 I served in the Red Army in the eastern German city of Magdeburg! Shock tank army! We had a complete understanding of NATO equipment and its soldiers! Our level of preparation was high! It was higher than in the cities of the USSR! I had to go to the English Channel ;))) in 7 days, I don’t know if I got there or not :)))

[@cmconley33]

@@Нес_Тор Yes, but did the Red Army issue you socks? Its a bit difficult to fight a war in wet terrain-and Germany gets plenty wet-without them.

[@Нес_Тор]

​@@cmconley33I bought 5 pairs of warm socks! It's not convenient to wear socks in boots! And I had leather officer boots during my 2nd year of service! My feet don’t get wet in the tank :))) I had a new T-80 tank, full equipment, even a chemical protection suit, boots which I could wear in puddles and fish in the river;))

[@shanewarner899]

Quick fun fact once some research was done: The documentary was filmed from May 1984 until whenever, so when he completes his service, he has the risk of fighting in the Soviet-Afghan war (ended in 1989) and the Chernobyl accident happened on April 26th, 1986. So he was drafted during a bad timing.

[@jajajederweis2716]

Well in the afghan war they used Uzbek soldiers mostly

[@ViictoryUkraine]

April 26 is my birthday 🎂 🥳

[@vidmantasb5993]

@@jajajederweis2716 they used soldiers from all over. I grew up in a small Lithuanian town of less than 3000 people, yet our cemeteries were lined with dead Afghanistan war soldiers.

[@mike48084]

@@ViictoryUkrainesame as Hitler, cool beans buddy

[@user-aleksandrfilippov]

​@@vidmantasb5993 ну какие кладбища заполненные? За десять лет погибло 15 тысяч. Полторы тысячи военнослужащих в год. На всю страну- крохи. Страна то огромная была, под 300 миллионов населения. В стране в автомобильных авариях в год больше гибло- 26 тысяч в год. А тут 15 тыс.за 10 лет. Не во всех городах страны погибшие из ДРА были.

[@ВикторПряников-й4ц]

служил в Советской армии в 1987-89- годах, в ГДР. В той армии было много плохого, чего не увидишь в документальных фильмах.

[@DarmoeD88]

Дедовщина

[@stefankachervenkova3048]

И как ты только выжил бедненький!🥲

[@georgeunknown2833]

Армия - это общество-оборотень. Когда там журналисты, все такие шёлковые, хорошие, добрые ... вот если снять скрытой камерой, что происходит в казармах после отбоя, например .. жестокость в людях не берётся на пустом месте, это "растение", выращенное со временем.

[@DarmoeD88]

@@georgeunknown2833 Нас даже прятали как то в парке, чтоб избегать проверок. Мол все на своих местах заняты. В армии воровство просто на высоком уровне. Прапора, офицеры, рядовые, все воруют и распродают кто как может. Особенно богатые у нас были ГСМ - щики

[@ВикторПряников-й4ц]

@@georgeunknown2833 Вот вот. Мы по телевизору смотрели передачу "Служу Советскому Союзу" где все было прекрасно. А попадали как будто в уголовный мир

[@1FokkerAce]

What a great time capsule this is! The talk at the end is such a good insight to the concerns of the time because the Soviet breakup was just around the corner.

[@cheems5643]

You don’t see civilized talks like that anymore regardless of views

[@1FokkerAce]

Man, that is so true. Unfortunate and true.

[@matthewwinn4006]

Absolutely!

[@vladimirvladimir5611]

Много ты знаешь про СССР !Точнее ничего! СОВЕТСКИЙ СОЮЗ!👍 ГОРБАЧЕВ , ЕЛЬЦИН ,ПУТИН 👎👎👎

[@reesepacker7983]

the shot of recruits nodding off/fighting sleep during classroom training ..lol...i remember that during my boot camp training experience in my own country Canada in the 90s ..its no doubt universal ..lack of (RESTFUL) sleep and constant stress both physical and mental ..hits around the second week

[@Doug_Dimmadome]

Yep in Marine boot camp if you feel asleep during class they would IT you for about 15 minutes and 2 hours fire watch that night. Circa 2017

[@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш]

Абсолютно верно только у вас в Канаде ночью не гонят чистить картошку для солдатской столовой и служите вы рядом с домом а не как мы за 7 тысяч километров от дома и по выходным дома бываете и дедовщину не знаете .Какие вы солдаты?Вы дети!!

[@badgerattoadhall]

did you have anyone learn to sleep with their eyes open?

[@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш]

@@badgerattoadhall Я по туземному не понимаю!Переведите на русский.

[@RichardWilliams-h4r]

@@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш Будьте вежливы! Кроме того, используйте Google Translate.

[@Нес_Тор]

Hi guys ! I served in the Red Army as a sergeant, deputy platoon commander, tanker! Served for 4 years! Everyone had completely different degrees of preparation! Then he served in the French Legion for 10 years! If anyone is interested, I can tell you about the Red Army!

[@wickitywackjack3749]

Where did you serve in the Soviet Union or satellite states

[@Нес_Тор]

​@@wickitywackjack3749In eastern Germany! GSVG!

[@miel1074]

I am interested.. please tell us about it!

[@Нес_Тор]

​@@miel1074Fine ! Before joining the army, I was sent from the army to study for 6 months at a civilian school for automobiles and armored vehicles (BTR-70)! The army has also graduated! We changed into a new uniform, boarded the plane and flew to eastern Germany! There, the soldiers are taken away by military units, first the parachutist, the armored personnel carrier mechanic, the driver, and then everyone! He served in the city of Magdeburg on the outskirts of the city! For 1 year a soldier cannot go into the city, for the 2nd year he can go in a group with a non-commissioned officer! The first year is the most difficult climate, food!

[@Нес_Тор]

​@@miel1074In the second year you are already like a duck to water! I knew German and made a German girlfriend next to the unit, I went to the city on Sunday when there was no technical training! Played football for my part! I gained 10 kg weight, the gym and eating according to the schedule gave such an effect! Looked like a red gladiator! :)) And at first he was skinny but fast, he ran cross-country like a deer :))) the exercises were with the Red Germans, they were well prepared!

[@robertmiles1603]

damn, this is way better than what passes for media these days

[@jasonburmeister4746]

PBS Still has their frontline series and it's still good. There are plenty of good media sources out there doing good work. They aren't hard to find.

[@lomakevin]

You're so right. Back then the media was more professional and less partisan.

[@UrielX1212]

@@jasonburmeister4746 PBS is hot garbage these days.

[@brentadamson8373]

Something about the late 70’s into 80’s Soviet Union is so interesting to me. I wanna see Russia before I die.

[@Нес_Тор]

The USSR and Russia are two different countries and systems!

[@brentadamson8373]

@@Нес_Тор yes this is obvious. Im intrigued with Cold War era history which includes the Soviet Union. Yes I would love to visit Russia as a country!

[@mrobocop1666]

​@@brentadamson8373 you are welcome and many Soviet relics, monuments are still left all around the country as well as museums, tours, guides, etc.

[@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш]

Не умирай!Живи как баобаб 1000 лет!

[@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш]

​@@brentadamson8373Приезжай ко мне в гости на Урал.Город Златоуст.

[@Nessun2023]

Crazy to think this was only 39 years ago

[@BirgerJarl-it5lz]

Eh? 38 years now but thats a long time

[@planetcaravan2925]

Why is it crazy? What has changed?

[@graysid9769]

​@@planetcaravan2925everything has changed

[@Sail-away]

37

[@justinreynolds3411]

I remember seeing this when I was 16 when it was broadcast.

[@poshemuuu]

And what did you think then about it?

[@justinreynolds3411]

@@poshemuuu It was interesting to see. USSR was embroiled in Afghanistan and Chernobyl. I remember Gorbachev was trying to lead the country out of the great stagnation. Since I knew military was in my future, it was interesting to see what "the enemy" looked like.

[@chronicillz1879]

@@justinreynolds3411nothing wrong with stagnation

[@justinreynolds3411]

@@poshemuuu in those days the USSR was still a mystery to those of us in America. I thought it was a good documentary. But we also had very little knowledge of what went on behind the iron curtain

[@poshemuuu]

@@justinreynolds3411 That was really a good documentary, inpossible now((

[@Muonium1]

Tragic to see the total devolution of PBS from the staid, serious, straightforwardly honest reporting of those long gone days into the absolute dumpster fire of incessant ideological bias and corporate legacy media bilge it's become today. C'est la vie.

[@anthonyfuqua6988]

Frontline still to this day produces top quality content. Did they say something wrong about Putin?

[@Muonium1]

@@anthonyfuqua6988 Frontline has gone just as far down the tubes as anything else on pbs now, go to their web page, literally every single program on the main page is either Trump derangement syndrome obsessed hyperventilating, Pro Publica HEAVILY biased garbage, or ridiculously politically slanted (invariably from the left, of course) schlock about things like how "trucks are evil" now. They don't do journalism anymore, they do polemical propaganda and progressive / Democrat party astroturfing. Why would I bother even if they were right about something like Putin's dictator state when I could go somewhere else 10x more trustworthy?

[@lucasmed2351]

Any chance that ideological biases have developed in you more than in PBS documentaries?

[@anthonyfuqua6988]

PBS doesn't need ur money. They are partially funded by the government as always has been. Much more truthful than Fox News Special. 60 minutes is still the standard we aspire to but Trump and friends want you to believe them more than Frontline.

[@anthonyfuqua6988]

You have changed more than PBS Documentaries have chance.

[@tron.44]

I had to get up at 0415-0430 for most of basic. These guys were lucky to sleep in until 0600. I'm sure that changed long ago. This may be sacrilege to say, but i'm proud of their transformation from unsynchronized to a cohesive unit.

[@HontasFarmer80]

No. I'd imagine that in the absence of war there is no reason to wish bad on anyones soldiers. I wonder how many of these young men are still alive. They'd be about 60's right now.

[@davidratte1959]

Me too. I joined in 2021 and I had to be up at 400 and be downstairs at 430.

[@stanmoroncini8825]

lol o was thinking the same thing, when I heard 6 am I was like, damn, lucky. Wake up in basic was 0500 and in AIT it was 0430 lol

[@stargamer7576]

@@davidratte1959I’m guessing you were in the USMC we used to wake up at that exact time and we had to tap the beds before lights come on.

[@samueldocski4426]

As awesome as this is, just remember, what you see with the cameras around, is NOT what it really is...I know I saw boot camp videos of our military too, and it was so lenient and relaxed...when in reality it was a haze session and meant to break your spirit down to build you up as a new individual. It made me the man I am today. HM3(FMF) 2013-2019..

[@moron1138]

Quite a lot of people wonder why didn't they have socks. We've had them and wore military issued socks with dress shoes in the Navy and Aviation. But the rest of the army wore kirza boots, and one thing about this type of footwear: they DON'T WORK with regular socks, because your feet would be completely shredded and torn in pieces. They've used footwrap rag and it went AWESOME with kirza boots.

[@theproffesor]

I've served between 2004-06 in Turkmenistan (former USSR) we still preferred rag over socks, more better for foot health and hygiene.

[@ТатьянаЗамесова-ф9р]

муж в своих походах по лесу , в сапогах до сих пор их использует. Это удобно .

[@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш]

Портянки эти тряпки про которые ты говоришь они носили с сапогами во время учебы на полигоне а ботинки не кирзовые а нормальные кожаные с обычными носками!Я знаю что вы очень глупый народ и очень доверчивый но не до такой же степени вы дураки!!!

[@viliusrudinskas9953]

Я из Литвы. 1980-82 году служил Советской армии в Сибири. Мы тоже имели не носки, а партянки. Это лучше для ног.

[@leosouzanet]

Remember, these journalists at the end were having this conversation just 5 years prior to the USSR collapse. Precise impressions. I miss good old journalism. Thanks a lot for the posting. Greetings from Brazil! Subscribed!

[@tomarrese3756]

Pozdrawiam z Polski

[@Vitoss-yz3os]

В 1984 году отношения СССР и США стали очень хорошие. И журналисты обоих стран перестали откровенно врать и обманывать. Этот фильм очень похож на правду. Иногда были и такие войска как в этом кино. Но были воинские части с очень плохим порядком и жестокими отношениями как в тюрьме.

[@silvercoins]

In 1986 I was drafted into the USSR Navy, I served for three years...Golden times of my youth

[@hobbyjackson]

Thank you Mike. Between you, Periscope films and nuclear vault it’s my entertainment. Great content

[@ggor06]

Was watching this with my dad who was born in the ussr and he was laughing at me telling me how much nicer it looks, he always tells me to always take western news with a critical view but dont even trust russian or any communist news source

[@chronicillz1879]

Where is your dad from

[@johnstirling6597]

Made only 4 years before the USSR imploded.

[@planetcaravan2925]

Now putin is trying this same thing

[@evanfinch4987]

wow you can do math

[@trevorgardner6384]

It would be really fascinating to know what happened to this man after his time in the soviet army. If he could be found it would be even better to get an interview now after all these years

[@John3.36]

He is probably like 60 now.

[@paulvalery9778]

Dead on the fields in Ukraine after being drafted by Putler.

[@urugvajchernamazyj6240]

Probably dead. They were sent to Afganistan.

[@travisbickle4307]

Honourably discharged ... Services no longer needed, and for a country that no longer exists. The Russian Federation faces severe economic hardship, and the oligarchs, having carved former state enterprises between themselves hire former servicemen and KGB agents as bodyguards ... Or, he may have stayed in the army, perhaps serving in Tajikistan during the 1992 civil war, or maybe even in Chechnya ...

[@udankcat]

@@paulvalery9778 My man, i don't think the russian army would draft 60 year old men, and if they did, they probably would only be like 2 or 6k of them, not alot, i doubt he is in "ukraine" or drafted by putin, he probably died in Afghanistan or chechnya, and if he didn't he may have lost his life in georgia but he'd still be pretty old by then, it'd be weird to draft a nearly 40 or 50 year old man, the russians mainly recruit young men or men that have combat expierence which is why sometimes they draft men in their 40s, but there is defientely a small chance anyone above 50, let alone 60 would be drafted into the army, a 60 year old man isn't as strong or nimble as a 18-30 year old man

[@bloodman64123]

Wow that is was very nostalgic for me having served in the army in that time period. To see the face of my enemy back then. It’s a shame that we is human beings on this planet can’t live in peace.

[@sergeigontcharov1254]

I served in the Soviet Army in 1977-1979. I served in a group of Soviet troops in Germany. Immediately at the transit point in Frankfurt-on-Oder I was taken to the 320th training of engineering troops in the city of Glau. 6 months of training and I received 3 class of mechanic of a bridge-layer driver. There was no hazing in the training, everyone there is equal and only sergeants trained us but did not take away anything. When after training I got to a unit in the city of Bad Saar there was a little hazing but not terrible. The unit was small, only two companies I served well for two years - these were the best years of my life until today.

[@matteozampino411]

Loved reading this

[@sergeigontcharov1254]

thank you@@matteozampino411

[@Noname-c9w2g]

A recruit would never wear suit and tie. He would wear his worst clothes. Something he would not be afraid to lose. First, he will be stripped of all valuables on the train while travelling to a military base by stronger buddies. Second, at the base, all his civilian clothes are supposed to be preserved, yet they rearly are. It's just easier to get rid of them and let the military destroy them. After serving his time in the Soviet armed forces, he would wear his uniform when travelling home.

[@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш]

Чушь полная ты не знаешь нащей жизни а пишещь глупость!

[@Noname-c9w2g]

@@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш Чувак, я служил еще в Советской армии. Это было в начале 80х. Тогда служили 2 года. А, вот, твой, слава, опыт службы мне неясен. Что именно в моём посте не так?

[@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш]

@@Noname-c9w2g Честь и хвала тебе чувак служивший 2 года сапогом-поздравляю от всей души.Служил с1988-91 году.ВМФ СССР ДКБФ(Дважды Краснознаменный Балтийский Флот).Звание Гвардии Главный Корабельный Старшина.По солдатски просто Старшина.Еще вопросы есть???

[@vissarion3505]

These were the best last days of the USSR. I was 5 back then, but still remember those times living in Yakutian (Far North East Siberia) village.

[@tomsthomas1139]

I was born the year this documentary aired, our school atlases still had the 'USSR' in them when I was in primary. These young men are dead or in their 50s or early 60s now, it feels weird to see them as youngsters - when I myself am so perilously close to being 40. Nothings screws us like time.

[@4_vaccuum_salesman_of_marr944]

Or makes us better.

[@HustleMuscleGhias]

When I was in the 4th grade in 1999, one teacher had a giant map on the wall that still listed the USSR as being in existence.

[@viliusrudinskas9953]

Я служил 1980-82 году, но жив и здоров до сих пор. 40лет это так мало, мне 62года. Вилюс из Литвы. 🤓🤓🤓🤓🤓🤓

[@cyberGEK]

Vodka is a helluva drug!

[@daviddowsett1658]

5 years before the end of the USSR ... it does not look like they expected this to happen

[@nd5301]

совершенно верно. Никто даже подумать не мог. Просто жизнь становилась все хуже и хуже и в какой-то момент по телевизору сказали, что все. Всем спасибо, все свободны :-)

[@PrimericanIdol]

Much like people today don't expect the US to evaporate in a handful of years.

[@rufusufusus65]

@@nd5301 А в чём хуже становилась? Я без всяких шуток спрашиваю, просто сам родился в 1988, первые осознанные воспоминания у меня только из середины 90-х, поэтому я не мог оценить плохо было или хорошо, потому что для меня это было как само собой разумеющееся.

[@nd5301]

@@rufusufusus65 ну, например, к 91 году из магазинов исчезли практически все продукты, даже в Москве. Я в 91 как раз был в гостях у родственников в столице и мы с дядькой утром садились на его запорожец и катались по округе несколько часов, что бы закупиться самыми простыми продуктами на завтрак. Где-то можно было найти яйца, на другом конце района продавалась какая-то крупа и все с дикими очередями. К середине дня продукты из магазинов тупо исчезали, поэтому надо было успеть объехать весь район с утра. Продукты отпускали по минимуму в одни руки, так что на следующий день все нужно было начинать с начала. А в Новосибирске, откуда я родом, вообще ввели талоны на все, что можно. У родителей на антресолях до сих пор лежат сигареты, хозяйственное мыло и какая-то хрень, купленная по этим талонам)) Но после 92 года, когда Ельцин подписал "указ о свободной торговле" про очереди мы забыли раз и навсегда..

[@nd5301]

@@rufusufusus65 да просто к 91 году из магазинов исчезли практически все продукты, даже в Москве, а в регионах вообще карточки ввели на товары первой необходимости вроде мыла, спичек и сигарет..

[@PavelPavlov-x9m]

2:39, this is a Russian church hymn for "Blessed are you o Lord" from one of the psalms; a bit ironic since going to church was not appreciated in the USSR; although in Gorbachev's USSR the pressure on the church and church goers was much less than in earlier years of the USSR

[@cyberGEK]

Well now the Russian Orthodox “church” is just a worldwide covert op for the FSB. USSR realized they should have just appropriated the believers back then so they didn’t make that mistake this time and it’s working like a charm! They have convinced ‘conservatives’ in the West that they are a Christian nation again and no longer godless commies. Absolutely disgusting 🤮

[@sharonrigs7999]

Crazy that this took place in Volgograd aka. Stalingrad That huge statue is incredible

[@voroshilov3916]

Only the shipment of men happened in Volgograd

[@sharonrigs7999]

@@voroshilov3916 I'm aware

[@turtlecheese8]

This is so nice and so refreshing to see the story as it is with only necessary commentary to explain things without needless politics and bias so heavily and obviously injected.

[@graysid9769]

facts

[@dickritchie2596]

Its nice that the boys' mother loved him.

[@Panzerbeast]

Now Russian mothers don't care and want that free Lada!

[@sosalpha]

Wow! Never knew Frontlines dated that far back. They need to open their vault to public!

[@satanicaleve]

yeah, they've been airing Frontline documentaries since its inception in 1983. I love that we are seeing a lot of them from the 80's and 90's popping up on KZbin now. They produced some real gems back then

[@pavelshcherbakov6898]

Hi guys ! I was serving in Soviet Union Army in Soviet Airborne Forces. 1986- 1988. 6 monts in Training Division Rukla - Lithuanian SSR - Sergeant school / BMD-2 Commander. And after sergeant training got deployed to Guard 76th Airborne Division. 104th Airborne Regiment Pskov City - Russia. Никто Кроме Нас! За ВДВ! Nobody But Us! Za VDV! Sergeant Pavel Shcherbakov.

[@desreversti]

Very neat! How was your experience during your time in the military?

[@viliusrudinskas9953]

Здравствуйте, я из Литвы. Я тоже служил Советской армии в Сибири город Нижнеудинск,1980-82 году ПВО.❤🇷🇺

[@pavelshcherbakov6898]

@@desreversti Thanks for asking. Never Forget! During today- communicate whit own comrades. 14 jumps from AN - 2 and 12 jumps from IL - 76. 1st combat mission to Nagorny karabakh. Its was very hard and professional training. And very good and strong paratroopers brotherhood.

[@pavelshcherbakov6898]

@@viliusrudinskas9953 В Советской армии если не считать в некоторых воинских частях дедовщину как негативное явление то была настоящая дружба народов. И просто искренняя мужская дружба

[@desreversti]

@@pavelshcherbakov6898 You're welcome! That sounds like it was indeed a very memorable time. I'm glad you were safe during your time in the military. A friend of mine was in the 82nd airborne in the US Army from 2008 to 2011. He jumped out of C-130 aircraft many times during training and was in combat operations in Afghanistan for 18 months. He misses his fellow paratroopers too. He said that he also sometimes misses combat due to how close he and his fellow paratroopers were. It's very different for him after his military service.

[@Domazsakalauskas]

My Pops is Lithuanian and he served in Soviet Army, he was stationed in Latvia. As mentioned, It was a mixture of different soviet republic groups in the base. He was a mechanic for the army helicopters. The gist of what he told was, they gathered a bunch mountain folks from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan mixed them up with a few Armenians and what they had was a shit show. Because majority of them Asian Soviet satellite republics didn't know squat. They didn't know how to assemble anything, yet alone handle weaponry nor complex parts of a mil mi 8 helicopter. Mi Padre told me, If Americans ever attacked us, majority of Soviets would've shat in their pants and ran away. It was a complete and utter chaos. It's fun to watch but reality is much different.

[@Нес_Тор]

Your dad served as a transport helicopter maintenance worker! Everything was fine in combat units and high readiness!

[@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш]

Твой папа литовец не далек от истины!Я русский и служил как и твой папа в Латвии в 1988 -91 годах в городе Лиепая.Насчет азиатов и армян он сказал правду на 100%.

[@Gypsum179]

I think Americans and Russians are very similar in many ways. It is too bad we cannot get along, because we could accomplish many things together.

[@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш]

Кто сказал что не можем ладить?Кто?Американцы и русские это 2 народа наиболее родственные друг другу чем Европа!!!

[@justsumguy8193]

@@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш our governments are fucked tho

[@mangore623]

As was highlighted at the end, this is the saccharine sweet version of Soviet basic training for the sake of television. In reality, it was an uncompromisingly brutal experience for recruits, with violent hazing being the norm. Suicide was a very large issue in the Cold War soviet army. What was particularly notable is just how much young men-and the world-has changed since 1986. I was in the Canadian army in 86, and the contrast between the organization now versus then couldn’t be more stark. Additionally, we grew-up with the tacit understanding that war with the USSR was not a case of if, but when, so that fatalistic mindset hardened you to life’s realities very quickly, something that is completely absent in the young people of today who are embarrassingly soft…as is the rest of contemporary western society.

[@HontasFarmer80]

Very true about the idea of War with the USSR being a when not an IF. I was a small child but we were made aware that in 30 minutes BOOM. In hindsight it seems bizzare to think that the USA and USSR would be actual military enemies. It was an area of competition of showing off but actually fighting a war when it came to it was always crazy. Even without MAD being part of it. Why would we?

[@Kazako83]

The process you’re referring to, Dedovschina isn’t as common as a lot of people state. It varied depending on location/branch, and only got horrible after the fall of the USSR. Further more, quoting “One Soldiers War in Chechenya”, it does not occur in basic. The author didn’t experience it until active duty, because it very specifically relates to conscripts of different service times intermingling. All soldiers in basic are fresh.

[@Нес_Тор]

​@@HontasFarmer80You had little chance of defeating the red army! Why ? The survival threshold is high! Contempt for death! Number of soldiers and equal equipment! Only a nuclear strike and mutual death! The Red Army had no equal on earth! Vietnam showed everything to the world, the Red Army was small in the country and it fought for 10 years, the loss of US planes and helicopters in Vietnam was 5,000! Do you think they were shot down by people who grew rice??

[@Oberkommando]

The hazing only really started once you left basic training and were suddenly among older recruits. While the officers had power which they liked using against fresh recruits, the real problem was older recruits, especially those who were close to completing their service. Those older recruits were the biggest bullies. It was not uncommon to hear about some poor new recruit having his lunch stolen by the older ones. I’ve seen guys who went from normal looking to looking close to a skeleton because they kept getting their food stolen, which made them even weaker and thus even more susceptible to hazing…

[@oldcremona]

@@Нес_Торand yet the Red Army doesn’t exist any longer.

[@zeom76]

Awesome documentary. Thanks.

[@icysaracen3054]

Compared to the Yelstin years, I can see why many Russians were nostalgic for the Brezhnev Soviet era. Stagnation was bad, but at least as a Soviet Citizen you had a roof over your head and can eat meals.

[@vadimanreev4585]

Do not confuse the Soviet Army and the Russian army. A Soviet person is not necessarily Russian. And the USSR and the Russian Federation are antagonistic states, enemy states.

[@nous_defions]

Bingo. Russia was under occupation by the Soviets.

[@vadimanreev4585]

@@nous_defions For your idea, it remains for you to decipher what the Soviet system of power is.

[@tuttirulla]

@@nous_defions Soviet Union was just a facade for Russian imperialism.

[@marceloschmidt116]

He is not russian , he is a soviet soldier . It is alot bigger and served a greater purpose

[@Mr.Monta77]

Served a horrible purpose.

[@sovietkrab1871]

@@Mr.Monta77no

[@Mr.Monta77]

@@sovietkrab1871 Soviet crap propaganda.

[@bastianvanstigt6246]

Fascinating. Thanks for the upload!

[@Inkubun]

I truly wonder where Valera Krilov is now, I was invested in the young man's journey in this tape and I wonder what became of him and his friend Igor. I hope they are safe and happy.

[@Inkubun]

@user-cc6mm3lm9c Is there somewhere I can read about what happened to him?

[@edwardmiller3471]

I was thinking the Same Thing

[@mrpugster]

Damn, when BBC actually produced some quality content. Now just a former shadow of itself.

[@johnsmith-ht3sy]

BBC are are now a disgrace. Gone woke.

[@evanfinch4987]

they still do. the problem is you

[@tyronwells2604]

No they don't lol ​@evanfinch4987

[@lucasmed2351]

Isn't this a PBS documentary?

[@cyberGEK]

This IS NOT the BBC 😂🤡

[@robertbudtxu]

The fact that this documentary exists as well done as it is as well noted ... is a sacred duty. And remarkable. The film one would have thought would b censored

[@stvjjgcj]

well you can be certain it only shows what they wanted to be seen...

[@evgenkiselev9665]

Цензура есть, но достоверность на 90%. Приукрашен быт, в остальном так и было. Некоторые вещи не показали, это дедовщина (когда старослужащие солдаты издеваются и наказывают молодых солдат в целях воспитания).

[@stark1987]

a mother is a mother everywhere

[@elguapo5124]

I was army infantryman 1982 to 86, went to fort Benning infantryman school, we called the Russian soldier Ivan! I got stationed inside the korean DMZ did many patrols and night ambush in the american sector of the DMZ its a weared scary place, lots of mine fields, and north korean soldiers,

[@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш]

А причем здесь мы Иваны служил в Корее и служи себе дальше!Мы русские а не корейцы!!!

[@oorahcrazydog]

I was disappointed. I was expecting to see Ivan Drago clones throughout the barracks. My first thought about their socks was...'My God. Their feet are going to get mangled on the first hike.' All jokes aside, it was a good documentary. As a former officer in the Marines, I can appreciate the hardship that anyone goes through in military training. Soldiers across the world often have more in common with each other than they have with their own governments. We can only hope that the war in Ukraine ends sooner. The Ukrainians didn't want to be invaded. Most young Russians don't want to be there. In fact, I can only think of one person who really wants that war.

[@thefletch32]

It blows my mind that so many people seemingly miss this point. Almost all enlisted military are not ideologues and there’s a lot more empathy between opposing sides than a lot of media would lead you to believe. Especially in Ukraine, all those fighting on both sides were distant family members, or played video games online with each other, ect. They lived very similar lives, and it’s a terrible tragedy that they now have to be killing each other. I’m hoping for a day in the future Ukraine can freely control its own territory, and the normal Russian and Ukrainian people can interact organically again, not in response to armed conflict or state propaganda.

[@ting111111]

IIRC The Russian army converted to socks in about 2008 or something.

[@FAL87]

@@ting111111 still, they dont give them out though.

[@eddieb5149]

In my opinion, Biden and Zelensky want that war more than Putin does.

[@moron1138]

Man, their 'socks' are the coolest thing, literally the best solution for long-distance hiking and running. Especially with kirza boots.

[@texasborn2720]

It would be interesting what became of this young man ? He would be 58 years old today.

[@Mr.Monta77]

He is dead a long time ago. Just like most russian occupants in Ukraine.

[@КубанцынаУрале]

​@@Mr.Monta77 это только украинцев в 50 лет призывают на войну. В России нет) так что скорее всего жив и внуков нянчит

[@planetcaravan2925]

​@@Mr.Monta77 maybe he was on the Kursk

[@Kazako83]

@@Mr.Monta77most soldiers serving in war do not die, furthermore he would be too old serve. And about 40% of his platoon is likely Ukrainian too during his service here.

[@bpdp379]

Prime time for Afghanistan.

[@W.Stryker]

Literally right as Afghanistan was winding down, and the Soviet Union collapsing. Makes me wonder if he stayed in the Army and served in Chechnya or did he get out of the army

[@Mikeb8134]

thanks for posting

[@JohnDoe-iq5xv]

The mother coping on the end was chilling. Afghan War, USSR Split, Chechnya War I and II, and now the Ukrainian war. Plus all the small conflicts we barely heard of. They used those conscripts as canon fodder for the last 40 years (since the movie was made...). 1/4 to 1/2 million of them died or were injured since the docu was filmed!

[@scottgordon8902]

500,000 almost dead in just the last 2 years

[@dcentral]

Don’t forget the mobilization of 500,000 Soviet troops to Chernobyl in 1986 to help with the nuclear disaster. They were lied to about dangers of radiation and they were given bad safety equipment that did not work. Tens of thousands had to develop cancers later in life while the country would collapse soon and healthcare was in complete disarray at that point.

[@jacadi123]

@@scottgordon8902 500,000 dead in the past 2 years is a stretch. Most sources say 300,000 dead and heavily wounded, which is still a lot compared to afghanistan and chechnya

[@dachavanderlinovo413]

​@@jacadi123comparing Chechen Wars and Afghan with Ukraine War is really stupid. First two wars were against insurjents without modern weapons and army while current war is war between 2 Modern Armies. It's like comparing US losses in Afganistan and Vietnam with US WW2 losses

[@jacadi123]

@@dachavanderlinovo413 I am not comparing the wars, i'm comparing the losses. At the end of the day a death is a death for people back home, whatever kind of war it is.

[@IamBuffal0]

Thanks for the upload!

[@eddieb5149]

I felt so bad for the mom. She seemed so traumatized. Also, I couldn't believe them wrapping their feet with pieces of fabric!? I was in the military, and the thought of wearing combat boots without actual socks is pure torture.

[@Нес_Тор]

We had boots for the dress uniform and there were socks! Wearing socks in boots is not comfortable; they get bunched up and rub your feet! In the USSR Navy, a sailor wore boots and socks!

[@juhokuusisto9339]

You should try some footwraps instead of just thinking.

[@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш]

Потому что ты глупый человек!Попробуй пробеги в носках в сапогах хотя бы 10 километров и ты разобьешь ноги до крови и будешь потом в госпитале с больными ногами 2 недели лежать!Это практика выработаная десятилетиями.Лучше портянок ничего пока не придумали!!!

[@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш]

​@@Нес_ТорТы обалдел что ли я служил 3 года на флоте никаких сапогов мы не таскали!Только ботинки!!!

[@DETSRC313]

Wow, look at how young Judy is here!🤯

[@tyrranicalt-rad6164]

My brother played baseball in Russia during the early 90s. He traded his Air Jordans for a Full Russian Soviet Officers Uniform he brought back.

[@boris2997]

Tough living makes tough men

[@attackfive8659]

What’s old is new. I imagine many of the home truths about Russia highlighted by this documentary documentary are directly applicable to Russian society today. Their war in Afghanistan during the ‘80’s is directly analogous to the Russian war in Ukraine today. This is a highly insightful piece. Many thanks to whoever uploaded this for everybody.

[@johnnotrealname8168]

They are different types of War though.

[@jerryjerrylahngenhairy4724]

And their conscription soldiers are dumb AF

[@dungeon_masster.]

нет, война на украине гораздо важнее это вопрос выживания России

[@zombiesingularity]

The war in Afghanistan is not anything like the war in Ukraine, what are you talking about?

[@Cotac_Rastic]

​@@dungeon_masster. Indeed. Always look at Africa if you ever want a reminder of what the West intends for you.

[@marley606]

I don't know why I love the design and color of the soviet uniforms

[@ryanreedgibson]

You COMMIE! Just kidding.

[@edthebumblingfool]

prehaps you are a Nazi

[@Siriuan]

It's a real deal. We have been dumped down by the stifling Capitalist economies

[@The.Rooster]

I do too. My favorite part of the Soviet uniform are the hats, specifically the Visors. I love the Large crowned giant mushroom caps some officers wore. I actually have a collection of Soviet cold war visor caps, and i really like them. But the uniforms themselves are so aesthetically pleasing

[@marley606]

@@The.Rooster Those big hats are called ushankas. I like the ushankas but I also like the small sideways green ones. New Russian uniforms honestly look boring.

[@Игорь-е1и8ъ]

Бедные солдатики.Глаза слипаются во время просмотра программы ,,Время''.Устают к концу дня,все так и было.

[@dallastaylor5479]

I bet they don't mention grandfathering.

[@brinjoness3386]

bbc and pbs public broadcasting at its best

[@FAL87]

Arte, a german/french cooperation channel is awesome too.

[@M81_WOODLAND]

Fail to get into med school? Off to the Red Army you go.

[@lupusdeum3894]

Doctors are very underpaid in RF. You're better off being a tool & die maker!

[@grantm6514]

And then "Where would you like to serve?" "Electronics, motorized infantry" "Done" Where the reality would be "Electronics, motorized infantry? Nope, you're going to be a cook, in the navy""

[@chaverenren981]

Crazy.. Soviet Union looks very wealthy in the 80’s like it doesn’t look like they are suffering from food shortages, and the nuclear family unit seems to be intact… not as much alcoholism as today in Russia.

[@sergeyzeleni503]

А откуда известно сколько сейчас алкоголизма 🤔

[@elpablo6760]

I've seen how the British drink, it's terrible. I think Russians drink less

[@AndrewTubbiolo]

@18:55 that training base in Lvov/Lviv would see Americans train the Ukrainian army in NATO style armored warfare predicated on a small force holding at bay a much larger force. We saw the results in 2022. That base was also bombed heavily in the opening weeks of the full on Russian invasion of 2022 when Ukraine was using that base to train the first large influx of conscripts .

[@mrobocop1666]

Actually, Russian invasion forces weren't much larger, they were smaller: Russia had about 200k soldiers for the first 7 months of war, while Ukrainian army initially had 250k and had risen to 700k within 2 month by mobilisation. By September 2022, Russian forces shrinked to 150k so Ukraine was able to launch successful offensive and Russia began partial mobilisation

[@AndrewTubbiolo]

@@mrobocop1666 Good point, I should have pointed out armor. When you talk mechanized warfare, you tend to count machines more than people.

[@gordonallen9095]

Looking at, and listening to the citizens of the Soviet Union, many were as apprehensive about war as those citizens in the west.

[@leonardpiskacsr.7111]

Was there in 1982 as an M.P. in Stuttgart FRG...Was brought up in Army Russian Soldier was Formidable...They were a Paper Tiger nothing like we were told...more worried bought East German Soldiers!!😮

[@peterluria9357]

National People's Army (Nationale Volksarmee in German) was formidable. Numerically small but highly professional and excellent training. Supposedly one of the reasons there was never WWIII in Europe was that Western Allies, e.g. NATO, still remembered their experiences fighting the Wehrmacht after which the NVA was modeled (except for ideology obviously). They were not eager for a rematch. Even the German Democratic Republic's erstwhile ally the Soviet Union, was somewhat wary of the East German Army.

[@Нес_Тор]

​@@peterluria9357Nva of eastern Germany were first-class tankers, they were together at the Eastern Bloc exercises at the Altengrabow training ground! We were allies! The Red Soldier was not a paper tiger! Why ? Korea 1:1, Vietnam held out for 10 years on the USSR and the red soldier, Cuba is the Bay of Pigs, it was not Cuban prostitutes who defeated the CIA special forces soldiers;))

[@themichaelmoreno]

Great documentary!!! He was very involved in that entire process!!

[@jberry1982]

You can always tell old Soviet family photos they never smile ever lol

[@russ_z]

Потому что в России люди искренние..и натянутые улыбки Джокера это цирк... в США люди улыбаются потому что это так надо...а в душе грусть... В России люди улыбаться только когда они хотят этого...лол..)

[@jberry1982]

@@russ_z I have no idea what you said to me guy I only speak English and German

[@jberry1982]

@@russ_z ok I know what you said now Ivan you're bat shit crazy as hell we smile cuz we have fun doing alot of the shit we do y'all the ones with sadness in your souls I feel for you your so damn indoctrinated to this day you really believe that shit they tell you about us I had no clue y'all actually fell for that shit trust me I was in the army for a little bit to it wasn't sadness there was no damn political indoctrination class not even in AIT which is advanced infantry training ... Yeah there was none of that shit cuz here we kinda get to think and choose and do whatever the fuck we wanna do God bless America can y'all go to the local Walmart and buy a AK like we can an AR-15 or AR12 gauge shotgun and go home to our Properties and shoot some shit like targets tannerite and deer and cool shit like that I don't think so Ivan that's America right there guy sweet sound of freedom

[@jberry1982]

@@russ_z and don't go saying doing that shit I mentioned is sad and all that bullshit cuz trust me it's tons of fun and we ain't gotta like what our leaders says either like I'll tell ya now fuck Joe Biden I'm on the Trump train maga for life but I'm from Alabama we're not all woke down South like them Yankees up north are mostly but y'all ruskys got allot in common with us it would be a hell of a interesting Keg party I'll tell ya that much after some Bourbon shots and some cold beers and some random target practice at random shit then go hitting some muddy trails in our Polaris rangers and razrs and our big lifted up trucks I'm sure we would be bestys after a weekend like that get y'all away from that damn state ran and owned media they keep feeding y'all over there and see the real deal for yourselves y'all will be just fine I'm sure but they got y'all really programmed like North Korea does there people and I didn't even think that was possible that people could be programmed more then them North Koreans lol...

[@jberry1982]

@@russ_z I got several Russian buddies here some from Moscow some from saint Petersburg they love it here and they all said what you just told me about how were portrayed over there and y'all ain't really portrayed to us like that by our media they do tell us how the state does control everything y'all hear 100% though which I didn't think they could really keep y'all that I'm the dark like that until you just said that comment

[@rangerguy196]

Little did they know, a few years later the Soviet Union would collapse and the Berlin wall would come down.

[@peterdinklage-jy4dl]

the good ol days

[@sharonrigs7999]

" Who doesn't want to be a REAL man? Wait 40 years and see 😂

[@aaronwilkinson8963]

You wouldn't think it was all falling apart

[@wanungara2]

This guy would only be 55-56 now so he could be fighting in Ukraine for all we know

[@MM22966]

Possible, but unlikely, based on things known: Pution seems to be carefully insulating the urban/Russian core of the country from what is going on. A lot of the mobilized "Mobiks" personnel have been shown being conscripted from hinterland areas like Tuva, Dagestan, Urals, Eastern Siberia, etc. Plus convicts, mercs, Chechnyans, and so forth.

[@olegbruhavetsky]

@@MM22966 In Russia, everyone who wants to is sent to fight in Ukraine and signs a contract with them. They were mobilized according to the military specialty required in the army, and not according to the city in which the person lives. Military equipment is too complex for an ordinary person from a village to operate.

[@richardtibbetts574]

It’s the Ukrainians who yank young boys, and old men off the street, to be fed in the meat grinder.

[@MM22966]

@@olegbruhavetsky Sure. That must be why I see drunk people, asiatic people, and former convicts in the mobilized personnel video clips. Or panic-drives by local party officials to gather up anyone they can in places like Dagestan. And when I see man on the street interviews in places like Moscow, they are doing there best to stay politically & personally uninvolved.

[@olegbruhavetsky]

@@MM22966 You probably forgot how Great Britain fought in the Falklands.))) And decided to condemn Russia.

[@spaceman7925]

If you need to tell everything exactly what happened in the Soviet army, then the beautiful side is shown here. About illegal relationships and prison rules in the army. This shows what happens during training, how many soldiers lose their lives because of strangers' stupid mistakes. And those journalists can talk about service in the Soviet army, if they did not serve there? I served and I know everything in 1985-1987. They filmed as much as the KGB allowed !

[@Fred_the_1996]

how was it? if you dont mind me asking

[@spaceman7925]

@@Fred_the_1996 It was difficult from the beginning in the training camp. 20% soldiers broke down psychologically and ran away, but when they were caught, they were locked up in an army prison. There were times when they even killed itselfes . There were similar to prison rules. Soldiers used to fight with each other. That's why it's called a man's school. It was not so bad everywhere, but here the good side of the army was shown to the public. Was big religions mix....

[@Fred_the_1996]

@@spaceman7925 sounds like most of the guys there were conscripted

[@spaceman7925]

@@Fred_the_1996 Those who had disabilities did not have to serve. All others had to serve their homeland for the benefit of the USSR. No chose !

[@svinche2]

Russian soldier boy in 1986??? WTF It is a SOVIET SOLDIER BOY (1986) !!!!

[@markpirie1986]

Great documentary. 👍 Miss the Cold War! Compared to the bulls..t were dealing within the uk today

[@sharonrigs7999]

Before we let all all our enemies waltz in through the front door....and stay here. Enoch Powell was right

[@Dickusification]

Yes, woke wasn't even a concept in 80s

[@brocktonma.1816]

I joined the USAF in 1980. All American military was geared towards war with USSR. Who knew there’d be 2 in the Middle East. All the equipment was green. Now it’s all tan.

[@UtopianMatt]

"Controls in the background ready to be activated when necessary " Wonder if he knew about Putin leading the councils

[@yumallah]

Putin was not important back then.

[@jungleboy1]

Mike Guardia = the underrated American Mark Felton. I hope your channel is as successful as his because quite frankly yours has the raw footage and we as viewers can learn history from this. Thanks.

[@danorthsidemang3834]

Mark Felton sucks. He was caught shoplifting kiddie gravure mags inside a Lawson in Japan.

[@user-wg3wj6ur9z]

Is this Russia 1986 or California 2048?

[@mybirthday1986]

Ethnically homogenous population? That's not been California for a half century.

[@phd5321]

That is interesting to see in light of what is happening now - how different the war has become, how nations preparing to war then and how real war is happening. Nothing what was looking appropriate then is absolutely irrelevant now. Hope (but I don’t think) peace will come to us all soon.

[@Jorge15282]

This is where I realize that each country sells the poma with its military service as something very simple and normal, I don't think the sergeants and instructors have been so kind to the recruits in the UURRSS. Here in Chile at that same time they beat the crap out of the recruits until they formed real combat dogs and I don't think it was different in Russia.

[@Frederik_Berlin]

Very interesting!

[@tonyarthur2828]

Many families with only one child brought into the household shows that parents are very responsible while having more children could bring financial difficulties!

[@jnucleo]

Same controllers ran the US and USSR. Follow the money.

[@ManongdoMJ]

1986 = my birthyear! 😆😆

[@calvinforcejr2382]

Question. Why don't they tell you the whole story of life of the average Soviet soldier when he starts boot camp to the end. They never never tell that story. I the Soviet army it must be total hell for those men. I wish they did a video of what it's like to be in the Soviet army from the beginning to the end of Boot camp. I'll bet it's much harsher then in the American Army. And that's the truth. I thank you for your time.

[@imGeistevereint]

Pretty sure American bootcamps, especially marines or SO is the pinnacle of inhumane treatment for soldiers across the world.

[@joaodesaparecido500]

​@@imGeistevereintYou should see the average training of a Brazilian special forces soldier

[@gregorybentley5707]

​@@imGeistevereintwait, what? You just literally made this up. Have you seen the talks soldiers get in boot camp these days during their first few days of training? Marines immediately could introduced to a support system, they are told right away and it is understood that they will never have a hand laid on them by any instructor, that no one will abuse them or hit them, that their mental health is of Paramount concern etc etc. The physical rigors are incredibly difficult but boot camp for any branch of the military is not the 60s anymore, recruits are supported, protected, and closely observed the entire way through training. I know it's the internet but it's just nuts that you can say something so completely incorrect and just make things up on a whim that make absolutely zero sense.

[@happynowfarms]

@@imGeistevereint Marine Corps bootcamp nor Special Ops training was not inhumane. It was tough but that is required to survive war.

[@imGeistevereint]

@@happynowfarms Totaly agree and never said a more humane Bootcamp would be more benefitial in order to achieve a better preperation for war. The thing tho is that training like this is known to scar exposed soldiers for their entire lifes which is why said Bootcamps were probably made softer in recent years.

[@jkwalrus9723]

He walked so soulja boy could run

[@stevedavenport1202]

Hard to believe that the term "Soviet" is no longer in use.

[@ОлегЯворський-я7в]

Я так розумію це 7 полк?

[@theodorebennett7938]

Interesting. I was an American soldier at the exact same time-frame and possibly have faced private Valera in combat. He and the other recruits don't look as scary as the US Army made them out to be. I hope he doesn't end up in Afghanistan. Btw, I think those old Soviet uniforms with the red collars and shoulderboards look cool.

[@Нес_Тор]

How cool it is that we were soldiers in the USSR and US armies! Last among equals!

[@kajetanzielinski]

It is fake picture lol. Soviet soldiers were treated like cattle to grow anger in them anger and hate.

[@andrewbarron7690]

That's Yavoriv near Lviv where he was sent? Hit in a Russian missile attack in 2022.

[@Mr.Monta77]

If it was a kindergarten or home for the elderly, the russians aim for that.

[@kc0jtl]

I will tell you what is inconceivable, having to march around in Soviet made boots with rags instead of socks!

[@evgenkiselev9665]

Привет! Это не тряпки, это называется портянки. Мне довелось во время службы в армии носить носки и портянки. И я скажу так, портянки, если ты умеешь их мотать лучше носков, от них нет мозолей, нет грибка, ноги лучше себя чувствуют при длительных марш бросках (преодоление больших расстояний в полной амуниции). Если ноги вспотели и носки мокрые, то носки нужно менять, а портянки достаточно перевернуть другой стороной. Резюме - портянки это отличное изобретение, пока не попробуешь, не поймёшь. Я служил в воздушно десантных войсках в 2002-2004 годах, как раз когда от портянок стали отказываться. Мне есть с чем сравнивать. Когда сдали переходить на носки, многие из нас носили носки и поверх мотали портянки, так ногам было комфортнее!

[@jasonm949]

The US Army had to literally threaten soldiers for wearing unapproved body armor, sent from home, during the Iraq war.

[@thevet2009]

That is nonsense.

[@jasonm949]

@@thevet2009 It's actually fact. And let's not forget GIs digging through junk yards to add armor to their humvees

[@socaljarhead7670]

It is, but that kind of supervision is what separates a professional army from a paper tiger.

[@ВячеславВалеев-й2ш]

В Афганистане 1979-89 годы Советская Армия вообще их выкидывала!Толку от них ни какого по горам в этом панцире не наскочешься а от автоматной пули он все равно не спасет!

[@DaveSCameron]

Cheers and a Happy New Year to you and yours there mate 👍 ☘️