A criminal investigation in Ukraine is underway, targeting alleged desertion and abuse of power within the 155th Mechanised Brigade, a unit partly trained by France. Hundreds of soldiers reportedly deserted, with allegations of poor management and a commander’s replacement shortly before combat deployment. The investigation, encompassing articles 426-1 and 408 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, is ongoing. Claims of desertion during both training in France and before combat deployment have been made public.
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A Seoul court sentenced a 26-year-old South Korean man to a two-year suspended prison sentence for deliberately gaining over 44 pounds to avoid active military duty. His accomplice, also 26, received the same sentence for assisting in the scheme. The man, initially deemed fit for active duty, significantly increased his caloric intake and quit his job to reach a weight qualifying him for social service. Both defendants and prosecutors did not appeal the November 13th ruling.
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Russia’s army is undeniably larger than it was two years ago, a significant increase in sheer numbers. However, this growth hasn’t translated into a stronger fighting force; in fact, the quality of the Russian military has demonstrably decreased. This is evident in several key areas.
The high casualty rate among Russian soldiers speaks volumes. The sheer number of deaths and the reliance on conscripts, many of whom lack adequate training, highlight a critical flaw in the Russian military’s approach. The emphasis on quantity over quality, a strategy reminiscent of past conflicts, proves disastrous in the face of modern warfare. This isn’t merely about a lack of advanced weaponry; it’s a fundamental issue of soldier preparedness and effectiveness.… Continue reading
It’s a chaotic situation, isn’t it? Ukrainian recruiters descending on Kyiv’s nightlife in search of men not registered for conscription is a grim reality in a country fighting for its survival against Russian aggression. The thought of being forced into a warzone is undoubtedly terrifying, and it’s understandable why some would go to great lengths to avoid such a fate. However, the need for manpower in the face of a conflict as dire as this one cannot be overstated.
The harsh truth is that war doesn’t discriminate based on who you are or where you come from. The draft, as a form of state-enforced slavery, has been a tool used throughout history to bolster military ranks.… Continue reading
Putin’s recent order for the conscription of 133,000 servicemen in Russia’s autumn draft brings a grim reality to light. The call for young men to join the military is not a new concept in Russia; it is a recurring event that happens every spring and autumn. However, the timing of this draft, amidst a brutal war in Ukraine, raises eyebrows and concerns about the fate of these young conscripts.
As I delve into the details, I can’t help but feel a sense of despair for the Russian youth who are being thrust into a situation where their lives are at risk for someone else’s political agenda.… Continue reading
It’s disheartening to hear about the recent news from the Ukraine Ministry of Defense regarding the automatic registration of men aged 17 to 25 as conscripts. The automatic registration system, while not directly leading to immediate mobilization, raises concerns about the potential for future enlistment and military service for these young men. In similar fashion to the U.S. Selective Service system, this move by Ukraine reflects a proactive approach to ensure a pool of eligible individuals in case of a national emergency that requires conscription.
The idea of automatic registration may seem like a bureaucratic process, but it holds a significant weight for those affected, especially in a country such as Ukraine, where the threat of military conflict is present.… Continue reading
I can’t wrap my head around the shocking news that ten thousand recently naturalized Russian citizens have been drafted and sent to war in Ukraine. These individuals, part of a group of 30,000 new Russian citizens, were reportedly caught failing to register for mandatory military service. It’s appalling to think about where these individuals might have come from. Could they be individuals from the occupied territories who were forced to exchange their Ukrainian passports for Russian citizenship? The thought that citizenship now guarantees service is troubling.
It’s disturbing to hear that these new recruits are being used as mere cannon fodder.… Continue reading
As an Israeli citizen, the recent decision by Israel’s high court to order the army to draft ultra-Orthodox men is a long-awaited and necessary step in the right direction. For far too long, the ultra-Orthodox community has enjoyed special privileges, exempt from military service while often being the most vocal proponents of war and violence. It is about time that those who call for bloodshed and conflict are now required to defend the homeland themselves.
The ultra-Orthodox men attend special seminaries that focus solely on religious studies, neglecting crucial secular topics like math, English, or science. This lack of preparation has not only left them ill-equipped for military service but also unprepared to enter the secular workforce.… Continue reading
As I reflect on the recent reports that Trump world is considering a return to mandatory military service, I am filled with a mix of disbelief and outrage. The irony of a draft dodger even entertaining the idea of forcing young Americans to serve in the military is beyond comprehension. The very idea that someone who avoided military service themselves would now want to mandate it for others is not only hypocritical but also disturbing.
The last time America had a mandatory draft was during the Vietnam War, a time of great social upheaval and unrest. The idea of forcing young people to fight in wars that they may not believe in was deeply unpopular then, and it remains so now.… Continue reading
Germany may introduce conscription for all 18-year-olds as it looks to boost its troop numbers in the face of Russian military aggression. This news has sparked various reactions and speculations about the potential motives behind such a decision. It begs the question, does Germany have some super critical intel on Russian plans that is driving this move? The thought of conscripting every high school student, both men, and women, sounds like a drastic measure in response to a looming threat. WW2 histories of “war clouds gathering” suddenly feel more tangible and relevant in today’s context.
The idea of bringing back compulsory military service for young men and extending it to women is a significant shift from the current status quo.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood