First Chechen conscripts sent to army

On October 17, 30 young Chechens recruited to the army during the autumn conscription campaign were sent to units of the Southern Military District.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that out of more than 80,000 Chechen residents of draft age, 500 people will be selected during the autumn draft campaign.

In Chechnya, the number of young men who wish to serve in the army is much more than the quota for recruits allocated to the region, noted an official from the military enlistment office.

"In fact, 50 or more persons claim for one place. And we select the most physically developed guys with higher or technical education," the military official explained.

Members of local NGOs explain the young people's desire to serve in the army primarily by unemployment and the lack of prospects for young people in Chechnya itself.

Out of fourteen 18-25-year-old residents of Chechnya, interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent, nine declared their willingness to serve in the army. Other three residents of Chechnya agree to serve in the army providing their further employment in the law enforcement agencies.

Only one young man spoke categorically against the military service. He explained that his father, uncle, several relatives, and dozens of his acquaintances were killed during the military campaigns in the republic.

Service in the army is "a chance to build a good life," said recruit Suleiman. "In Chechnya, it is not possible to find a good job without relations and money," the man noted.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.