Any language, including Russian, is a living and mobile structure. Some words disappear from everyday life, and new ones appear in return. But sometimes people want to know what a concept has come to us from centuries ago. For example, the definition of the word "Recruit".
Origin of the term
Immediately in several languages there is the word "rookie", pronounced precisely as "recruit" - in Polish, German. French recruter - "recruit troops". In Russia in ancient times, at first, young soldiers were called "Nekruts, " distorting the original sound of the Polish version, and only in 1701 the tsar’s decree of Peter I appeared, where the recruits were called "recruits." From this moment, the whole scheme of recruiting young servicemen to the army changed.
Russia. Recruitment, 18th century
During the time of the Russian Empire, recruits called ordinary peasants, "shaved" into the army. The royal decree provided for such liberation from serfdom and a decent salary for those times. In addition, they did not need to take care of the roof over their heads and food. The discipline in the recruiting units was tough.
Families of recruits who later received the title of “soldier” or “Sailor” were also not offended - they were supposed to be supported by the treasury, and in case of death of the breadwinner, a pension was paid. Thus, the recruit could contain relatives remaining in the village. But, of course, leaving a strong young guy in the army for many years was a real tragedy - there weren’t enough hands on the fields.
At first, such a service was life-long, and in 1793 it was limited to 25 years. By the way, merchants, clergymen and honorary citizens, as well as members of their families, were released from such military service. Well, noble children, of course, from childhood trained in military affairs and became officers. This is our story.
The goal of the recruitment system was defined by Peter I: "The most complete use of the human resource." Typically, single men were taken into the army, but if the peasant was already married, his family was allowed to go after the faithful. They were also paid salaries and housing. Recruits were not forbidden to marry during the service - and the army took upon themselves all the troubles of maintaining the family. So old is loyal to the peasants.
Recruits in other countries
In the armies of some other countries, in particular, in the USA, they call recruits who have not even passed basic training for military affairs.
That is, inexperienced and untrained soldiers with the lowest ranks, who do not possess any weapon handling skills, do not know the rules and discipline.
