“Russian officer” is the definition of a special breed of people. More of a title than a title, uniting several eras of our history at once. And not every Russian military man can really be considered a Russian officer. Probably everyone remembers this quote: “...what is the honor of an officer, I know - you learned this quickly at the front”? Vladimir Sharapov's line from "The meeting place cannot be changed." Although formally he was a Soviet officer, he was Russian in spirit.
The point, of course, is not a matter of innate qualities. Perseverance, nobility - they teach all this. How they taught to be a Russian officer. For this, there was a special set of rules that, albeit informally, had to be observed. There have been regulations in the Russian army since the time of Peter I. Already Peter the Great’s “Military Article” of 1715 regulated the basic rules of military science, army discipline and subordination.
However, there was another, informal set of rules for officer conduct. Those rules that made an officer a real gentleman. For a long time, there was no single written military code of honor, like the Japanese “Bushido,” in Russia. He appeared - coincidence or not? - in 1904, the year of the Russo-Japanese War. “Advice to a Young Officer” was written by captain Valentin Mikhailovich Kulchitsky. In fact, this is a set of pre-existing unwritten rules; Kulchitsky only brought them together. At one time it was a popular brochure, now completely forgotten: between 1915 and 1917 it went through six editions.
Many of the rules of behavior listed in the “Tips...” are universal and will be useful to any man. Here are some of them:
- If you are harsh and arrogant, everyone will hate you.
- Be polite and modest in your dealings with all people.
- Don't make promises unless you're sure you'll keep your promise.
- Conduct yourself simply, with dignity, without foppishness.
- Be self-possessed, correct and tactful always, with everyone and everywhere.
- Be polite and helpful, but not intrusive or flattering. Know how to leave on time so as not to be superfluous.
- It is necessary to remember the line where dignified politeness ends and servility begins.
- Don’t play around - you won’t prove your daring, but you will compromise yourself.
- Don’t rush to get on friendly terms with a person you haven’t gotten to know well enough.
- Avoid financial settlements with friends. Money always spoils relationships.
- If you can, help your friend financially, but avoid taking it personally, as it lowers your dignity.
- Don't make debts: don't dig holes for yourself. Live within your means.
- Do not take personally offensive remarks, witticisms, or ridicule said after you, which often happens on the streets and in public places. Be above it. Leave - you won’t lose, but you’ll get rid of the scandal.
- If you can’t say anything good about someone, then refrain from saying anything bad, even if you know.
- Don't ignore anyone's advice - listen. The right to follow him or not will remain with you.
- To be able to take good advice from another is no less an art than to give good advice to yourself.
- Honor tempers courage and ennobles courage.
- A boss who does not spare the pride of his subordinates suppresses their noble desire to become famous and thereby weakens their moral strength.
- Take care of the reputation of the woman who trusted you, no matter who she is.
- There are situations in life when you need to silence your heart and live with your mind.
- Be guided in life by instinct, a sense of justice and a duty of decency.
- Always be alert and don't let yourself go.
- Try to keep your words soft and your arguments firm in a dispute. Try not to annoy your opponent, but to convince him.
- When speaking, avoid gesturing and raising your voice.
- There is nothing worse than indecision. A worse decision is better than hesitation or inaction. You can't get back a lost moment.
- The one who fears nothing is more powerful than the one whom everyone fears.
- When two people quarrel, both are always to blame.
- The strongest delusions are those that have no doubt.
- By the way, it’s smart to remain silent.
- Humble is not the one who is indifferent to praise, but the one who is attentive to blame.
Prepared by Alexander Ryazantsev
In pre-revolutionary Russia, there was an informal set of rules for officer conduct. By adhering to it, the officer became a real defender of the Fatherland, behind which stands inner moral dignity, valor, nobility of soul and a clear conscience. After all, the high rank of a Russian Officer is not given only by shoulder straps.
In 1904, all these rules from a kind of code of honor were collected together in the brochure “Advice to a Young Officer” by Captain Valentin Mikhailovich Kulchitsky. Not all tips will be given below, but only some of them. These extracts are universal and suitable for any man at all times.
Kulchitsky’s work went through six reprints. The seventh was prevented by the October Revolution. The purpose of the publication was to prevent inexperienced military youth from making false and destructive steps.
- Don't make promises unless you're sure you'll keep your promise.
- Conduct yourself simply, with dignity, without foppishness.
- It is necessary to remember the line where dignified politeness ends and servility begins.
- Be less frank - you will regret it. Remember: my tongue is my enemy!
- Don't play around - you can't prove your valor, but you'll compromise yourself.
- Don’t rush to get on friendly terms with a person you haven’t gotten to know well enough.
- Avoid money accounts with your friends. Money always spoils relationships.
- Do not take personally offensive remarks, witticisms, or ridicule said after you, which often happens on the streets and in public places. Be above it. Leave - you won't lose, but you'll get rid of the scandal.
- If you can’t say anything good about someone, then refrain from saying anything bad, even if you know.
- Don't ignore anyone's advice - listen. The right to follow it or not will remain yours. Know how to take good advice from another - this is no less an art than giving good advice to yourself.
- There are situations in life when you need to silence your heart and live with your mind.
- A secret that you tell to at least one person ceases to be a secret.
- Always be alert and don't let yourself go.
- Try to keep your words soft and your arguments firm in a dispute. Try not to annoy your opponent, but to convince him.
- When speaking, avoid gesturing and raising your voice.
- Nothing teaches you more than realizing your mistake. This is one of the main means of self-education. Only those who do nothing make no mistakes.
- When two people quarrel, both are always to blame.
- Authority is acquired by knowledge of business and service.
- It is important that your subordinates respect you, not fear you.
- Where there is fear, there is no love, but there is hidden ill will or hatred.
- There is nothing worse than indecision.
- A worse decision is better than hesitation or inaction.
- You can't get back a lost moment.
- The best part of courage is caution.
- The strongest delusions are those that have no doubt.
- Humble is not the one who is indifferent to praise, but the one who is attentive to blame.
- Thinking correctly is more valuable than knowing a lot.
- Never express opinions about women. Remember: women have always been the cause of discord and the greatest misfortunes not only of individuals, but also of entire empires.
- Take care of the reputation of the woman who has trusted you, no matter who she is. A decent person in general, especially an officer, never talks about such things even in the intimate circle of his trusted and trusted friends - a woman is always most afraid of publicity.
- If you enter a society in whose midst there is a person with whom you are in a quarrel, then when greeting everyone, it is customary to shake hands with him, of course, if this cannot be avoided without drawing the attention of those present or the hosts. Giving a hand does not give rise to unnecessary conversations, and does not oblige you to anything.
- Be guided in life by instinct, a sense of justice and a duty of decency.
- Know how to not only think and reason, but also be silent in time and hear everything.
A little about the author.
Valentin Mikhailovich was born in 1881 in Odessa into a noble family. Participated in the Russian-Japanese, World War I and Civil War. For all this time he was awarded four St. George's Crosses. In 1933, he fell into the Soviet millstone of repression and was exiled to the construction of the White Sea-Baltic Canal, then to Karelia. He was released in 1936 and returned to Kharkov in 1937 and worked as a timekeeper at a factory. There, in 1942, during the German occupation, he was arrested by the Gestapo and in December, during interrogation, he was beaten to death by a Ukrainian policeman.
His son Mikhail Valentinovich Kulchitsky was a famous poet. He died on January 19, 1943 in battle at the hands of the Nazi invaders near the village of Trembachevo, Lugansk region, during the Red Army’s offensive from Stalingrad to the Kharkov region. Buried in a mass grave. The poet's name is embossed in gold on the 10th banner in the Pantheon of Glory of Volgograd.
In all periods without exception, the strength of Russian troops was based on spiritual principles. For this reason, it is not at all surprising that almost all generally accepted norms of morality, and in addition the concepts of officer honor and dignity, became enshrined in statutes, recommendations, and orders. At the present time, the legislation regulating the tasks of organizing the defense of the state, military service, the legal status of the military and other tasks related to military service has been updated.
In Tsarist Russia, reputation was the main concept. There were also tips on how to protect your honor. They are still important today.
The Code of Honor of the Russian officer was drawn up in 1804 and contained 26 of the most significant points:
Don't make promises unless you're sure you'll keep your promise.
Conduct yourself simply, with dignity, without foppishness.
It is necessary to remember the line where dignified politeness ends and servility begins.
Do not write rash letters and reports in the heat of the moment.
Be less frank - you will regret it. Remember: my tongue is my enemy.
Don't play around - you can't prove your valor, but you'll compromise yourself.
Don’t rush to get on friendly terms with a person you haven’t gotten to know well enough.
Avoid money accounts with your friends. Money always spoils relationships.
Do not take offensive remarks, witticisms, or ridicule said after you personally. which often happens on the streets and in public places.
If you can’t say anything good about someone, then refrain from saying anything bad.
Don't ignore anyone's advice - listen. The right, whether to follow it or not, remains with you.
The strength of an officer does not lie in impulses, but in unshakable calm.
Take care of the reputation of the woman who trusted you, no matter who she is.
There are situations in life when you need to silence your heart and live with your mind.
A secret that you tell to at least one person ceases to be a secret.
Always be alert and don't let yourself go.
It is not customary for officers to dance at public masquerades.
Try to keep your words soft and your arguments firm in a dispute.
When speaking, avoid gesticulation and do not raise your voice.
If you enter a society in whose midst there is a person with whom you are in a quarrel, then when greeting everyone, it is customary to shake hands with him, of course, if this cannot be avoided. Without paying attention to those present or the hosts. Giving a hand does not give rise to unnecessary conversations, and does not oblige you to anything.
Nothing teaches you more than realizing your mistake. This is one of the main means of self-education.
When two people quarrel, both are always to blame.
There is nothing worse than indecision. A worse decision is better than hesitation or inaction.
The one who fears nothing is more powerful than the one whom everyone fears.
Soul - to God, heart - to a woman, duty - to the Fatherland, honor - to no one!
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Honor is the main internal moral dignity of a Russian officer, his valor, nobility of soul and clear conscience. The army, driven by a sense of Officer's Honor, is an invincible force, a real guarantor of state existence and the peaceful prosperity of Russia.
A Russian Officer is a noble defender of the Fatherland, an honest name, the highest rank. Honor is the main treasure for the Russian Officer, whose sacred duty is to keep it pure and impeccable. Honor protects the dignity of the officer rank, obliges you to perform excellent deeds, great deeds, feats of arms, and to sacrifice “your soul for your friend.”
The high rank of Russian Officer is not attached to officer shoulder straps. It is deserved throughout one's life and worn with one's head held high. Not every Russian by birth who puts on a uniform automatically becomes a Russian Officer. A Russian Officer may not be Russian by origin, but he has laid down his life for the good of our Fatherland - Russia.
Russian Officer is a warrior in Spirit. This has been the case throughout the ages. Today there is a war for the soul of a person, a soldier. Russia and the Russian army are the last “Holder” from the onset of the satanic “new world order”. Until Faith becomes the support of the Officer, the Army itself will not be able to become the support of society and the State. “Don’t be nervous, don’t fall into cowardice, don’t rush God... if you’re a warrior, then fight!”
The Fatherland is the highest value of a Russian Officer. The main thing is Russia, everything else is transitory: “I, a Russian Officer, have the honor, but I live for the sake of serving the Fatherland... I agree to live and die without a name, always remembering the main thing: if only the name of the Motherland remains sacred.”
To love your Fatherland - Russia, to know its history, to observe glorious traditions and to be a noble citizen and patriot, not to lose heart under any circumstances, not to stop at any obstacles. Do not allow treason and betrayal, be faithful to the People and the Fatherland until your dying breath, serve it faithfully, protect it from external and internal enemies to the last drop of blood.
Be aware of personal responsibility not only for the combat readiness of the entrusted unit and the safety of one’s environment, but also in general for the defense of the Russian State, the state of its Armed Forces, for victories and defeats, the development of military art, the improvement of military affairs, especially in the conditions of modern information-psychological, financial -economic, sabotage and terrorist wars, which have a total character and affect all the bonds of the state: territory, economy, management, public consciousness, morale.
Constantly seek and gain for yourself Honor following the example and dignity of the great ancestors, rely on their traditions and covenants; study military history and use its lessons to strengthen the Russian Army and the continued development of the Officer Corps.
Tirelessly develop the qualities necessary for a military man: honesty, selflessness, truthfulness, straightforwardness, good behavior, modesty, patience, constancy, patronage of the weak, innocent and offended; cultivate discipline, decisive character, the will to win, “zeal for the common cause and fidelity to service,” insight, self-control, initiative, courage, bravery, boldness, vigor, endurance and other military virtues.
Be a creative person, independent in actions and thoughts, noble in actions and intentions; “to fix things with reason, and not to adhere to the military regulations, like a blind wall”; constantly train your mind, expand your cultural horizons; be able to recognize and develop the talents of their subordinates.
Know the Laws of Russia and Military Regulations, deeply understand military affairs, the current situation, methods and methods of war against Russia, be a professional, constantly improve in the subject of your service; always behave and act “as an honest, loyal and brave Officer should”; perform their duties zealously and diligently, constantly keeping in mind the benefit of the service and the state interest - selfishness and careerism contradict the essence of public service.
To sacredly observe and honor the Battle Banner of the military unit and the symbols of Russian glory and valor. The banner is the “soul of the army”, a symbol of honor and valor of the defenders of the Motherland, the personification of the connection between the glorious past and the worthy present and future, a reminder of duty. Do not forget that the presentation of banners and standards is the highest award, and their loss is a crime and shame.
Strive to become not just a military specialist, a combat leader of subordinates in the Army or in civilian life, but also an ideological inspirer, the ruler of Russian hearts, a subtle psychologist and propagandist; be able to win not only with the sword, but also with words, master the techniques of eloquence; to fight against anti-state and pacifist teachings that are corrupting the Army and the State.
Achieve victories with “little blood”, fight courageously and bravely, not forgetting about prudence; in word, deed and personal example, encourage soldiers to show perseverance in battle, not to retreat without orders, to fight to the last opportunity, to die with Honor and Glory; lead troops into battle, not send them; do not feel sorry for yourself, do not avoid difficulties, show personal courage, contempt for danger and death; do not despair in the face of defeats, but turn them to the benefit of future victories; in captivity, behave with dignity, make every effort to return to duty and continue the fight.
For a Russian Officer, “a soldier is more valuable than himself”; he is a “brother”, a “knight”, a “miracle hero”. Take care of soldiers, treat them with care and humaneness: educate them in piety and loyalty, “a hardworking desire for military service”; teach sensibly, “without cruelty and haste”; to ensure their solid mastery of techniques and actions, the fundamentals of military art.
For a Russian Officer, comradeship is dedication and sacrificial readiness to help both in battle and in everyday life. Strengthen the officer brotherhood, the ability to “act together against the enemy”; “do not dishonor your comrades either by word or deed, remain in unbreakable love, peace and harmony, and show due respect”; show mutual assistance and mutual assistance, keep comrades from doing bad things; to honor with sorrowful memory and prayer those who fell on the battlefield and thus brought their lives to the altar of the Fatherland, to preserve memories of their exploits.
An officer must always keep his word. Already out of respect for himself, he is obliged to be the master of his word. No one dares to doubt his word of honor. Insincerity is a sign of lack of courage, and therefore it affects the Honor of the Officer.
The imperative of officer life is a firm knowledge and belief that “the Russian Army, accustomed to winning, can be inflicted with isolated defeats, but it cannot be defeated... The Army, entering a war, must believe that at the end there will be Victory. Both the plowman and the soldier equally endure hardships for the sake of the final result. If there weren’t this alluring goal, then what’s the point of our efforts?”
A special Honor is to stand under the humiliated Banners, desecrated by the enemy and dishonored among the people, in order to win the next campaign and prevent further defeats.
The difficult and noble profession of an Officer is a necessary and useful task for the Russian people and Russia. It is not beneficial in terms of money or career. The dignity of an Officer lies in dreams and desire to make a career and become a commander. Distinguish yourself in service and in affairs against the enemy. Otherwise, it’s better to immediately go “sell suspenders or beetroot marmalade.” The honor of an Officer does not allow him to be a careerist, even an intelligent and knowledgeable one, and not to put his career above the interests of Russia!
“Do your job, keep your word, tell the truth, don’t fawn, abstain from excessive drinks and snacks,” learn from others, including the enemy, energy, efficiency and punctuality, be frank, “but within those limits that are not hurt neither my Honor nor the Honor of my State.”
For the Russian Officer, all of our past, all of the present and all of the future is embodied in one great and comprehensive word - Russia.
Those who have chosen the Sovereign Service, be it an officer, a warrant officer, a midshipman, a sergeant, or a soldier, must always remember that they serve and sacrifice their lives for the sake of the highest Truths, that “they do not have a second Fatherland in reserve” and “they take the oath only once.” An Honor Officer cannot retire or retire.