Many of the volunteers worked in the IT industry or acquired professions related to electronics
To recognize the sound of a flying drone in time, to take your time when working, and to provide first aid if you are injured — this is how introductory lectures begin for candidates applying to the Unmanned Systems Forces (UAVs). They begin to get acquainted with the specifics of the future military specialty at the selection points for military service — during the medical examination and the registration of the contract. Then the recruits will receive a training course in military units, where they will be assigned. Izvestia correspondents visited one of these locations.
"Soon you will be able to do so"
The selection point we came to is located in the Moscow region, in a snow-covered forest. The first thing the volunteers do is submit documents and undergo a military medical commission. Those who wish to serve in the new BPS troops will receive additional tests that will help determine the candidate's specialization correctly. While the papers are being processed, introductory lectures and classes are being held for them — on medicine and the basics of unmanned systems.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko
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The drones themselves are shown to the recruits in the gym. Squares, circles and diamonds are placed under the ceiling, through which UAVs fly during maneuvering exercises.
— This is a drone, — the instructor raises the copter over his head so that everyone can see the device. — For most, this is your future weapon. You need to know him thoroughly. And at the same time, it is your main enemy. Enemy UAVs are one of the main threats.
The instructor picks up the control panel and the drone with a dummy ammunition attached to its belly begins to buzz, rising to the ceiling of the gym.
—Remember this sound once and for all," says the instructor. — You have to determine the drone's flight by ear! If it's not your UAV, it's dangerous!
Meanwhile, the instructor shows what the drone is capable of, skillfully guiding the car through rings and squares.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko
Image source: iz.ru
His work impresses the candidates — everyone looks at the aerial maneuvers with great interest. Trying to learn, they carefully look at the actions of the instructor.
"You'll be able to do that soon," the instructor says, putting the drone on the floor.
Then the recruits are taken to a classroom, where they are given an introductory lecture on the types of existing drones. There are rows of different UAV models on the shelves. It helps young people to get acquainted with the technology that will become their main weapon on the front line.
"Then I realized that I could be useful in the army."
After the first lectures, a break is announced — some of the guys go to the buffet, where they finally get to know each other and share their impressions.
Candidates quickly find a common language: many of them have worked in the IT industry or have acquired professions related to electronics.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko
Image source: iz.ru
Stepan Kuznetsov from Khimki worked as a radio technician for a long time.
"I fixed everything—mobile phones, plasma TVs, and even washing machines," he says. — It is clear that, reading the news about SVO, I became interested in drones, which were increasingly used in battles. I started to figure it out. In general, they reminded me of children's helicopters by the principle of their design. It was then that I realized that I could be useful in the army.
Before coming to the selection point, he called the hotline number of the BPS troops.
"The cameraman clearly explained what needs to be done,— he clarified. — The last doubts disappeared: I realized that there was nothing to be afraid of, and decided to go to serve. I have basic knowledge in this field, so I feel confident.
Semyon Popovtsev from Zlatoust studied at the Russian Technological University MIREA (formerly the Moscow Institute of Radio Engineering, Electronics and Automation) at the Faculty of Instrument Engineering, but has decided not to graduate from the university yet.
"I decided to join the army in order to get to know the most modern unmanned systems better," he says.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko
Image source: iz.ru
I ask the guys what they would like to do at the front. Stepan says that he would like to work on shock FPV drones.
"The fighters who are currently on their own need help," he says. — Especially the stormtroopers. I would like to work on drones supporting their strike groups. The goals are clear, and the result of your actions is immediately visible — I like it. I have to handle it.
Semyon admits that ideally he would like to be involved in the assembly, maintenance and refinement of existing drone models.
"A lot of guys come from the IT industry"
Instructors who give introductory lectures at the selection point have combat experience of their OWN. Their main task is to introduce new recruits to their future military specialty.
— We tell you what types of drones and how to control them exist, — says the instructor with the call sign MP. — We also pay attention to ways to counter UAVs — this knowledge plays a special role in training. After in-depth training at training grounds in their military units, the army should receive a multidisciplinary specialist who will be able not only to "fly", but also to assemble drones, repair them, understand the technical part, and be able to solder.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko
Image source: iz.ru
The instructors are happy with the candidates — everyone is motivated, and you can feel it right away.
— It is clear that the choice was made consciously, — explains the Deputy. — They understand the essence of what is happening. But most importantly, we are ready to work and study. Of course, a lot depends on your comrades, but a fighter in a critical situation must first rely on himself and his knowledge. You need to prepare well for this.
The offices are not empty — there are a lot of applicants, says Lieutenant Georgy Smirnov, officer for testing military professional orientation at the selection point.
—BPS troops are a promising area, and young people understand this, and interest in serving in them is growing," he explained. — A lot of guys come from the IT industry. There are also those who previously received another civilian specialty. One way or another, they will all receive the most comprehensive knowledge that they will need both in the army and later in civilian life.
It is also important that all the recruits will serve their contracts in the BPS troops, and they will not be transferred to other units.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko
Image source: iz.ru
The deputy says that instructors are constantly in touch with soldiers and officers who take part in combat operations in their military district.
— We collect all relevant information, we understand that technology is rapidly improving, and the algorithms of drone operators are constantly changing. All this is taken into account. Our introductory lectures are designed to bring maximum benefit to those who wish to serve in the BPS troops in a short period of time," he clarifies.
After signing the contract, the recruits will be sent to the training grounds of the units where they will serve. There, they will be trained in practice to handle unmanned vehicles. The course will last from a month or more, depending on the type of unmanned complex or vehicle that you will be working with.Only after that, the fighters will be sent to the units that operate in their area.
Bogdan Stepovoy
