In pre-revolutionary Russia, there was an informal code of conduct for an officer. 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, captain Valentin Mikhailovich Kulchitsky put together all these rules from a kind of code of honor in the brochure “Advice to a Young Officer”. 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 editions. The seventh was prevented by the October Revolution. The purpose of the publication was to prevent inexperienced military youth from false and destructive steps.
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 the time he was awarded four St. George's crosses. In 1933, he fell into the Soviet millstones of repression and was exiled to the construction of the White Sea-Baltic Canal, further to Karelia. Released in 1936, he returned to Kharkov in 1937 and worked as a timekeeper at a factory. In the same place, 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, Luhansk region, during the offensive of the Red Army from Stalingrad to the Kharkov region. Buried in a mass grave. The name of the poet is engraved in gold on the 10th banner in the Pantheon of Glory in Volgograd.
If we look at history, military ranks was introduced under Peter I. According to his decree, “ Youth honest mirror, or Indications for everyday behavior. The source was various Russian and translated texts, including the treatise of Erasmus of Rotterdam and Domostroy by Karion Istomin. Under Peter, it was released " Military charter"where the rules for constructing military, of proper order in armies and military duties.
Documents not related to line order, O honor and conscience actually wasn't. Only in 1904, captain Kulchinsky V.M. compiled "Advice to the Young officer"The assembly below is Honor code.
Once an "officer" - it sounded proud ...
Times have changed, there are no battles with the enemy (there are "police operations"). The officer corps began to forget not only the responsibility of their work, but even about recreation - what is a restaurant, hunting, uniform (did you see many officers in full dress uniforms in theaters?). I don't know how many officers now order their uniforms from a tailor. But pot-bellied generals in tailor-made tunics - at least a dime a dozen.
What's with the uniform! The officer is not trusted with weapons outside the unit (and even there they are issued for shooting or on duty).
By appearance You can’t always distinguish an officer from a homeless element - different socks, worn shoes, a greasy pea jacket ... The sight is sometimes just sad ...
And everyone is talking about officer's honor. It's just that it's difficult to somehow decide on this ... As well as with the court of officer's honor.
And what is an officer like if he does not carry all this in himself? Have the times changed?
Here is one quote.
The officer is obliged not only to perform his immediate duties in an exemplary manner. He should also serve as an example to all the people of a noble way of thinking and ... a way of life.
The highest moral norm ... is honor. Therefore, keeping it is the highest duty of an officer. The level of his personality and the degree of respect for him are determined by how developed his sense of honor is, and the absence of selfish motives. The meaning of the educational influence is to strengthen him even more in this position and draw deeper conclusions for himself.
Love for ... the people and the fatherland is above all.
He is obliged, with a firm belief in victory, to be close to those who are timid and cowardly. His loved ones must adhere to the same beliefs as him.
The officer proved that death on the "field of honor" is for him the fulfillment of the highest soldier's duty.
Do not be afraid of responsibility for your mistakes and omissions, discuss topics that are unpleasant or even shameful for yourself and draw appropriate conclusions, defend, of course, in a respectful manner, your opinion to the commander, if the interests of the community or duty so require, overcome all obstacles, seeking the fulfillment of the recognized right decision, to fight with their own weaknesses and shortcomings - this also requires stamina and courage.
Loyalty means doing your duty to the end.
Loyalty is caring for subordinates. He who, first of all, cares about his own comforts and his own provision, who does not want to help his soldiers with deed and advice in their needs and daily concerns, who requires them to endure hardships, but he himself does not at all intend to share all the hardships with them , he violates the principle of fidelity to one's duty.
Loyalty is a feeling of camaraderie. Partnership is not only funny company, it is also loyalty to each other in trouble and danger. Comradeship is selflessness and sacrificial readiness to help, both in battle and in everyday life.
Loyalty is respect for our great history. To judge the past is fitting only for those who, by their achievements, have won the right to do so.
An officer must always keep his word. Already out of respect for himself, he must 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 an officer. For the court of officer honor, the one who behaves insincerely, and the one who gives evidence carelessly, sully his honor. Lying for personal gain in the court of officer honor is a sign of a dishonorable way of thinking.
To do one's duty means selflessly serving the whole society. Modesty, high demands on oneself and constant readiness to sacrifice oneself are the necessary prerequisites for enjoying the privileges that are due in accordance with the rank and official position.
Excessive privileges of any kind are inconsistent with the norms of the officer's code of honor and undermine the reputation of an officer.
Any war is dangerous already because a weak-willed person ... has such qualities as the inability to restrain oneself, selfishness, bragging and vanity. The one who cannot control himself and moderate his claims, who boasts of his exploits and seeks to belittle the merits of others, whose actions are driven solely by the thirst for distinctions and awards, who spreads rumors, wanting to boast of "good connections", he loses the respect of others, which they only give to people with a noble soul. The nobility of the soul provides for chivalry in thoughts and deeds, that is, modesty, restraint, lack of careerism and envy. The code of honor requires the officer to sacredly keep these qualities in himself, especially in war conditions.
Marriage as the basis of the family is the key to the life and future of the people. It is a moral duty to keep its foundations pure. An officer who, by virtue of his knowledge and position, is a representative of the leading stratum, through impeccable behavior must become, as it were, a standard of morality and strive to put this principle into practice in his family.
Honor is attacked from without. Any insult and any doubt in a noble way of thinking affects honor, except in those cases when the offender is a person who is not responsible for his actions or is recognized as inferior.
The officer is obliged to respond immediately to an insult by action and thereby prevent all attempts to insult him again. Besides, in this case should be sued, as with other insults, insults and similar attacks on honor, for example, on marital honor.
There is a difference between the concepts of "honor" and "behavior worthy of an officer." The latter refers to the behavior of an officer in public places (for example, demeanor, appearance, discipline, dress code). In no case should the soldier's uniform be treated as something secondary. The commander is obliged to constantly monitor her for educational purposes.
I will not write who the author is, but the concepts of honor should not (probably) differ in different times. Yes, and it depends on the territory a little. But how to educate officers, even if such important things are not spelled out? What is "OFFICER" today? Does that sound proud? Yes, and about the "soldier" to speak ashamed. The whole nation is imbued with the idea that "I will not give my beloved son to the army to cripple" ...
It seems like something needs to be done with the downward prestige of the army and officers ..
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Advice to a Young Officer, published in the third edition, is now even more necessary and useful due to wartime. The accelerated graduation of young people into officers does not give them the opportunity and time to learn in schools all the subtleties of tradition, the correct view of the essence of military education and discipline.
The young officer will independent work above oneself. It is for this work that this manual will render invaluable services to each officer. It will give him helpful tips and guidance on many issues of the upcoming service. The conciseness of the presentation by individual aphorisms guarantees fast memorization and the ability to find the necessary help at any time. If we take into account that misdemeanors in peacetime become crimes in wartime, and are punished especially severely, then the value of the advice collected here in a concise form becomes even more obvious. They enable the officer to avoid many mistakes, to understand what is legal and what is criminal, to understand everything that is required of him in order to be a good officer who does not drop his dignity.
These tips are equally useful to those who are on the front lines and in the rear of the army, where they often have to deal with people of dubious professions and behavior.
This handbook will save young officers from many mistakes and blunders in the service and in private life. An officer who has not yet mastered his new position, which is based on conventions, restraint and military tact, is often at a loss and does not know how he should act in certain cases not provided for by the charters. And as a result of ignorance of laws in general (even if it is important for the military to protect one's honor with weapons), irreparable blunders occur, forcing the officer to leave the regiment or end up on trial.
We repeat that here are succinctly set forth those rules of life, which, undoubtedly, will only benefit every officer in the upcoming service. These original aphorisms make the officer think seriously about military service on the merits, and not judge it superficially, by its external form and saber-rattling.
An officer will not find these councils in any charters.
The purpose of this peculiar work is the desire to prevent inexperienced military youth from a false, destructive step. Here are collected old, but eternal truths that are forgotten by the majority, and unknown to young officers.
The third edition of this handbook speaks for itself.
V. M. Kulchitsky "Discipline above all."
Believe in God, be devoted to the Sovereign Emperor, His Family and love the Motherland.
The first and main duty of a soldier is loyalty to the Sovereign Emperor and the Fatherland. Without this quality, he is unfit for military service.
The integrity of the Empire and the maintenance of its prestige is based on the strength of the army and navy; their qualities and shortcomings resonate throughout the country, so it is not your business to get involved in social issues and political philosophies; your job is to carry out your duties steadily.
Put above all the glory of the Russian army.
Be brave. But courage is true and feigned. The arrogance of youth is not courage. A military man must always be prudent and consider his actions calmly and carefully. If you are low and arrogant, everyone will hate you.
Obey discipline.
Dragoon Officer Napoleonic Wars. 1800–1815
Respect your boss and trust him.
Be afraid to violate your duty - by doing this you will forever lose your good name.
The officer must be faithful and truthful. Without these qualities, it is almost impossible for a military man to remain in the army. Veren is a person doing his duty; truthful - if he does not change his word. Therefore, never promise unless you are sure that you will keep the promise.
Be polite and humble in dealing with all people.
The best part of courage is caution.
Arriving at the regiment, the officer acts in accordance with the Const. garn. sl. Art. 400 and 401, i.e., is the commander of the regiment. In practice, they do this: arriving at the office at about 11 o'clock, the officer introduces himself and gets acquainted first of all with the regimental adjutant, who gives everything necessary advice and instructions, because each regiment has its own customs - traditions. If an officer appears to the regiment commander at the apartment, then, without finding him at home, he should appear a second time, trying to catch him: it is not recommended to sign or leave a service ticket for the first time. Report to the commander of the company (hundred, squadron, battery) to which the appointment took place. Taking in the office from the senior clerk a list with the addresses of Messrs. officers and noting married people in it, make visits to everyone without delay 1
V war time visits are not made. The time to introduce himself to the authorities is indefinite, and the dress code is marching.
It is recommended to have time to do them at once, in one day. The dress code is dress code. The rest of the time: for all official occasions, visits, congratulations - ordinary, unless ordered by regiment to be in a different one. Not finding the elder at home - leave a service ticket (not a business card at all). Married - a service ticket and a business card. Before presenting to the regiment commander and not yet appearing in the regiment, appear in in public places(theaters, gardens, concerts, parties) is considered tactless. Upon arrival at the regiment, the first impression is of great importance.
Having not yet arrived at the regiment and being on vacation, having met an officer of your regiment (in the same city), you should definitely approach him and introduce yourself first, and appear to the regiment commander.
Always remember that you are an officer.
Be formal with your superiors.
Remember that the boss is always and everywhere the boss.
Never criticize the actions and deeds of the authorities in general; with someone especially, and God forbid - with the lower ranks.
Any order of the head of the service, in whatever form it may be expressed (proposal, request, advice), is an order (Decision of the Chief Military Court of 1881 No. 183).
If you are older in rank, and in terms of the distribution of posts you will be subordinate to the younger, you are obliged to fulfill all the orders of the person placed over you, without any dispute (St. Military. P., VII ed. 2.20).
If you come on vacation for three days or less, then, without appearing in person, you must certainly send your vacation ticket to the command. control.
Arriving for more than three days, it is necessary to appear personally to the commandant.
At the end of the vacation period, he is obliged to appear again at the commandant's office or inform the commandant's office in an open letter: “I went to the place of my service today” (signature).
“Who wants to be able to order, must be able to obey!” Napoleon said.
Take care of your honor, the honor of the regiment and the army.
Dress appropriately and always clean.
Be strict with your duties (Disc. set. § 1).
Keep yourself simple, with dignity, without foppishness.
Cossack and officer. 1812
Be restrained (correct) and tactful always, with everyone and everywhere.
Be courteous and pre-emptive, but not intrusive and flattering. Know how to leave on time so as not to be superfluous.
It is necessary to remember the boundary where complete politeness ends and where servility begins.
Make yourself talk less.
Be observant and careful in expressions.
Do not write hasty letters and reports in haste.
Be less frank in general - you will regret it. Remember: "My tongue is my enemy."
Don't be silly - you won't prove your dashing, but you will compromise yourself. Forget the "good old time" and the expression: "Bad officer who doesn't drink." Now it’s different: “A bad officer who drinks” ... and “such” officer is not kept in the regiment.
Do not rush to converge on a short leg with a person whom you did not know enough.
Avoid “you”, which gives a reason and the right to familiarity in bad taste (amikoshonstvo), an excuse on the rights of friendship to scold you, interfere in your affairs, say vulgarity, rudeness, etc.
Often the elder, having drunk, offers the first one to switch to “you” with him. Nevertheless, the next day, be diplomatic: either speak to him in “you”, or wait until he first turns to you in “you”. In a word, tact necessary condition so as not to get into an awkward position and a mess.
Avoid stories and scandals. Do not act as an uninvited witness: by supporting one, you will make an enemy in the other: a double-edged sword. Neutrality is a means even for great powers to maintain good relations with everyone.
A person who has made enemies, no matter how smart, kind, honest and truthful he is, dies almost inevitably, because our enemies in society are always active; friends, on the other hand, are always passive - they only sympathize, regret, sigh, but do not fight for the perishing, fearing for their own fate.
Life Guards Cossack Regiment. Cossacks in Paris in 1814
Avoid cash accounts with comrades. Money always ruins relationships.
“If you can, help a friend financially, but personally avoid taking it, because it drops your dignity.”
Do not make debts, do not dig holes for yourself. Live within your means. Drop false selfishness. It is immoral to make debts without being able to pay them, otherwise - do not get into someone else's pocket ... In a word: "Stretch your legs according to your clothes."
Do not splurge on someone else's account, not having the means to repay the same, if you do not want your dignity and pride to suffer. Remember the French proverb: "It is better to drink bad wine from your own small glass than good wine from someone else's large."
Live alone - calmer. Living together with a friend eventually leads to a break.
Do not take personally offensive remarks, witticisms, ridicule, said after, which often happens on the streets and in public places. Be above it. Leave - you will not lose, but you will get rid of the scandal.
Consider every decisive step. It is impossible to correct a mistake, but it is difficult to make amends. "Measure seven times, cut once."
"Be attentive before a quarrel than yield after a quarrel."
At a critical moment, friends will not help: in military service they are powerless, bound by discipline and obedience to superiors.
If you can’t say anything good about someone, then refrain from saying bad things, if you know.
Do not 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 oneself.
Avoid military conversations with anyone outside of duty, especially during wartime.
Cossacks in Paris in 1814
Be careful in choosing acquaintances; be guided not only by their education, but also social position in society. "Tell me who you know and what you read, and I'll tell you who you are."
In the presence of batmen (in general, with servants), refrain from talking on sensitive topics. This habit is necessary firmly root in yourself and always remember it. Unfortunately, most people forget this. Meanwhile, the servants listen with particular sensitivity and look closely at the life of their masters, take note of everything and often spread absurd gossip to the homes of acquaintances (through the servants).
The person using the batman must monitor his health, behavior and must not allow illegal treatment with him; It is absolutely forbidden to give orderlies for the service of another person.
Responsibility for non-compliance with the uniform of a batman and his behavior falls on the officer with whom the batman is a member.
Do not use the services of someone else's orderly, without prior permission, do not order anything - tactless.
After graduating from school, keep practicing. In the knowledge of the art of war is your strength. There is no time to learn in battles, but you have to apply what you have learned. Do not lose sight of the fact that it is necessary to know all kinds of weapons.
The officer in all cases of his life and service submits a written report: on arrival in the regiment, on departure on a business trip, vacation and return from such, on taking up or surrendering a position, on illness and recovery, on clashes and cases in the service or outside it , about any petitions and so on.
Reports are written concisely, to the point and without titles to the boss.
The signature of an officer, in whatever rank he may be, must always be legible and without any flourishes.
Military officials are governed by the same rules as officers.
Carabinieri officer of the Russian Imperial Guard. 1815
Firmness of will and fearlessness are two qualities necessary for a military man.
The officer must be distinguished by moral qualities, on which the personal greatness of the fighter is based, since the charm over the masses, which is so necessary for the leader, is associated with him.
The strength of an officer is not in impulses, but in inviolable calm.
Honor tempers courage and ennobles bravery.
Honor is the shrine of an officer.
The officer must respect the human rights of his brother - the lower rank.
The boss, who does not spare the pride of his subordinates, suppresses in them the noble desire to become famous and thereby lowers their moral strength.
All age classes of the population pass through the ranks of the army, the influence of the officer corps extends to all the people.
Woe to the country if, leaving the service, a soldier endures disgust for the soldiers' ranks.
Do not pass off as irrefutable truth what you either do not believe at all, or at least doubt. To do so is a crime.
It is necessary that not only the formal side of the service flourish, but also the moral one.
The army is an oak that protects the Motherland from storms.
For regimental ladies do not look after (in the vulgar sense). Do not create dirt in your regimental family, in which you will have to serve for decades. Such novels always end tragically.
Never express opinions about women. Remember - women at all times have been the cause of discord and the greatest misfortunes not only of individuals, but of entire empires.
Protect the reputation of the woman who trusted you, whoever she may be. A decent person in general, especially an officer, even in the intimate circle of his faithful and experienced friends, never talks about such things, because a woman is always most afraid of publicity.
There are situations in life when you need to silence your heart and live with your mind.
In your intimate life, be very, very careful - "the regiment is your supreme judge."
Any unseemly actions of an officer are discussed by the regimental court of honor.
Officer of the Cossack Don Army of the Imperial Guard of Russia. 1815
One should not talk about service and affairs in society.
Keep the entrusted secret or secret, even of an unofficial nature. A secret communicated by you to even one person ceases to be a secret.
Do not cross the line of conventions developed by the traditions of the regiment and life.
Be guided in life by instinct, a sense of justice and a duty of decency.
Be able not only to think and reason, but be silent in time and hear everything.
In military service, do not show pride in trifles, otherwise you will always suffer because of it.
Always be on the lookout and don't let go.
Although military personnel are allowed to engage in literary activities, they do not have the right to sign under their articles indicating their rank and position. (Circus. Head. Piece 1908 No. 61).
For printing, military personnel are subject not only to the general criminal procedure, but can be brought to trial by the society of officers, and those not subject to this court - to disciplinary liability, inclusive until dismissal from service in disciplinary procedure (Prik. according to the Military Vedas. 1908 No. 310)
To catch other people in lies means to harm yourself and them.
Try to keep your words soft in a dispute, and your arguments firm. Try not to annoy the enemy, but to convince him.
It is not customary for officers to dance at public masquerades.
When entering a public place, be careful, if the audience is there without a top dress or caps, then you need to do the same.
If you want to smoke, ask the ladies for permission, or rather wait until you are offered either by the mistress of the house or by the elder (depending on where and when).
Everyone has his own shortcomings: no one can do without the help of others, and therefore we must help each other with advice and mutual warnings.
When speaking, avoid gestures and do not raise your voice.
If you entered a society in which 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 the attention of those present or the owners. Sharing a hand does not give rise to unnecessary talk, and does not oblige you to anything.
According to the Highest expressed will, it is necessary for an officer to salute, when meeting on the streets, chief officers of all types of weapons, regardless of their rank and without waiting for a greeting from them first.
Chief officers (lieutenant colonels, colonels) and generals are obliged to salute the established honor. When entering them, if the officer was sitting, it is necessary to stand up and bow, and not barely get up or continue to sit.
Officer of the Russian Imperial Guard. 1815
It is indecent to salute and casually accept honor (also of the lower ranks) with your left hand (except for the wounded) or with a cigarette in your teeth, nod your head, hold while saluting left hand in the pocket.
The cap must be worn in accordance with the charter, and the overcoat must always be fastened with all buttons.
Needless to say, an officer must obey in public places all the rules that exist for the public.
In general, the behavior of an officer should pay attention to others with his correctness and foresight.
Don't let mistakes and false tricks confuse you. Nothing teaches like the realization of one's mistake. This is one of the main means of self-education.
Only those who do nothing do not make mistakes.
Spare the vanity of the soldiers. At ordinary people it is no less developed than ours, and, owing to their subordination, more sensitive.
Soldiers are not silent sheep, but merciless judges who came from different parts of boundless Russia, taking back everything they experienced in the service: gratitude and anger, respect and contempt, love and hatred. The silence of the soldiers is bound by a harsh and iron discipline, and does not come from a lack of development. They know how to appreciate justice and humanity.
Beating a soldier is against the law.
Adjutant General Dragomirov said: “Correct the stance without touching it. When you correct with words, the soldier will correct himself, and if you sculpt with your hands, he will forget what the mistake was, because it did not reach his consciousness.
Even a horse loves to be told, and teaching a man like a dumb creature is not at all appropriate.
In the classroom, always be cheerful, always even and calm, demanding and fair.
You should not “flirt” with a soldier - you will undermine your authority.
It is important that subordinates respect you, and not be afraid. Where there is fear, there is no love, but there is hidden ill will or hatred.
Be truthful always, and especially with a soldier. Fulfill the promise to him, otherwise you will accustom him to lying.
Truthfulness everywhere, and especially in education, is the main condition.
Never touch a drunk. If a soldier is drunk, never personally take repressive measures, so as not to be insulted and protested, often unconsciously. Order the drunk to be taken to the same lower ranks as he is (but not to the non-commissioned officer - for the same reasons), and if they are not there, to the police. By this you save a drunk from the crime of insulting an officer (non-commissioned officer).
When arresting those in a state of intoxication, it is forbidden to enter into any personal explanations with the violator of order.
In difficult times, tone means a lot, for what? to do - in the sense of an order, but how? do - in tune.
There is nothing worse than indecision. Better a worse decision than hesitation or inaction. You can't get back a lost moment.
Respect the laws and teach them to respect them by your own example.
Do not object and do not enter into an argument in the service with a senior in rank.
Be careful with the state property and money entrusted to you by service. No matter how much you need money, never borrow from it. Any defect is a waste. The responsibility is great.
Officer of the Imperial Guard. 1815
The dull monotony of occupations does not develop the soldier, but kills the spirit.
My dear reader, take some time and read the Code of Honor for a Russian Officer of 1804. By following these rules, you will avoid many life mistakes.
Today we are in a different time, more than 200 years and a whole Soviet era separate us from 1804. But the word "honor" will always be relevant. " Honor can only be lost once." EM. Kapiev
The code of honor of a Russian officer - "honor is the main treasure for an officer, whose sacred duty is to keep it clean and impeccable."
V explanatory dictionary Dahl explained: “Honor is the inner, moral dignity of a person. Valor, honesty, nobility of soul and a clear conscience.
The officers of the Russian army were called "white bone", implying a clear conscience and spotless honor, which were above all for the officer.
How honest (or dishonest) a person is is judged mainly by those around him, and public opinion is formed. Usually people highly appreciate those who are "man of honor".
"Honor is the shrine of an officer, she highest good, which he is obliged to keep and keep clean. Honor is his reward in happiness and consolation in grief; she does not tolerate and cannot endure any stain ”M.S. Galkin
Self-esteem had nothing to do with swagger, arrogance or a sense of superiority over the civilian population.
“On the contrary, an officer must respect every rank and behave with equal dignity with all classes of society. Moreover, in relation to people who are below him in education. He should not sink to the level of their morals, but on the contrary, try to raise them to his own height.
Nobility consists in the ability to sacrifice personal interests in favor of others, generosity, inability to humiliate and humiliate others.
With the transition, mainly to a contract basis, the requirements for the observance by military personnel of the rules relating to the concepts of military honor and dignity have decreased. And there is an explanation for that.
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Previously, for officers, military service was the meaning of their whole life and was not limited to the term of the contract. Today, military personnel only fulfill their constitutional duty and exercise their right to work through military service.
The contract does not contain obligations to observe the moral and ethical principles relating to the military honor of military personnel. I think that orders to have a conscience or honor cannot be in nature. This is nurtured from childhood. "Take care of the honor from a young age, and the dress again."
