Russia's Aging Army: A Recruitment Crisis

The growing crisis in terms of shortages of young and able-bodied recruits is exposed by the ongoing militarization in Russia. Russia's armed forces are increasingly having a hard time completing its units amid this ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and it is now recruiting those who can barely pass the exam.

Perhaps the most alarming trend is the rising age of new entrants into the military fray. It seems like most of those being drafted are already past their normal age for all intents and purposes, sometimes even over 40 and even 50 years of age. While it is true that older recruits have probably acquired worthwhile experience throughout their lives, they may not have or have developed some of the physical fitness and agility necessary in the new milieu of modern warfare.

This is also due to the shortages of the needed skills and training in people within the Russian military. All recruits are mostly civilians, whose military experience is negligible or nonexistent. This is making experts worry that it will not be capable of handling complex equipment and military machinery.

The use of older and less capable recruits is a reflection of the strain that is being subjected on the Russian military. Whether, in the near future, the Russian government will be able to meet its recruitment targets in addition to keeping the effectiveness of its military forces at war in Ukraine remains to be seen.

But the recruitment crisis has also affected the morale and performance of the Russian military. Most of the old recruits will definitely be reluctant to take part in combat, and overall, the presence of untrained recruits may lead to increased casualties. This forced mobilization of civilians has also led to protests and unrest within the Russian social sphere.

The Russian government makes some concrete moves: for example, monetary incentives and easing the terms of eligibility, to correct the recruitment crisis. However, even those have not proved enough so far.

The fear of an old, graying military has huge effects both on Russian domestic and foreign policy. Any rapidly dwindling population will make it only increasingly hard to sustain a large, workable military. The assault on Ukraine is already in place, and since then, there is deep concern regarding the long-term future of the Russian military.