Parting

10 rules of an officer. Code of honor of a Russian officer of the tsarist army

In 1915, Captain Valentin Mikhailovich Kulchinsky, who later went through the First World War, put together "Advice to a Young Officer", which became the Code of Honor for a Russian officer.

"Royal epaulettes". Pavel Ryzhenko, 2007

These are simple and wise rules:

1. Do not promise if you are not sure that you will keep the promise.

2. Keep yourself simple, with dignity, without foppishness.

3. It is necessary to remember the boundary where complete politeness ends and servility begins.

4. Do not write hasty letters and reports in a hurry.

5. Be less frank - you will regret it. Remember: my tongue is my enemy!

6. Don't cutie - you can't prove dashing, but you will compromise yourself.

7. Do not rush to converge on a short leg with a person whom you did not know enough.

8. Avoid cash accounts with comrades. Money always ruins relationships.

9. Do not take personally offensive remarks, witticisms, ridicule, said after, which often happens on the streets and in in public places. Be above it. Leave - you will not lose, but you will get rid of the scandal.

10. If you can’t say anything good about someone, then refrain from saying bad things, if you know.

11. Do not neglect anyone's advice - listen. The right to follow him or not will remain with you. Knowing how to take good advice from another is an art no less than giving good advice to myself.

12. The strength of an officer is not in impulses, but in unbreakable calm.

13. Take care of the reputation of the woman who trusts you, whoever she is.

14. There are situations in life when you need to silence your heart and live with your mind.

15. A secret communicated by you to at least one person ceases to be a secret.

16. Be always on the alert and do not loosen up.

***

17. Try to keep your words soft in the dispute, and the arguments are firm. Try not to annoy the enemy, but to convince him.

18. It is not customary for officers to dance at public masquerades.

19. When speaking, avoid gesticulation and do not raise your voice.

20. 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. Giving a hand does not give rise to unnecessary talk, and does not oblige you to anything.

21. Nothing teaches like realizing your mistake. This is one of the main means of self-education. Only those who do nothing do not make mistakes.

22. When two people quarrel, both are always to blame.

24. There is nothing worse than indecision. Better a worse decision than hesitation or inaction. You can't get back a lost moment.

25. He who fears nothing is more powerful than he who is feared by everyone.

26. Soul - to God, heart - to a woman, duty - to the Fatherland, honor - to no one.

Valentin Kulchinsky, captain

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 about the responsibility of their work, but even about rest - 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 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.

Higher moral norm… is an 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, achieving the fulfillment of what is recognized as correct decisions, 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 willingness 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 - these are the necessary prerequisites for enjoying those 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. 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 a thirst for distinctions and awards, who spread rumors, wanting to boast " good connections”, he loses the respect of others, which they have only for 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 ..

In all periods without exception, power Russian troops based on spiritual principles. For this reason, it is not at all casual that almost all universally recognized norms of morality, and besides, the concepts of officer honor and dignity, became fixed in statutes, recommendations, orders. At the present time, legislation has been updated that regulates the tasks of organizing the defense of the state, military service, the legal status of the military and other tasks related to army service.

In tsarist Russia, reputation was the main concept. There were also tips on how to protect your honor. They are important even today.

The code of honor of a Russian officer was compiled in 1804 and contained 26 of the most significant points:

Do not promise if you are not sure that you will keep the promise.

Keep yourself simple, with dignity, without foppishness.

It is necessary to remember the boundary where dignified politeness ends and servility begins.

Do not write hasty letters and reports in haste.

Be less frank - you will regret it. Remember: my tongue is my enemy.

Don't cutie - you can't prove dashing, but you will compromise yourself.

Do not rush to converge on a short leg with a person whom you did not know enough.

Avoid cash accounts with comrades. Money always ruins relationships.

Do not take personally offensive remarks, witticisms, ridicule, said after. which often happens on the streets and in public places.

If you can’t say anything good about someone, then refrain from saying bad things.

Do not neglect anyone's advice - listen. The right to follow it or not is up to you.

The strength of an officer is not in impulses, but in unbreakable calm.

Protect the reputation of the woman who trusted you, whoever she may be.

There are situations in life when you need to silence your heart and live with your mind.

A secret communicated by you to at least one person ceases to be a secret.

Always be on the lookout and don't let go.

It is not customary for officers to dance at public masquerades.

Try to keep your words soft in the dispute, and the arguments are firm.

When talking, avoid gestures and do not raise your voice.

If you have 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. Not paying attention to those present or the owners. Giving a hand does not give rise to unnecessary talk, and does not oblige you to anything.

Nothing teaches like 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. Better a worse decision than hesitation or inaction.

The one who fears nothing is more powerful than the one who is feared by everyone.

Soul - to God, heart - to a woman, duty - to the Fatherland, honor - to no one!

Be interesting with

MENSBY

4.9

"Advice to a young officer" is equally useful to those in the front lines and in the rear of the army. Their goal is the desire to prevent inexperienced military youth from a false, disastrous step. Here are collected old, but eternal truths that are forgotten by the majority, and unknown to young officers. "V. M. Kulchitsky

I. Foundation and essence military service

1. 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, the Emperor and the Fatherland. Without this quality, he is not fit for military service. The integrity of the empire and the maintenance of its prestige are based on the strength of the army and navy; their qualities and shortcomings resonate throughout the country; so it's none of your business to get involved in social issues and political reasoning; your job is to keep doing yours. duties.
2. Put above all the glory of the Russian Army.
3. 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.
4. Obey discipline.
5. Respect your superiors and trust them.
6. Be afraid to violate your duty - this is forever, you will lose your good name.
7. An officer must be faithful and truthful. Without these qualities, it is almost impossible for a military man to remain in the army. Faithful - a person who fulfills his duty, truthful - if he is not:
changes his word. Therefore, never promise unless you are sure that you will keep the promise.
8. Be polite and humble in dealing with all people.
9. The best part of courage is caution.

II. Arrival at the regiment

Arriving at the regiment, the officer acts in accordance with the Const. garn. cl. 400 and 401, that is, 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, since 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 postponing them. It is recommended to have time to do them at once in one day. Dress uniform. The rest of the time: for all official occasions, visits, congratulations - ordinary, unless ordered by regiment to be in a different one. Without finding the elder at home, leave a service ticket (not a business card at all). Married - official ID and business card. Before being presented to the regiment commander and not having yet appeared in the regiment, one should not appear in public places (theaters, gardens, concerts, evenings); considered inappropriate. Upon arrival at the regiment, the first impression is of great importance.
Before arriving at the regiment and while on vacation, you will meet an officer of your regiment (in the same city), you should definitely go to him and be the first to introduce yourself, to appear to the regiment commander.

III. Attitude towards superiors and oneself

1. Always remember that you are an officer.
2. Be formal with your superiors,
3. Remember that the boss is always and everywhere the boss.
4. Never criticize the actions and deeds of the boss in general; with someone - especially, and God forbid at the lower ranks.
5. Any order of the head of the service, in whatever form it may be expressed (proposal, request, advice) is an order.
6. 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 everything, the orders of the person placed over you, without any dispute.
7. If you come on vacation for three days or less, then, without appearing in person, you must certainly send your vacation ticket to the commandant's office. Arriving for more than three days, it is necessary to appear personally to the commandant.
8. 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).
9. "Who wants to be able to order, must be able to obey!" Napoleon said.
10. Take care of your honor, the honor of the regiment and the army.
11. Dress strictly in uniform and always clean.
12. Strictly treat your official duties .. (Disc. Const. § 1).
13. Keep yourself simple, with dignity, without foppishness.
14. Be restrained (correct) and tactful always, with everyone and everywhere.
15. Be courteous and helpful, but not intrusive and flattering. Know how to leave on time so as not to be superfluous ..
16. It is necessary to remember the boundary where complete politeness ends and where servility begins.
17. Make yourself talk less.
18. Be observant and careful in expressions.
19. Do not write hasty letters and reports in the heat of the moment.
20. Be less frank in general, you will regret it. Remember: "My tongue is my enemy."
21. Don't go crazy - you won't prove dashing with this, but you will compromise yourself. Forget "good old time" and the expression "Bad officer who doesn't drink." Now it’s different: “A bad officer who drinks,” and “Such an officer is not kept in the regiment.”
22. Do not rush to get on a short footing with a person whom you did not know enough.
23. Avoid "you", which gives a reason and the right to familiarities of bad taste, an excuse on the rights of friendship to scold you, interfere in your affairs, say vulgarity, rudeness, etc.
24. Often the elder, tipsy, offers to "go with him. to" you. "Nevertheless, be diplomatic the next day:
either speak to him in “you”, or wait until he is the first to address you in “you”. In a word, tact is a necessary condition in order not to get into an awkward position or a mess.
25. 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 of great powers; a means to maintain good relations with all,
26. A person who has made enemies, no matter how clever, kind, honest and truthful, dies almost inevitably, since enemies in society are always active, friends are passive; they only sympathize, regret, sigh, but do not fight for the perishing, fearing for their own fate,
27. Avoid cash accounts with comrades. Money always ruins relationships.
28. 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 ...
29. Himself, if you can, help a friend financially, but personally avoid taking it, as this lowers your dignity.
30. Do not revel in 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."
31. Live alone - calmer. Living together with a friend eventually leads to squabbles, even a break.
32. Do not take personally insulting remarks, witticisms of 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.
33. Consider each decisive step. It is impossible to correct a mistake, but it is difficult to make amends. "Measure seven times, cut once."
34. Be attentive before a quarrel than yield after a quarrel.
35. At a critical moment, friends will not help: they are powerless in military service, bound by discipline and obedience to superiors.
36. If you can’t say anything good about someone, then refrain from saying bad things, if you know.
37. Do not neglect anyone's advice - listen. The right to follow him or not will remain with you.
38. Be able to take good advice from another -. an art no less than giving good advice to oneself.
39. Avoid talking about military topics with anyone outside of duty, especially in war time.
40. Be careful in choosing acquaintances: be guided not only by their education, but also social position in society. "Tell me who you know and I'll tell you who you are."
41. In the presence of batmen (in general, in the presence of a servant), refrain from speaking on sensitive topics. This habit must be firmly eradicated in oneself and always remembered. Unfortunately, most people forget this. Meanwhile, the servant listens especially sensitively and looks closely at the life of their masters, takes note of everything and often spreads ridiculous rumors to the homes of acquaintances (through the servants).
42. A person who uses a batman must monitor his health, behavior and must not allow illegal treatment with him; to give orderlies for the service of another person is, of course, prohibited.
43. Responsibility for non-compliance with the uniform of batmen and behavior falls on the officer under whom the batman is a member.
44. Do not use the services of someone else's orderly without prior permission, do not order anything - not tactfully.
45. After graduating from college, continue to study. 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.
46. An officer in all cases of his life and service submits a written report: on his arrival in the regiment, on his 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 all sorts of petitions, and so on.
47. Reports are written concisely, to the point and without titles to the boss.
48. The signature of an officer, in whatever rank he may be, must always be legible and without any flourishes.
49. Military officials are guided by the same rules as officers.

IV. old truths

1. Firmness of will and fearlessness are two qualities necessary for a military man.
2. An officer must be distinguished by moral qualities, on which the personal behavior of a fighter is based, since charm over the masses, which is so necessary for a leader, is associated with him.
3. The strength of an officer is not in impulses, but in unbreakable calm.
4. Honor builds courage and ennobles courage
5. Honor is the shrine of an officer.
6. The officer must respect the human rights of his brother - the lower rank.
7. A boss who does not spare the pride of his subordinates suppresses their noble desire to become famous and thereby lowers their moral strength.
8. All age classes of the population pass through the ranks of the army, the influence of the officer corps extends to the whole people.
9. Woe to the country if, leaving the service, a soldier endures disgust for the soldier ranks.
10. Do not pass off as undeniable truth what you either do not believe at all, or at least doubt. To do so is a crime.
11. It is necessary that not only the formal side of the service flourish, but also the moral one.
12. Maintaining an army is expensive. But military spending is insurance premium paid by the state to ensure its security and independence.
13. The army is an oak that protects the homeland from storms.

V. Rules of life

1. Do not take care of the regimental ladies (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.
2. Never express opinions about women. Remember, women at all times have been the cause of discord and the greatest misfortunes, not only individuals but also entire empires.
3. Take care of 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 - a woman is always most afraid of publicity.
4. There are situations in life when you need to silence your heart and live with your mind.
5. Be very, very careful in your intimate life. “The regiment is your supreme judge.”
6. Any unseemly actions of an officer are discussed by the regimental court of honor.
7. One should not talk about service and affairs in society.
8. 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.
9. Do not cross the line of conventions developed by the traditions of the regiment and life.
10. Be guided in life by instinct, a sense of justice and a duty of decency.
11. Be able not only to think and reason, but also to be silent in time and hear everything.
12. In military service, do not show pride in trifles, otherwise you will always suffer because of it.
13. Be always on the alert and do not loosen up.
14. Although members of the military are allowed to engage in literary activity, but they do not have the right to sign under their articles with the designation of their rank and position (Circus. Head. Piece 1908 No. 61).
15. Servicemen for printing are subject not only to the general criminal procedure, but can be brought to trial by the society of officers, and those who are not subject to this court - to disciplinary responsibility, inclusive until dismissal from service in a disciplinary manner (Prik. on military. Ved. 1908 No. 310).
16. To catch other people in lies means to harm yourself and them.
17. Try to keep your words soft in the dispute, and the arguments are firm. Try not to annoy the enemy, but to convince him.
18. It is not customary for officers to dance at public masquerades.
19. Entering a public place, be careful, if the audience is there without any top dress and without caps, then you must do the same.
20. If you want to smoke, ask for permission, but rather wait until you are offered either by the mistress of the house or by the elder (depending on where and when).
21. 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.
22. When speaking, avoid gestures and do not raise your voice.
23. If you have 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 hosts. Sharing a hand does not give rise to unnecessary talk, and does not oblige you to anything.

24. According to the Highest expressed will, it is necessary for an officer to salute with a salute when meeting on the street chief officers of all types of weapons, regardless of the seniority of their rank and without waiting for a greeting from them first.
25. Chief officers (lieutenant colonels, colonels) and generals are obliged to give the established. honour. Upon entering them, if the officer was sitting, one must stand up and bow, and not barely get up or continue to sit.
26. It is indecent to salute and accept casually honor ((also from the lower ranks) with your left hand (except for the wounded), or with a cigarette in your teeth, nod your head, hold when saluting left hand in the pocket. Walking arm in arm with a lady, an officer is not exempted from saluting according to the charter.
27. The cap must be worn in accordance with the charter, and the overcoat is always fastened with all buttons.
28. Needless to say, an officer must obey in public places all the rules that exist for the public.
29 In general, the behavior of an officer should pay attention to those around him with his correctness and forethought.

VI. In service

1. 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 the one who does nothing does not make mistakes.
2. Spare the vanity of soldiers. At ordinary people it is no less developed than ours and, due to their subordination, more sensitive.
3. Soldiers are not silent sheep, but merciless judges who came from different parts of boundless Russia, taking back, there, everything experienced in the service: gratitude and anger; respect and contempt; love and hate. 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.
4. Beating a soldier is prohibited by law.
5. 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.
6. Even a horse loves to be told, and teaching a person like a dumb creature is not at all appropriate.
7. In the classroom, always be cheerful, always even and calm, demanding and fair.
8. You shouldn't "flirt" with a soldier. You undermine your authority.
9. Authority is acquired by knowledge of business and service.
10. It is important that subordinates respect you, and not be afraid. Where there is fear, there is no love, but hidden ill will or hatred.
11. Always be truthful, and especially with a soldier. Fulfill the promise to him, otherwise you will accustom him to lying.
12. Truthfulness everywhere, and especially in education, is the main condition.
13. 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 or non-commissioned officer.
14. When arresting those who are in a state of intoxication, it is forbidden to enter into any personal explanations with the violator of order.
15. In difficult moments, tone means a lot: for what to do is in the sense of an order, and how to do it is in tone.
16. There is nothing worse than indecision. Better a worse decision than hesitation or inaction. You can't get back a lost moment.
17. Respect the laws and teach them to respect them by your own example.
18. Do not object and do not enter into disputes in the service with a senior in rank.
19. Be careful with the state property and money entrusted to you in the service. No matter how much you need money, never borrow from it. Any defect is a waste. The responsibility is great.

VII. In training with soldiers

1. The dull monotony of occupations does not develop a soldier, but kills the spirit.
2. A soldier, leaving home, carries with him the imprint of those chiefs who led him.
3. The officer should know first of all with whom he is dealing. Representatives of all nationalities of Russia gather in the barracks or trenches. Their beliefs, outlook, character, moral make-up are different. Think about these first hours of soldier's service. Encourage this adult child.
Tell a recruit from the heart a few good ones warm words. Do not tell him anything about the service in the first days. Don't scare him. Do it wisely and you will conquer him: he is yours.
4. Woe to you if a recruit is distrustful and sees in his boss only a strict formal serviceman who can only punish.
5. An officer must gain confidence different ways. One of them is literacy, the Russian alphabet.
6. Literacy is strength, the most powerful tool, which will destroy any kind of false political view, with which a recruit comes to the barracks.
7. Do not forget the soldier's kitchen, because "through the stomach, the soldier goes the way to his heart."
8. Do not resort to harmful sentimentalism.
9. A soldier likes to be talked to.
10. The officer is the elder brother of the soldier.
11. Brother, but not familiar, otherwise discipline is in danger.
12. Mean by this the command is reasonable, strict, but humane, devoid of arrogance and cruelty.
13. Perished authority - perished and all the military educational work of the chief.
14. For military educational work, one of the means is frequent communication with the lower ranks, conversations.
15. Set things up in such a way that the hours of "literature" for Sol-i dates will be a pleasant and useful rest.
16. You go to literature - work out a little at home, draw up a summary of the conversation, a plan for yourself on a piece of paper.
17. Do not get carried away with lectures. An important condition: short-term reading? -3/4 hours. Experience has shown that it is difficult to listen for a long time, people get tired and fall asleep.
18. Reading should be interrupted; move on to conversations, to jokes - they are useful, with laughter, the brain rests and will again be efficient.
19. Communicate little by little: one, two thoughts.
20. Use example and show.
21. Good example rules are always better.

VIII. About the court of honor

1. Do not forget that in order to preserve the dignity of military service, officers who are seen in disapproving behavior or actions that are incompatible with the concepts of military honor and valor officer rank or exposing in the officer the absence of the rules of morality and nobility, are subjected to the court of the society of officers. This court is also given the right to deal with quarrels that occur between officers.
2. The court of honor is carried out at closed doors. No more than 24 hours are allowed for the consideration of the case in the court of honor and the decision of the verdict. On the verdict of the court of honor on the merits of the case, complaints do not rely. A court of honor is a regimental secret, Whoever divulges it is subject to a court of honor.
3. Among the actions dealt with in the regimental court of honor, there may be: a fight between officers, borrowing money from lower ranks, playing cards with lower ranks, on billiards, bringing persons of dubious behavior to the officers' meeting, writing anonymous letters, dishonest playing cards, refusing to pay a card debt, ambiguous courtship of the wife of a comrade in the regiment, appearing in a public place drunk or indecent, etc.
4. Duels are allowed only by order or permission of the regimental court of honor. Dueling in wartime is prohibited.

IX. Supervisor's Responsibilities

1. The chief must develop and maintain in his subordinates the consciousness of the sanctity of the oath and the high significance of a warrior called to protect the Faith, the Tsar and the Fatherland from Enemies external and internal, be an example for them in the performance of duty and service.
2. Be fair, even, persistent in your demands, setting an example of vivacity, impeccable behavior, exact fulfillment of all requirements of the law and orders of superiors.
3. Unquestioning obedience to the chief is the soul of military service and the key to success in battle.
4. Take care of the health of your subordinates, delve into their life and needs, be their adviser, leader and intercessor for them before their superiors, take care of their well-being, be friendly.
5. A junior in rank in the presence of a senior replaces anyone. does not make tea.
6. It is forbidden by law to borrow money from the lower ranks.
7. If necessary, he must always turn to his immediate superior. With the permission of this latter, you can turn to the next boss on command.
8. When present at reviews and exercises, one should not be in an overcoat or cape, if the chief and senior are without them.
9. It is forbidden to take off a headdress for a greeting.
10. When giving an order, be guided by the following:
a) the order must be reasonable;
b) feasible for the recipient of the order;
c) give the order firmly, clearly and definitely;
d) be sure to make him repeat the order you gave to make sure it is understandable. If the soldier cannot repeat it, then do not be angry, but explain it to him calmly a second time until he understands.
11. You should not enter the premises of a foreign company (arena, stables) without the knowledge of the commander or officer of this company;
only the officer on duty is obliged to be everywhere, without reporting to anyone, during the day or night, being responsible person for the welfare of the part.
12. Refrain from doing anything and even order directly to people other than those bosses to whom they are subordinate.
13. In the ranks, do not rush to correct mistakes yourself and do not command, in addition to those to whom it belongs.
14. With all sorts of mistakes and shortcomings on the part of people, where there is only no evil will, take on first of all the individual and platoon. The soldier knows his business - ask who taught him; reward or punish first of all this latter, as responsible for him.
15. In a word, strictly observe the subordination, which exists only for this, so that there is order. Never jump over its steps, no matter how modest they may be, because by doing so you will allegedly show the uselessness of leaders as. those.
16. Everything that contributes to the development of camaraderie and the merging of squads and platoons into one whole should be encouraged in every possible way; however, that hinders this - immediately eliminate.

X. When defense with weapons is allowed

1. Defense is permitted by laws for the protection of:

a) life;
b) health;
c) freedom;
d) female honor and chastity;
e) dwellings in case of forcible invasion;
e) property (robbery), or when caught in a kidnapping or. If the property is damaged, the offender resists by force his detention or the taking away of the stolen property.
Therefore, for example, killing a thief before he has made any resistance or attack does not fit the concept of defense and is punishable as a simple murder.
2. Defense is allowed only in the event of a real attack, expressed already in any threatening actions. On the other hand, a supposed or imagined intention to carry out an attack, not expressed in any actions, cannot be considered a condition for a necessary defense.
3. Defense is allowed to protect not only oneself, but also other persons in danger.
4. Defense is allowed only in case of an unlawful attack. Therefore, it is impossible to defend against persons who have committed, although violent, but legal actions, for example, from police or patrol officers who, on duty, detain persons who make a mess. It will no longer be defense, but resistance to the authorities.
When defending, "the use of force and whatever measures" is allowed, therefore, if necessary, weapons.
5. Defense is allowed only to the extent that is really necessary to repel an attack. Therefore, any harm done to the attacker in vain, after the danger has already been averted, is recognized as an abuse of defense and subjects the guilty person to punishment.
6. Defense against the chief is not allowed at all, except for the case when the actions of the chief threaten the subordinate with a clear danger, but even in this case it should be limited to protection to the extent necessary for personal self-preservation. Therefore, for example, beatings inflicted by a superior on a subordinate do not give the latter. right to the defense, unless they threaten him with a clear danger.
7. If all the above conditions are met, the defender from the attack is not liable for his actions, even if their consequences were to inflict wounds, mutilation and even death on the attacker.
8. Under the concept of necessary defense, a fight cannot be brought up. The use of weapons in a fight exposes the perpetrator to the responsibility of the law.

XI. Instructions for preparing people for military affairs

1. Start the lesson without an announcement - there will be more time for business and there will be no needless burden on memory.
2. Do not give the name of the subject without showing it.
3. Avoid teaching on the same program; it develops attention in the arrow.
4. Do not forget that the charter is for us, and we are not for the charter. There is time - to do everything as it should be, but not - according to common sense.
5. As in any business, so in the matter of teaching, think not about finding obstacles, but about the means to overcome them.
6. Always and in all classes go out with a full pack and a full pack, otherwise the skill to wear and fit equipment is not developed, and the weight carried will always seem heavy.

7. To practice the chiefs of all levels up to and including the commander of the section, both in return and in the transmission of orders, as well as in filling positions.
8. End every teaching and lesson with a brief lecture.
9. The root of soldier's science is internal, and most importantly, guard duty; then comes shooting, swordsmanship, formation, gymnastics and literature, the crown of all is tactical training.

To the Charter of the garrison service

1. Never forget 3 points for anyone:
a) whose orders to accept;
b) when to shoot or stab;
c) special duties in posts.
2. Charter garn. sl. teach only practically.
3. Teaching practically, whose orders the sentry executes, to teach from below, starting with the one who sets the sentry to the post.
To the Charter of the internal service
1. Charter ext. sl. - to teach exclusively by showing and constant monitoring of the execution of everything shown.
2. To introduce and demand, first of all, diligence from everyone, and set an example for the first one yourself.
Diligence is characterized by the accuracy and speed of execution of the given order.
3. Ensure that no one ever leaves without permission.
4. Establish a holy rule: no matter what happens to you, report immediately on command.
5. Keep track of everyone and everyone, so that the body is kept clean, clothes are neat, and government property is safe.
6. Be sure to demand a repetition of any given order.
7. Treat the property of the population humanely.

To the shooting business

1. It is obligatory for anyone who is supposed to have a gun to start the day with a butt and aim.
2. Never aim in vain - with a mandatory check of both attachment and aiming.
3. Teach application and aiming in pairs, not in ranks; in this order time is not wasted; there is no tiring, tedious waiting in line, and people, mutually checking each other, will know the matter more firmly.
4. Remember that the best rangefinder is an eye, and therefore, in any case, deal with it.
5. Shooting training must be completed. firing at live or dead targets, checking the merit of each shot fired.

fencing

Prick a scarecrow from a running start, without stopping on the rack; strike from the heart, pulling out the bayonet and run behind the scarecrow. Prick always from the bottom up.

1. Do not forget that the main condition for the success of any drill is the attention of people, and therefore develop this always and everywhere. Attention is to be achieved by turns, rifle techniques by numbers, free separation of people from the formation and a conditional change in the meaning of commands and signals.
2. Do not rule the handstands: do it with a word, starting with the legs, the correct position of the shoulders and the entire body depends on the correct position of which.
3. Never bother about alignment, but strive only for a free and even step, then alignment will come by itself.
4. At the command "stop" - dead silence and immobility; You won't see the error without correction. With an amendment for a mile to see.
5. Do not mix directions with alignment; the ability to take a direction and maintain it - to demand from each individually.
6. The closed part should be conducted in such a way that people themselves strive to quickly restore order if it is disturbed by something, subject to complete silence. Conversation in the ranks is not only a bad habit, but also a sign of fussiness.

Word classes

1. Supplement any practical teaching with verbal teaching about what people should know.
2. Do not ask any lessons and "hollow" is not allowed.
3. Prayer, work, singing, music, games, reading and other useful entertainment should fill the rest of your free time. At the same time, do not forget for the purpose of training walks to the position, to the artillerymen and other closest neighbors in order to get to know each other and get closer.
.4. The prayer and commandments of the Lord, as well as the prayer for the Tsar, should be known to everyone with sense and understanding.
5. Explain to everyone that surrendering to the enemy is a shame and a crime. The family of the surrendered ration is not given out, it will be very difficult to be in captivity, because the Germans treat the prisoners harshly, they give them little to eat, they force them to do hard work, they are subjected to corporal punishment, ”surrendered means did not resist, and therefore did not harm the enemy. Therefore, surrender prolongs the war.
6. Explain that running away and evading service is shameful and useless. Measures have been taken against this, and anyone who fled will be caught. The punishment for this is very severe.
7. To inspire the lower ranks that the population's own property must be treated with care, remembering that we are at war with the Germans, and not with civilians. After all, they are already ruined by the enemy. The thief will be severely punished.

tactical training

1. Difficult tasks don't ask. To solve, without further ado, simply the tasks of defending and attacking a height, a ravine, a forest, a separate building, a village, a trench, a fortification and a gorge, while not forgetting reconnaissance, rest and its protection.
2. Whoever wants to know tactics must decompose it into a series of practical techniques shown in a field with divisions, as statutory departments are shown - without showing there is no knowledge.
3. When teaching people, do not forget their upbringing, for which:
a) creating surprises at every step, teach them not to get lost;
b) set, if possible, such goals, the achievement of which would require perseverance;
c) to seek courage and fidelity where apparently there is no place for them;
d) always support any striving forward, teaching at the same time to rely only on oneself.
4. Tasks for classes on two sides are set so that the mode of action is not predetermined by the task. Let each, in order to achieve his goal, choose defense or attack, as he pleases.
5. To achieve constant and uninterrupted communication both along the front and in depth.
6. Secret words to be strictly observed.
7. Always think about saving and feeding ammo.
8. Observation of the flanks is a necessary accessory of any order of battle: only eyes are needed here, not fighting strength.
9. When guarding, try to see everything, being yourself invisible, and for stability, where necessary; then dig in.
10. the main task protective measures - not catching single people, but protecting troops from an unexpected enemy.
11. Camping movements and reconnaissance require constant practice, and therefore every day - wherever you go, wherever you return - go with security and reconnaissance measures.
12. In the dark, go without a shot at close intervals and distances with intermediate chains, hiding behind a dense patrol chain; you have to walk like the blind walk: you need almost contact.

XII. Remember aphorisms

1. He who fears nothing is more powerful than he who is feared by all.
2. Becoming funny means losing your case.
3. When two people quarrel, both are always to blame.
4. Pull but don't tear.
5. Example is the most eloquent of sermons.
6. Backbiting harms three at once: the one about whom they speak badly; the one who is spoken badly; but most of all to him who speaks evil.
7. Wound inflicted firearms may be curable, but a tongue wound never heals.
8. The strongest delusions are those that do not have. doubt.
9. Courage gives success to an officer, and success gives courage.
10. It's smart to be silent by the way.
11. Means to get bored - say everything you know.
12. Modest is not the one who is indifferent to praise, but the one who is attentive to censures.
13. The last resort should always be the last.
14. Everyone looks, but not everyone sees.
15. Laws should be followed, not reinterpreted.
16. Vanity is a sign of consciousness of one's insignificance.
17. Thinking correctly is more valuable than knowing a lot.
18. For taste - to the young, for advice - to the old.
19. If you say, you won’t turn it back; if you write, you won’t erase it; if you cut it off, you won’t put it on.
20. A clear conscience is the best pillow.
21. The beauty of the mind causes surprise, the beauty of the soul - respect.
22. It is necessary to conquer with the mind that which cannot be overcome by force. eighteen
23. Do not be intrusive so that you are not pushed away, and do not move too far away so that you are not forgotten.
24. It's not your job to get involved in social issues.
25. The best part of courage is caution.
26. Did not introduce himself to the commander - wait a little with the theater.
27. Know how to leave on time.
28. Friends are not enemies, they are always passive.
29. Friends are powerless. They are bound by obedience to superiors.
30. Woe to a country where a soldier has an aversion to the soldier's ranks.
31. Expenses for the army - the insurance premium of the state.
32. Do not be humiliated by the publicity of intimacy.
33. And salute next to the lady.
34. Spare the vanity of soldiers. They have it developed no less than the officers.
35. It is important that subordinates respect you, and not be afraid.
36. There is nothing worse than indecision. Better a worse decision than hesitation or inaction.
37. A good example is always better than a rule.
38. Perished authority - perished and all the military educational work of the chief.
39. Do not forget that the charter is for us, and we are not for the charter.
40. When two people quarrel, both are always to blame, ”
41. Courage gives success to an officer, and success gives courage.
42. Vanity is a sign of consciousness of one's insignificance.

Conclusion

So, if you want to be a boss, do everything as you read it, just do everything to the smallest detail, otherwise “a fly in the ointment will spoil a barrel of honey,” and if you serve in everything like that, then everything will be fine with you. you yourself will good warrior and an honest defender of the Motherland; your superiors will love you and reward you for everything being in order and in order, and your subordinates will love you for being fair. courteous to them, you love them yourself and replace their father. To know, and the service is in good order, and the authorities are satisfied, and you are calm, and your people are well; most pleasant and from people honor and respect.

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, all these rules from a kind of code of honor were put together in the brochure “Advice to a Young Officer” by captain Valentin Mikhailovich Kulchitsky. Not all tips will be given below, but only a part of them. These extracts are universal and suitable for any man at all times.

Kulchitsky's work went through six editions. prevented the seventh October Revolution. The purpose of the publication was to prevent inexperienced military youth from false and destructive steps.

Do not promise if you are not sure that you will keep the promise.
Keep yourself simple, with dignity, without foppishness.
It is necessary to remember the boundary where dignified politeness ends and servility begins.
Be less frank - you will regret it. Remember: my tongue is my enemy!
Don't cutie - you can't prove dashing, but you will compromise yourself.
Do not rush to converge on a short leg with a person whom you did not know enough.
Avoid cash accounts with comrades. Money always ruins relationships.
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.
If you can’t say anything good about someone, then refrain from saying bad things, if you know.
Do not neglect anyone's advice - listen. The right to follow him or not will remain with you. Knowing how to take good advice from another 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 communicated by you to at least one person ceases to be a secret.
Always be on the lookout and don't let go.
Try to keep your words soft in the dispute, and the arguments are firm. Try not to annoy the enemy, but to convince him.
When speaking, avoid gestures and do not raise your voice.
Nothing teaches like realizing your mistake. This is one of the main means of self-education. Only those who do nothing do not make mistakes.
When two people quarrel, both are always to blame.
Authority is acquired by knowledge of business and service.
It is important that subordinates respect you, and not be afraid.
Where there is fear, there is no love, but there is hidden hostility or hatred.
There is nothing worse than indecision.
Better a worse decision 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 censure.
Thinking right is more valuable than knowing a lot.
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 a woman who trusts you, whoever she is. A decent person in general, especially an officer, even in the intimate circle of his faithful and experienced friends, never talks about such things - a woman is always most afraid of publicity.
If you enter a society in which there is a person with whom you are in a quarrel, then when greeting everyone, it is customary to give a hand, and of course, if this cannot be avoided without paying the attention of those present or the owners. Giving a hand does not give rise to unnecessary talk, and does not oblige you to anything.
Be guided in life by instinct, a sense of justice and a duty of decency.
Be able not only to think and reason, but also to 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 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 famous poet. He died on January 19, 1943 in combat at the hands of Nazi German 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.