I'd say it reason number two. Reason number one would be that serving in military is viewed as good old "conscript obligation"[1]. Or as a way to get money (i

I'd say it reason number two. Reason number one would be that serving in military is viewed as good old "conscript obligation"[1]. Or as a way to get money (in some regions serving was the only way to get decent money. some people would actually give bribes to get a contract). At the same time you learn nothing while in service (unless you are part of some elite force wich is a different story and they are few in number anyway). A classic thing about russian military: out of a platoon only 2-3 guys are often throw grenades during their time. Only to show them off before some general. While others just mind their own business. [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscription_in_the_Russian_Empire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscription_in_the_Russian_Em...