'Russia and India in 1903' [‎6r] (11/68)

THE RUSSIAN ARMY OF TO-DAY. 9
cadets—three times as many as in Germany, and
twenty times as many as in France. But even this
large number barely suffices for the officering of the
Guards, the Artillery, and the Engineers. The over
plus goes to the line, but although giving one or two
subalterns a year to each regiment, this is only one
quarter of the full number required. The remaining
officers are therefore recruited
(а) From the eleven Junker schools, to which
^Volunteers” from the line and deserving non-com
missioned officers and men are sent for instruction.
(б) From the ranks.
The u Volunteers ” can enter the Army at the close
of their seventeenth year. Those who have passed
through six forms, or classes, of a gymnasium or
public school, serve for one year, while those who
have only got through four classes are liable for two
years.
In the Guards and Cavalry, a Volunteers ” maintain
themselves, and may live at home. But in the other
arms board and lodging are provided, but in no case
do “ Volunteers” live with the men. The Volunteers
choose their branch of the Service. In order still
further to lessen the burden of obligatory service,
there is another class, called “ Otchoniki,” whose
liability is similar to that of the “Volunteers,” but
can be entered upon up to thirty years of age, and
may also lead to the commissioned ranks.
The expenses of the Junkers are paid by the State,
except in the case of those from the Cavalry, who con
tribute one-third. The junior Junker class gives an
ordinary education ; the senior is entirely military.
After passing the final examination the Junker is
posted to a regiment as ensign, on probation. Those
who fail to come up to that standard revert to the Army
as non-commissioned officers.
Three-fourths of the officers of the line come from
the Junker schools, but taking the army as a whole,