On Telegram, a fascist private military company (PMC) published a recruitment video for Russian soccer hooligans that possess relevant military experience on February 22, 2023.
The group started as a volunteer battalion fighting on the side of Russia in Russo-Ukrainian war. According to its own claims, the group mainly consists of soccer hooligans.
On February 20, 2023, an announcement was made, stating that the Private Military Company (PMC) was created. The group also acquired training grounds on the Black Sea. At the same time, the group announced a recruitment campaign. The post features a sticker with Russian general Baklanov's flag surrounded by Slavonic text "I strive for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen." The caption to the post reads: "Remember this date. Today is the birthday of the world's first soccer-related volunteer PMC. [...]"
The group engages in recruitment of military specialists. Mainly the group looks for specialists in reconnaissance-sabotage, snipers, UAV operators, radar and air defense systems operators, NRC (portable ground reconnaissance stations) operators, anti-aircraft gunners, radio and communication specialists, driver-mechanics, and medics. The text notes that recruitment into the ranks of the PMC will be competitive. Among the requirements the channel lists is readiness to pass the GTO tests (recently reintroduced Soviet-era "Readiness for Labor and Defense" standards) for the corresponding age criteria; additionally, sports and military achievements are required for the candidates striving to enter special forces detachment of the group. The post also provides Telegram user for prospective recruits to contact.
The recruitment is conducted among members of Russian soccer fanatics. Reportedly, soccer fans from Russian "CSKA," "Zenit," "Spartak," "Torpedo" and "Lokomotiv" teams are members of the PMC.
The post published on the group's Telegram channel on February 21, urges soccer fans to join the PMC: "If you are top hooligans, fierce thugs, or just tough guys with decent experience or with the right skills, if you are ready to live up to [the group's] principles, you have a chance to join our brotherly team in the near future. [...]"
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