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Cossack military school
Konstantin Salomatin
The school is free. “Apart from the purchase of the required daily, families do not have a penny to pay, we provide uniform parade, education, moral education, and shelter,” said Alexander Nikolaevich, the head of education. Almost everything is funded by the Ministry of Nationalities and Cossacks of the Volgograd region. “We seek to develop in these young people a sense of brotherhood. They leave the school with the love of God and the Russian land pegged to the body, they will respect the law,” the director insists.
The school, which opened in 2009 has a good reputation. The buildings are modern and the extensive grounds are perfect for exercising and of course riding, essential for true Cossacks. With their military training, the cadets hope to enter the army, police or intelligence service. What is more, the school is free. “Apart from buying the basic uniform, families pay nothing. We supply the ceremonial uniform, teaching, moral education, board and lodging,” says Alexander Nikolaevich, the head of the teaching staff. Almost all the funding is provided by the ministry of nationalities and nearby Cossack communities.
The Russian army has had a Cossack regiment since 2005. Some 30 military schools, such as the one in Volgograd, have opened in the country. Strapping fellows, in papakhi (the traditional black Astrakhan hats), now patrol the streets of Moscow and Krasnodar to prevent trouble and acts of blasphemy against shrines.