Any language, including Russian, is a living and mobile structure. Some words disappear from everyday life, and new ones appear instead. But sometimes people want to know what a concept that has come to us from time immemorial means. For example, the definition of the word "Recruit".
Origin of the term
In several languages at once there is the word "recruit", pronounced exactly as "recruit" - in Polish, German. The French recruter is to recruit troops. In Russia, in the old days, young soldiers were initially called “uncool”, distorting the original sound of the Polish version, and only in 1701 did the Tsar's decree of Peter I appear, where recruits were called “recruits”. From that moment on, the whole scheme of recruiting young servicemen into the army changed.
Russia. Recruitment, 18th century
During the time of the Russian Empire, recruits were called ordinary peasants "shaved" into the army. The Tsar's decree provided for such liberation from serfdom and a good salary for those times. Plus, they didn't have to worry about a roof over their heads and food. The discipline in the recruitment units was tough.
The families of the recruits who later received the title of "soldier" or "sailor" were also not offended - they were supposed to be supported at the expense of the treasury, and in the event of the death of the breadwinner, they were paid a pension. Thus, the recruit could support the relatives who remained in the village. But, of course, the departure of a strong young guy to the army for many years was a real tragedy - there were not enough hands in the fields.
At first, this service was lifelong, and in 1793 it was limited to 25 years. By the way, merchants, clergymen and honorary citizens, as well as members of their families, were exempted from such military service. Well, the children of the nobility, of course, from childhood were trained in military affairs and became officers. This is our story.
The goal of the recruiting system was defined by Peter I: "The fullest use of human resources." Usually single men were taken into the army, but if the peasant was already married, his family was allowed to follow the faithful. They also received salaries and housing. The recruits were not forbidden to marry during the service - and all the efforts to support the family were taken over by the army. Such is the old man loyal to the peasants.
Recruits in other countries
In the armies of some other countries, in particular, in the United States, recruits are named who have not even passed basic training for military affairs.
That is, inexperienced and untrained soldiers with the lowest ranks, who do not have any skills in handling weapons, who do not know the rules and disciplines.
In modern times
Today this term is sometimes even used in trade. For example, there is a profession "recruit manager". His responsibilities include recruiting new agents for the firm. Volunteers who are involved in community work are also sometimes called recruits.
In the films, this is how agents recruited into the special services are called. And, of course, in military computer games sometimes there are squads of recruits - inexperienced soldiers, volunteers, partisans.