One of you clever people (Frank Jacobs, I think) asked me if there was hazing in the Russian (Imperial) Army pre 1917-18. [ there is plenty of well-publicised barbaric hazing in the Soviet, and post-Soviet period ] This is a reply from one of the most esteemed Russian military historians: << For what it's worth, I have not read of incidents of hazing in the pre-1917 army. There are, though, many incidents of oppressive, abusive, and exploitive officers. [ This depends on individual nature, some have good characters, some bad. vb ] The farther back in time one goes, it seems to me the less likely you would encounter hazing. Living conditions were bleak enough, with high mortality rates, that hazing seems pointless. Also, the lower ranks' social and official core unit was the "artel," a group of about 10 or so men united to pool resources, obtain food, earn extra money, and in general increase chances of survival. It was very cooperative and hazing would not fit in. Regards, Mark Conrad >> I have read that the English nurses stationed in Warsaw during WWI were surprised how friendly and informal and brotherly the Russian officers were towards their own soldiers ....WHEN OFF-DUTY, unlike the Prussians, who were authoritarian at all times, while Russian officers pulled rank, but only once they were on duty again... Vera Beljakova-Miller