11 365x500 Military Discharge Handmade Scrap Book and Comics Album

You're in the army now

The compulsory two years of military service was a rite of passage for every Soviet guy. When one turned eighteen - unless for sickness or injury - it was time to be called in for the military life - two years in the barracks. Usually away from home, this period of time was meant to train and educate the men should there be a war. It included physical training, political orientation, current affairs, weaponry and so on - a good many posts can be written on life in the army! Today, however, we want to take a different look on this subject. The guys usually bonded well and during their spare time created so called "Discharge Albums" - like scrapbooks, they were full of photos, songs lyrics, quick notes from the buddies etc. This particular one has a very neat selection of wee hand drawn episodes of the army realities.

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The albums were usually this thick and bound in velvet cloth

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So the owner served between 1984 and 1986, being called in from Leningrad to serve in Olenegorsk in some special forces

This is an extract which tells us exactly what happened...

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Here's a start to the story - the birds are bringing the army subpoena. Please note that the outfits, the hairstyles, even the stereo - all belong to the mid 80s.

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The young guy turns up at the military assembly point.

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The parents say good bye. The girlfriend promises to stay faithful.

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The changeover: someone is arriving, someone is being discharged.

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Learning the ropes

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On the cleaning assignment

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Those were the days, my friend..!

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I wish you were here

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In full gear. No hope to finish alive

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Out in the city - the officer will never let me out of sight

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See you right here in exactly seven days

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A year and a half on - so nice to be a senior!NB - most likely, this is the radio espionage equipment.

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Counting down the hours...

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Hooooooooome!

All images are courtesy of the Livejournal user blackie again, whose album this is.

We hope you find this amuzing :) Stay tuned!

Wood floor medallions . Find a friend in South Dakota .

Related posts:

  1. Social Advertising on Soviet Matchbox Labels
  2. The Victory Aftermath. Russia in Second World War.
  3. The Book on Tasty and Healthy Foods: Una Dolce Vita, Soviet Style
  4. May, 1st: Soviet Labour Day.
  5. Best of Winter 2009 – 2010

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