CPD: Russia planning to recruit gamers into new troops under hidden mobilization
Illustrative photo: Russian troops (Getty Images)
In Russia, talk has begun about plans to create "troops from gamers," who supposedly could learn to operate drones more quickly. In reality, however, this is about hidden mobilization, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation (CPD).
The CPD noted that the relevant information about the troops appeared in pro-Kremlin media.
According to Russian propagandists, shooter fans are supposedly able to master drone operation in 10 hours, compared to 40 hours for ordinary recruits, the report said.
However, the CPD stressed that this rhetoric is aimed at concealing the mobilization of young people, as well as saving on real training.
In particular, in simplified courses for drone operators and cyber troops, gaming skills are presented as equivalent to full combat experience. In reality, this is not the case, and such approaches will lead to heavy losses for Russia.
"Russia is substituting long-term military training with the illusion of ‘gaming skills,’ which do not correspond to the realities of war. Such approaches threaten high losses among mobilized troops and intensify the militarization of society," the CPD explained.
The Center for Countering Disinformation also reported that the gaming industry in Russia is being turned into an instrument of state ideology and recruitment of young people. The scenario includes several stages: lectures on "patriotism," trial simulators, and then contract offers.
Earlier, the CPD had already reported that Russia actively uses computer games to spread propaganda. This was the case when Russian propagandists promoted the project "Squad 22: ZOV," created with the participation of the Russian ministry of defense as an "educational product."
Several months ago the CPD reported that Russian authorities were searching for new ways of mobilization, including schemes involving the police. According to those reports, the police in Russia have become a new tool of hidden mobilization, with law enforcement officers receiving bonuses if they force detainees to sign contracts with the Russian ministry of defense.
