3 reasons why Gypsies do not serve in the Russian army
Gypsies cannot be called a peaceful people. It is well known that they like to quarrel and even like to fight. Sometimes Gypsies participated in wars, both on our side and against. When it was unprofitable to fight, the men of this people did not show much enthusiasm for the military cause. It is very difficult to force Gypsies to do something against their will. But why, nowadays, in the Russian Federation, where men have military duty, Gypsies do not serve in the army?
In the past, Gypsies were forced to serve in the army by force. They fell into the ranks of the Janissaries of the Ottoman Empire and the army of the Russian Empire. During armed conflicts, official representatives of the authorities came to the camps and demanded that the Gypsies take up arms. Sometimes it worked, but more often the free people rebelled or simply dissolved into the steppes and forests with their booths and tents.
Now Gypsies permanently residing on the territory of Russia are required to be conscripted by law. If there are no medical contraindications and family circumstances, all men with Russian citizenship from 18 to 27 years old must serve in the army. The law is the same for everyone, but there are no Gypsies in military units. It's simple - the men of this people, with very rare exceptions, cannot be called for three main reasons.
Many Gypsies live in Russia all their lives, but they do not become citizens. Most of them do not even have a passport and the state does not know about their existence at all. Moreover, the place of residence of potential recruits is unknown. To serve a summons, you need to know the place of residence of a person, and with this, everything is very difficult for the Roma because of their nomadic or simply secretive lifestyle.
It is well known that Gypsies marry very early. Most guys already have a spouse by the age of 15, and some have a child. By the onset of military age, some young men already have 1-2 minors in their care. According to the law, such a father cannot be drafted into the army. At the age of 27, especially early fathers of families already become grandfathers — what kind of debt is there to the Motherland.
Another reason why Roma do not seek to serve is the attitude towards Gypsies that has developed in our society. To be honest, we don't really like Gypsies. The idea of this people is formed by looking at not the best of its representatives, who are always in sight.
Gypsies themselves prefer to live in a narrow circle and are very reluctant to communicate with outsiders. They are frightened by the idea that they can be away from the camp, among strangers who are hostile by default. Conflicts in this case would be inevitable.