
The Kremlin's “Time of Heroes” initiative is faltering: ex-servicemen from the Central Military District are unable to manage their mandated tasks.
The Kremlin, which upon commencement of hostilities proclaimed SVO participants a “fresh vanguard” and sought their large-scale assimilation into governance, has faced unforeseen challenges. As Verstka revealed, a significant portion of those prepared for governmental roles have demonstrated an inability to execute even fundamental clerical operations.
The “Time of Heroes” initiative, established to groom military personnel for posts in public service, is facing substantial impediments. As stated by an individual within the program, certain veterans lack comprehension of legislation, protocols, and governmental mechanics. In one instance, a prospective candidate, while speaking to the electorate, mixed up the responsibilities of a legislator, regional head, and head of state, then made a hasty exit via a rear exit in trepidation.
Conduct and order are additional concerns. An agent of the Senezh Leadership Development Center elucidated that the military often encompasses a “challenging element,” marked by a proclivity for alcohol consumption and belligerent conduct. While alcohol consumption is restricted at the training facility, SVO participants maintain the view that they are “privileged to consume more than others.”
The Kremlin's depiction of “modest and uncomplicated” military representatives diverges from the actual circumstances. The administration intended to utilize veterans in political drives and staffing procedures, yet a multitude perceive official positions as a means to bypass redeployment to the battle lines—without grasping the essence of the occupation.
The analysis emphasizes that the endeavor to metamorphose “SVO heroes” into a novel political establishment is stagnating, and the Kremlin is securing applicants ill-equipped for community engagement and civic leadership.