Russian SMO Enlistment Booklet

Original tri-fold propaganda brochure issued in 2023 by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Designed to boost contract military enlistment during the Ukraine war, the booklet promises financial rewards, career pathways, and fast-track benefits for both citizens and foreign recruits.

The front panel advertises:

• ₽3.7 million/year in SMO zone

• ₽1.2 million in sign-up bonuses

• ₽210,000+ monthly pay

• ₽100,000 for each referred recruit

Inside, the Ukraine war enlistment leaflet presents step-by-step instructions on how to apply, what documents to bring, and where to register. Requirements include age (18–65), medical fitness, and legal documents. A special note highlights that foreigners can obtain Russian citizenship faster through contract enlistment.

One full panel details job-based pay structure, showing salaries for positions like:

• Commander: ₽250,000

• Sniper: ₽222,000

• Machine gunner: ₽216,000

• Cook, radio operator, driver, gunner — all listed with competitive salaries.

Historical Background:

This Russian SMO Enlistment Booklet is a key product of domestic mobilization during the Ukraine conflict. It represents Russia’s use of financial leverage and career incentives to attract both nationals and foreigners into voluntary contract military service.

The inclusion of job-specific salary data makes this item one of the more targeted tools of psychological operations recruitment propaganda, combining emotional appeal with economic stability.