In St. Petersburg, military-patriotic education has reached a new level as schoolchildren are being trained for specialized combat roles, including “stormtroopers,” as part of the revamped “Zarnitsa 2.0” games. The project is organized by “Dvizheniye Pervykh” (The Movement of the First), Vladimir Putin’s new youth organization, and involves students from grades 5 to 11, as well as vocational college students.
Combat Unit Structure: Participants compete in teams of ten, designed to simulate a real-world combat squad. Each student must take on a specific role:
- Commander;
- Sapper and Signalman;
- Two Stormtroopers;
- Medic and UAV (Drone) Operator;
- War Correspondent (Voenkor).
Tactical Training for “Stormtroopers”: During the competitions, “stormtroopers” work in pairs to hit targets and throw grenades under time pressure. The training includes specific tactical maneuvers, such as how to move through buildings (crouching with the weapon muzzle pointed down), constructing temporary shelters, and using signals to request supplies, such as food or ammunition.
The Digital and Media Front: The games are heavily integrated with modern technology. While the squad performs combat tasks, the “war correspondents” manage Telegram or Max channels. Teams earn extra points for likes, shares, and even the strategic use of memes in their posts. Additionally, participants must complete online courses on the “Zarnitsa 2.0” website to earn higher scores.
Analytical Summary: The modernization of “Zarnitsa” under the “Movement of the First” signals a profound militarization of the Russian school system. While the Soviet-era version of the game was largely focused on general physical fitness, “Zarnitsa 2.0” is explicitly adapted to the realities of modern warfare, incorporating drone operation, stormgroup tactics, and information warfare. By using gamified mechanics—such as points for social media engagement and digital platforms—the state is attempting to normalize the concept of combat for the “digital generation,” shifting the focus from abstract patriotism to the practical skills required in active conflict zones.