Подложные рекруты в русской армии XVIII века

False Recruits in the Russian Army of the 18th Century

Drawing on military judicial case materials from the Russian State Military History Archive, alongside statutory and legislative sources, this article examines the sociocultural context of 18th-century army recruitment. It highlights the phenomenon of “soldiers for sale,” a grey-area scheme that adapted recruitment practices to social realities, enabling volunteers to join the army commercially. By referencing contemporary writers, the author shows that people at the time were aware of these hidden practices and often viewed them with understanding and leniency. The article suggests that this social practice benefited volunteers eager to enlist but lacking legal eligibility. It can be seen as a “flight to the army” – a form of “reverse desertion.” Their willingness to enlist was driven by the money offered by the other side of the deal. Those subject to conscription but wishing to avoid it, who were willing to pay, also found this prac-tice appealing. Both sides, however, relied on a third party: military officials, especially small landowners, who acted as intermediaries, providing legal cover for illegal activities. They falsely “sold” candidates for conscription, exposing themselves to great risk but also gaining significant rewards. If caught, they faced severe penalties. The author concludes that such disguised volunteers may have constituted a significant portion of the 18th-century army, as demand for these transactions was high, and only a combination of unfortunate circumstances could reveal the fraud.