. APRIL 2013 BACK ISSUE by Denis Tarasov Children living in provincial Russia, if they are not lucky enough to have parents who give sufficient attention to their education, can fall prey to alcohol on the streets and criminal activity.  There is no system in place to prevent these children from entering into a hopeless downward spiral. A unique alternative to drink and crime is offered by the Russian Cossacks, who have started clubs providing patriotic education.   Adults take certain leading ranks, allowing children to assume roles in a game where they can feel free and yet part of a team.   Education in the clubs and camps is based on military ideas, military discipline, belief in God and in companionship. A boy with a toy gun. A priest of the Russian Orthodox Church firing a hand gun. A white horse grazes at night. Cadet guards icon. Cossack teacher with a rifle. Cadet on a post, late at night. The cadets exercise before bedtime. Cadet during exercise with Kalashnikov. Cadet in the field at night. Cossack teacher. Cadets. Combat training. Kalashnikov. Cadets at night during combat training. Cadets rest during combat training. Back to current issue