ABSTRACT
The Russian city of Chita and the Siberian region around it are isolated and known as the "city of exiles," In the Siberian District's academy, the author watched a captain lead prospective officers, Kadety, in training on electronics and radio communications; drilling them on nomenclature and function of various circuits and devices. Uniforms were sharp, and the room, though spartan, was tidy and in good order. The Kadety rose when spoken to and rendered the salutes and courtesies associated by all military leaders with disciplined troops. They were well fed, athletic, and motivated. Most of all, they exhibited a pride in their work and their country—a pride that was in contrast to the support they got in return from their government in wages and resources. In all, they appeared well cared for. It was the Decembrists, rebellious Russian army officers exiled there by the czar in 1826, whose initiative and leadership is still evident today in the officers serving there.
