War is now online and even the most mystical of units now use social media as a propaganda tool for their actions.
Reverse Side Of The Medal (RSOTM) is a mercenary community with close links to Russia’s infamous Wagner Group which has been involved in conflict in Ukraine, Syria and Libya among other places. They operate the Telegram Channel @RSOTM as their official media communication outlet. Their posts are usually enigmatic photos of war torn regions where they’re on military tour and military flexing of their units or spreading propaganda in favour of their actions, or to muddy the waters of information.
Their online presence has drawn fans closer to their cause and fan art has officially entered the game. Digital art and logos reminiscent of a new Call of Duty Mercenaries Edition are now part of the official propaganda of the mercenary groups. The group has heavily invested in creating their online presence and brand in order to gather popular support and, presummably, to glorify the mercenary lifestyle and increase recruitment numbers. Their videos often feature Viking aesthetics, references to Valhalla* and Odin which is likely tied in to some vague Aryan/ extreme right wing ideology – Norse mythology is popular among White supremacist groups and many Eastern European Paramilitary Groups. This artwork is now featured in their official merchandise store (yes – they have an official merchandise store) for supporters of the group to buy.
Truth be told some of this artwork is pretty dope (despite the fact it supports an extremely questionable Mercenary Group tied to Putin) and it is extremely interesting to see how modern warfare media is now branded on social media and even available in merch form.
*In Norse mythology, Valhalla is a majestic, enormous hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Odin. Chosen by Odin, half of those who die in combat travel to Valhalla upon death, led by valkyries, while the other half go to the goddess Freyja’s field Fólkvangr (Wikipedia, 2020 )
