From: MSN NicknameEagle_wng (Original Message) Sent: 5/25/2006 1:24 AM
Wednesday, 24 May 2006
BBC NEWS
Russia plans wide military reform
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov has announced sweeping plans to modernise the country's armed forces.
He said the priorities would be to reduce the number of conscripts and cut hundreds of generals' and admirals' posts over the next five years.
The defence minister also announced that around 30,000 military support jobs would be axed.
Russian officials have said reforms will be an important step in curbing indiscipline and endemic bullying.
As part of the reforms, 70% of servicemen, and all non-commissioned officers, would be employed under contract in three years.
General cuts
Mr Ivanov said the plans aimed to move the armed forces towards a more professional footing, but he avoided suggestions of a final end to conscription.
He said the cuts would only be made from "bureaucratic posts and auxiliary structures".
"Not one single combat unit, not one unit, will be ...
>> full