Article

2006-12-03 Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia

Over 100,000 contractees to serve in Russia's Ground Forces

(Itar-Tass) -- More than 100,000 contract servicemen will serve in Russias Ground Forces by the end of 2007, their commander, Colonel-General Alexei Maslov said on Friday.
Looks like they're a little behind schedule in converting to a volunteer force. I have no idea what the quality of the "contract" troops is.
Twenty five thousand people were hired on a contract basis in 2006 and the total number of contract servicemen is 72,000 and will increase to 102,000 next year, the general said. In his words, more than 60 units and formations have been manned with contract servicemen and their number will grow to 80 by the end of 2007.

Posted by Fred 2006-12-03 00:00|| || Front Page|| [24 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Russian contract troops is just graduates of the obligatory service who have signed up for a specified period.

Posted by gromgoru 2006-12-03 00:32|| 2006-12-03 00:32|| Front Page Top

#2 Re-enlisters? Maybe there's a translation problem. Sounds like they're making progress.

Posted by Shipman 2006-12-03 07:27|| 2006-12-03 07:27|| Front Page Top

#3 The new fur-lined boots and slab of bacon re-up bonus likely turned the trick.

Posted by Shipman 2006-12-03 07:28|| 2006-12-03 07:28|| Front Page Top

#4 Over 100,000 ~~contrators~~ contractees to serve in ~~Iraq~~ Russia's Ground Forces

Posted by Besoeker 2006-12-03 09:43|| 2006-12-03 09:43|| Front Page Top

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Posted by Icerigger 2006-12-03 11:13|| 2006-12-03 11:13|| Front Page Top

#6 Besoeker, long time no see.

Posted by gromgoru 2006-12-03 17:28|| 2006-12-03 17:28|| Front Page Top

#7 Contract servicemen in Russia have already served their mandatory service and who are volunteers in the general sense of the word. The Russians had to kick in better pay, equipment, and conditions in order to attract contractees - which is why they are a much smaller number than conscripts. However, the most effective units in Chechnya are contractees who had already served there when they were conscripts.
If Russia's economy were stronger and the government actually would improve equipment, they could afford/attract many more contractees, especially for Chechnya and any other zone that involves Muslims.

Posted by Shieldwolf 2006-12-03 20:35|| 2006-12-03 20:35|| Front Page Top

#8 Off-topic or abusive comments deleted]

Posted by Icerigger 2006-12-03 11:13|| 2006-12-03 11:13|| Front Page Top

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