Notebook

Army Reform Set

Under a plan approved by President Vladimir Putin, by 2010 the Russian army will switch from its current draft-based system to a contract-based system. The government will develop a detailed plan for the transition by 2004, with the plan to execute in the ensuing 6 years.

According to the head of the Main Draft Department of the Russian General Staff, General-Colonel Vladislav Putilin, the military realized two years ago that Russia’s demographic situation necessitated this change. By the year 2010-2011, the army’s draft would bring in only 30-40% of needed force levels. A recent eye-opening report prepared by Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov detailing these realities prompted Putin to charge the government to prepare the plan.