Russia to Transfer Armed Forces to Contract Basis in 2004-2007

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, November 22, 2002

Russia to Transfer Armed Forces to Contract Basis in 2004-2007

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Ninety-two units of Russian Land Troops, Airborne Forces and Marines with a combined strength of 166,000 servicemen will be transferred to a contract basis by the end of 2007, Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said on Thursday.

He told a press conference that the decision was made at a government session held on Thursday,

Ivanov noted that these 92 units "will become the foundation ofa new army."

"The transfer to a contract basis within four years is quite anambitious task, but it is feasible," he said.

Ivanov said that many military units stationed in Chechnya are already fully staffed by contract soldiers.

Ivanov said earlier this week that the Russian military now has"a little over" 1.1 million personnel.

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