19 Dec 2014 21:40

Russia to have 352,000 professional soldiers, sergeants by 2015

MOSCOW. Dec 19 (Interfax-AVN) - The manning rate for professional personnel in the Russian army will be brought to 95% in 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told an expanded session of the ministerial collegium on Friday.

"To continue recruitment under contract. To achieve 352,000 in contractors' numbers by the end of 2015," Shoigu ordered.

"Next year we will ensure a 100% manning rate for all sergeants, battalion tactical groups in Ground Forces and Airborne Troops, infantry, as well as ship and submarine crews," he said.