9 Oct 2013 13:31

Kazakhstan to have fully professional army by 2016 - Defense Ministry

ALMATY. Oct 9 (Interfax) - In the next two years, Kazakhstan plans to complete the process of building a professional army, said First Deputy Defense Minister, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Col. Gen. Saken Zhasuzakov.

"The Defense Ministry reports that the army still has nearly 12,000 conscripts in service. By 2016, professionals on a contract-based service will account for 99% of the army," he was quoted as saying in a Wednesday statement.

According to the press office, currently 65% of the Kazakh army has professional privates and sergeants, as opposed to conscripts.