Global General

Special

Newsmaker

Asia Pacific

America

Middle East

Europe

Africa

Russia's military reform at 'crucial stage': president

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-25 14:20

MOSCOW -- Russia's military reform has come to a "crucial stage," President Dmitry Medvedev said Wednesday.

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev gestures while delivering an address on the Constitution Day at the Kremlin in Moscow, December 12, 2008. [Agencies]

Related readings: Russia to spend despite crisis Russia expects 1st deficit in 10 years  US hails progress of nuclear security co-op with Russia

During an interview with several Russian TV stations, Medvedev said the ongoing military reform aimed at improving Russian troops' efficiency and modernization level and the life of soliders has come to a "crucial stage."

In order to reinforce combat efficiency, Medvedev said, Russia is transforming its four-level hierarchy of region, corps, division and regiment into a three-level system of region, corps and brigade.

The category of army, navy and air force, together with titles such as paratroops, space forces and strategic missile defenders will be preserved, he added.