Armed Forces of the Russian Federation: Encyclopedia II - Armed Forces of the Russian Federation - Current challenges and problems

Armed Forces of the Russian Federation - Current challenges and problems

Since the breakup of the Soviet Union, the Russians have discussed rebuilding a viable, cohesive fighting force out of the remaining parts of the former Soviet armed forces. A new Russian military doctrine, promulgated in November 1993, implicitly acknowledges the contraction of the old Soviet military into a regional military power without global imperial ambitions. In keeping with its emphasis on the threat of regional conflicts, the doctrine calls for a Russian military that is smaller, lighter, and more mobile, with a higher degree of professionalism and with greater rapid deployment capability. Such a transformation has proven difficult, not least because - even shorn of worldwide ambitions - the sheer scale of Russia's land borders makes even a defensive military posture an immense undertaking.

The challenges of carrying out reforms and modernizing have been magnified by difficult economic conditions in Russia, which have resulted in reduced defense spending. This has led to training cutbacks, wage reductions, and severe shortages of housing and other social amenities for military personnel, with a consequent lowering of morale, cohesion, and fighting effectiveness.

One of the more unorthodox ways in which the command authorities have sought to compensate for poor conditions and morale is through an annual beauty contest in which female soldiers compete for the title of "Miss Russian Army".

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Current challenges and problems", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki