The chair of the State Duma Defense Committee, Andrei Kartapolov, outlined that discussions about reorganizing the Russian Armed Forces, including the possible extension of military service, should be postponed until after the completion of the ongoing special military operation. This stance was communicated through official channels, with emphasis on sequencing reform after the operation’s end so that strategic goals can be aligned with the new organizational framework. The clarification came as part of a broader debate on how to recalibrate the armed forces in light of current demands and the evolving security landscape, and it was reported by TASS.
Kartapolov suggested that there is a current need to revisit the issue, though he signaled caution about moving forward too quickly. He referenced the possibility of extending conscription to two years, but argued that any decision should follow a clear assessment of the military’s needs. He pointed out that the armed forces are still engaged in a special operation, during which partial mobilization is in effect, and thus any structural changes must be grounded in concrete operational realities and the tasks at hand. The idea, he indicated, is not to rush reforms but to ensure that lengthened service terms would correspond to the operational requirements that may emerge after the operation concludes.
Kartapolov articulated that a measured approach is warranted, with a prioritization of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation taking the lead on whether to extend service terms. Once the General Staff provides its assessment, the public’s input and broader societal considerations should be studied to gauge demand and feasibility. In his view, this sequence would help prevent premature commitments and allow for a more coherent long-term plan for personnel management, equipment readiness, and organizational restructuring. The aim is to craft a comprehensive framework that can be effectively implemented once the operational environment stabilizes.
On the training front, Kartapolov estimated that six months could be sufficient to prepare a specialist who operates modern military equipment, while more basic roles such as infantry, grenadier, or assistant grenadier could be developed in roughly three months. He suggested that even with shorter pipelines, the armed forces could maintain competence across essential job families, provided training programs are well designed and aligned with evolving equipment and tactics. This assessment reflects a balance between rapid capability-building and the need for skill depth in high-demand areas.
In related developments, news from November 3 indicated that consultations would take place in the Federation Council regarding the proposal to raise the length of service to two years. Viktor Bondarev, who chairs the Federation Council Defense Committee, lent his support to the concept, signaling a coordinated approach across legislative bodies to assess potential changes to conscription policy. The discussions are part of a broader examination of how personnel policies can support strategic objectives and ensure that the armed forces retain a robust and adaptable force structure as regional and global security challenges evolve. The exchanges emphasize careful consideration of both operational requirements and public sentiment in shaping future military service norms.