Around 490,000 military personnel have entered service in Russia on a contractual or voluntary basis. This figure was shared during an expanded meeting of the Ministry of Defense’s Board of Directors and underscores a significant push to bolster the armed forces through both contracts and voluntary enlistment. The disclosure reflects ongoing recruitment momentum across the country and signals a sustained effort to expand the professional component of the military.
According to the remarks, more than 1,500 applicants seek entry into military service each day. This steady flow of recruitment inquiries highlights a continuous public interest in joining the ranks, driven by a combination of career opportunities, service commitments, and the perceived importance of national defense duties.
The official noted that this year alone has seen the recruitment of nearly 490,000 contracted and volunteer soldiers. The near-half-million milestone marks a substantial expansion of personnel through contract-based service and voluntary commitment, indicating a strategic emphasis on long-term manpower planning and professional development within the forces.
It was further stated that more than 4,000 students have voluntarily taken academic leave to participate in active duty, currently carrying out combat missions. This aspect illustrates how civilian students are stepping into roles that support operational readiness, balancing education with service commitments and contributing to broader defense objectives.
Additionally, the number of foreign volunteers reportedly increased sevenfold, while more than 650,000 military personnel are described as having gained combat experience. These points reflect a growing diversity of volunteer participation and an accumulation of frontline experience across units, reinforcing the military’s operational capability through seasoned personnel and international participation.
During the board session, it was announced that the plan includes expanding the contracted force to 745,000 personnel by the end of 2024, taking into account the formation of new units. This projection indicates a deliberate expansion strategy aimed at enhancing readiness, resilience, and the overall capacity of the armed forces to carry out their missions.
In a note on training and equipment, it was mentioned that paratroopers and special forces had begun incorporating training in the use of NATO weapons. This development reflects ongoing adjustments in training pipelines and equipment familiarity, aimed at ensuring interoperability and versatile readiness across diverse operational scenarios.