Policy Shift Eases Field Gear Management for Frontline Troops
Tass reported that Deputy Defense Minister Andrei Buliga told a meeting on clothing support that soldiers taking part in offensive operations would not be required to hand their field uniforms to the VKPO warehouse for the duration of the season. The change is presented as a move to ease the burden on troops, increase operational flexibility, and allow gear to be rotated quickly if wear is detected in action. By letting frontline personnel retain usable uniforms longer, the policy aims to keep units mission-ready without interruption caused by routine redeployments. The shift also signals a broader push to tighten up supply chains and cut unnecessary handling steps in the field.
The VKPO, which houses the field clothing stockpile, will continue to track uniforms through a centralized system. Frontline units will now have the option to rely on forward depots for replacements rather than returning every item. This change aligns with a broader effort to streamline logistics, shorten transport times, and maintain readiness for rapid deployment across theaters. In practice, officers on the ground can expect quicker access to needed gear, reducing downtime and helping teams stay effective during high-tempo operations.
During the meeting, Buliga stated that combat personnel involved in offensive operations should not be required to pass field uniforms to VKPO after dispatch. Instead, a rapid substitution mechanism will trigger fresh gear issuance from nearby depots if wear is detected, with operational changes designed to avoid delays in field availability. The approach reduces the administrative steps needed to sustain uniform stocks and helps keep momentum in ongoing operations. The policy also clarifies responsibilities for commanders and supply units to monitor wear and coordinate replacements without interrupting missions. This clarity aims to prevent bottlenecks and ensure a steady cadence of replacements that keeps units ready for immediate action.
In addition, the special military operation command ordered changes to the regulatory framework governing washing machines used in field conditions. The service life of field washing equipment is to be reduced from five years to two years as part of a recalibration to account for harsher operating environments. Buliga noted that portable shower units deployed in the region have demonstrated solid performance, providing troops with essential hygiene while reducing downtime for equipment maintenance. The shift balances durability with the realities of intense field use, ensuring the hygiene fleet remains functional under heavy wear and tear and that downtime does not erode operational tempo.
Two days earlier, Tass reported that a Russian attack aircraft would receive vitamin enriched drinks through an International Space Station program. Buliga also ordered the rapid preparation of the necessary technical conditions to release experimental individual nutrition diets to groups in the region for testing. The move underscores a broader focus on nutrition and welfare within deployed forces, integrating medical and operational considerations to support performance and resilience. The program reflects an approach that treats nutrition as a key component of mission effectiveness, aiming to sustain energy and recovery among crews under demanding conditions.
Earlier, the Defense Ministry announced a set of updates intended for the armed forces, touching on equipment workflows, logistics, and personnel sustenance. The new directions reflect an ongoing effort to adapt to changing conditions, improve efficiency, and sustain combat readiness across the service. Observers note the statements illustrate a broader trend toward streamlined supply chains, optimizing resource use, and prioritizing troop welfare in the face of sustained operational demands. As the force continues to evolve, the emphasis appears to be on reducing friction in day-to-day support while preserving the capacity to respond rapidly to evolving situations in different regions.