MOSCOW. Feb 27 (Interfax-AVN) - The main task set at the Defense Ministry collegium meeting on Wednesday is to create comfortable living conditions for servicemen, Russian deputy Defense Minister General Dmitry Bulgakov told reporters after the meeting.
"A new uniform has been adopted. Purchases are now being made. This year, we will supply 100,000 sets, primarily to the Far North regions. We will buy 400,000 sets in 2015 and 500,000 sets in 2015. By the end of 2015, the entire Armed Forces will have changed into new field uniform," Bulgakov said.
"This year, we have virtually stopped using foot cloths. Bearing in mind the purchase of new footwear - three pairs are purchased for every serviceman - we are buying special socks, they are not like socks that you buy in shops, they have reinforced soles and special weaving," Bulgakov said.
In addition, the sanitary and hygienic conditions in barracks will be improved, he said.
"Barracks are already being equipped with shower rooms. This year, we will fully switch to showers and bath days will become history. Simultaneously, we have started equipping barracks with washing machines and washing vacuum cleaners because servicemen will be cleaning their barracks themselves. Every barrack floor, i.e., every company, will get them," he said.
"We are buying 16,470 washing machines and 16,470 vacuum cleaners. The training center in Zagoryansk, the Ryazan Paratroopers' School, and the Kazan Tank School re already being equipped. Everything is going according to the schedule approved by the defense minister," Bulgakov said.