MOSCOW. Dec 24 (Interfax-AVN) - Russia will spend RUB401.4m (USD12.6m) on implementation of the first stage of the Federal Military Education Reform Program scheduled to begin on January 1, 2003, a competent source in the Russian Defense Ministry told Interfax-Military News Agency on Tuesday.
"The Federal Military Education Reform Program approved by a government resolution on May 27, 2002, covers the period until 2010. It will have two stages the first one covering 2003-2005 and the second one 2006-2010," the source said.
"RUR401.4m (USD12.6) is allocated for implementing the first stage of the program," he noted.
Funds will be provided from the Military Reform section of the 2003 budget.
According to the source, the program's main goal is to adjust quality and quantity parameters of the current military education system to the structure, strength and missions of the Armed Forces and other military formations of Russian law- enforcement agencies.
Six higher military educational establishments will be abolished or transformed gradually starting from January 1, 2003.
In addition to the Defense Ministry, the program involves the Interior Ministry, Emergencies Ministry, Federal Border Guard Service, Federal Agency of Government Communication and Information, Federal Railway Troops Service and Special Construction Committee.
The Defense Ministry is approved as coordinator of the program.