MOSCOW. Jan 20 (Interfax-AVN) - The initial funding of the voluntary manning experiment in the 76th Airborne Division has been halved, Georgy Shpak, commander of the Russian Airborne Force, told Interfax-Military News Agency Monday.
According to the general, now there is RUB1.2bn (USD38m) for the experiment, while in June 2002 the government allocated RUB2.673bn (USD84m).
He said that nearly RUB2bn (USD63m) was planned to spend on new quarters for professionals and on new infrastructure meeting all the requirements of the modern professional army.
Shpak said that now the bulk of the money would be spent on building new barracks and refurbishing old enlisted men's dormitories.
"This will account for more than RUB760m. In addition, about RUB20m (USD628,000) will be spent on paratrooper training, RUB16m (USD503,000) on the professionals' salaries, etc.," Shpak said.
He said that the primary results of the experiment were to be discussed at the Defense Ministry Board in May.
Shpak also said that the division was planned to be manned by professionals only by May 1.
The experimental division will have a little more than 6,000 personnel, he said.