MOSCOW. April 10 (Interfax-AVN) - The number of conscripts drafted for active-duty service this spring will be less than required by about 40,000, chief of the draft section in the General Staff main mobilization department Major General Viktor Kozhushko told reporters on Thursday.
"In spring 2003, military commissioner's offices will be able to draft only 10% of young men of eligible age who have not gone through active-duty service. As a result, only 85 to 95 percent of positions of active duty servicemen will be filled in the armed forces. About 40,000 people more will be required for 100-percent manning," Kozhushko said.
Some 175,000 people are to be drafted in spring, he noted.
According to him, the army will have to be halved by 2010 if the current draft system is preserved.
"The demographic situation is among the reason. As many as 1.25 million boys were born in this country in 1987, 700,000 in 1995 and 600,000 in 2000," Kozhushko stressed.
He believes that the authorities should reduce the number of legal reasons for deferment and exemption from military service.
"There are 22 such reasons at present," Kozhushko said.
Moreover, there is a need for gradual transition to professional service in the Armed Forces, he added.