The Minister presented the departmental awards to social activists
The meeting was attended by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. He told members of the public council about the difficult foreign policy situation on Russia's borders. “NATO's activity on Russia's borders has increased, the arms control system has deteriorated, and the terrorist threat has intensified,” Shoigu said.
Photo: Gennady Cherkasov
According to him, “despite the pandemic, the Russian army has maintained a high level of combat capability.” The rearmament of the army and navy continued. The share of modern weapons in the units was 71.3% and in the strategic nuclear forces – 89.1%.
The number of contract soldiers in the army is growing. The number of employees for officers was increased to 96% and for non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers – up to 99.4%.
Social issues of soldiers and their family members are being addressed. The monetary provision is indexed by 3.7%. In 2022, it is planned to increase it by another 4%. Almost 111,000 soldiers have fulfilled their housing obligations.
There are already 42 military-patriotic training centers in Avangard. More than 58,000 schoolchildren were trained.
The army helped eliminate fires in Yakutia, Karelia, Mordovia, Transbaikal Territory, Irkutsk, Sverdlovsk, Kemerovo and other regions. The soldiers took part in avalanche and flood control measures in Khakassia, Tatarstan, Tuva, Primorje and Altai Territories and Kamchatka. Zheldorvoyska is reconstructing the Baikal-Amur Ulak-Fevralsk main line.
At the end, Shoigu handed over departmental decorations to public figures for active participation in the life of the army and navy. “This year, almost all major events have taken place with your effective support. We are grateful for your contribution to strengthening the image of the Russian army and increasing public confidence in it, “said Shoigu. He congratulated those present on the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Public Council, which was established on 16 November 2006.
The Minister expressed the hope that he would continue his constructive cooperation with the Public Council. “By participating in our events, visiting educational institutions, remote garrisons, military bases abroad and peacekeeping operations, you are doing a really great job,” Shoigu said. “We hope that our interaction will be just as productive next year.”He described in detail the activities of the council and the problems raised in the outgoing year. Despite the difficult situation, the members of the council managed to visit more military units and organizations than in the days before. “During the implementation of our work plan, members of the Public Council have repeatedly visited military departments and universities of the Ministry of Defense, military commissariats and training and material base facilities this year,” Gusev said.
On a number of trips, social activists, after talking to soldiers, saw “bottlenecks” that caught the attention of the department's leadership. In the Crimea, for example, the Saki military clinical sanatorium could bring even more benefits. There is excellent medical equipment and staff, the infrastructure remains to be completed.
Members of the public council shared their impressions of the trips. “At first we were perceived as a concert brigade. When we realized that we could influence a specific military unit, we got scared, “said military journalist Alexander Sladkov.
Military expert and editor of the National Defense magazine “Igor Korotchenko. “The central theme of the military-political agenda is the conclusion of a legally binding agreement that provides security guarantees for our country. I propose to the Public Council to take part in this process, “he said.
According to the plateau, it is necessary to provide the West with information about our ability to respond to possible threats. To this end, it is planned to publish a brochure in English so that, according to the expert, it will be possible to “open, read, draw conclusions.”
. Some members of the council were also awarded the medal “For significant contribution to strengthening the defense of the Russian Federation.” This award was given to MK Editor-in-Chief Pavel Gusev.