Source: Russian Servicemen Will Pay For Uniform

08.11.2011 Uniform of Russian Armed Forces may become a paid item since the next year, reports Izvestiya referring to undisclosed source in Russian defense ministry.

Cancellation of free uniform is associated with monetization of clothing allowance which will result in considerable budget savings, writes Izvestiya.

"We have to calculate potential savings till the year is over. After that, our proposals will be submitted for the ministry's and government's consideration", said the source.

The coming changes will need new regulatory documents, beginning from military orders and ending with governmental resolutions.

Currently, a sergeant's uniform costs defense ministry at least RUR 7,000 a year, a general's one – up to RUR 57,000 a year.

According to Izvestiya, abolition of free uniform will coincide with announced pay increase.

Recall that Russian president Dmitry Medvedev earlier endorsed a decree providing that since Jan 1, 2012 military pay will become 2.5-3 times larger, and retirement pay – 1.5-1.7 times larger.