Russia strengthens defense capability: new law on the length of service in the reserve

CrimeaPRESS reports:

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a new law that would raise the age limit for reserve citizens. According to the published decree, this step is aimed at strengthening the country’s defense capability and optimizing the mobilization reserve.

In accordance with the new law, the age of stay of the reserve has been increased by five years for a group of military personnel, including soldiers, sailors, sergeants, foremen, warrant officers and midshipmen. Senior officers will now be able to be in the reserve up to 65 years old (previously up to 60 years), junior officers — up to 60 years old (previously up to 55 years old), and military personnel with other ranks — up to 55 years old (previously up to 45 years old). For senior officers, the age limit remained unchanged — 70 years.

In addition, the law provides for an increase in the age limit for various categories of military servicemen of the first, second and third categories. Now the first category will be able to remain in the reserve up to 40 years (instead of the previous 35 years), the second category — up to 50 years (instead of the previous 45 years), and the third category — up to 55 years (instead of the previous 50 years). In addition, under the new law, it is possible to conclude a contract with a foreign citizen under the age of 52.

The law also provides for a transitional period from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2028, during which conscripts will gradually go into reserve. For example, in 2024, citizens aged 50 will be in the reserve until the age of 51, and in 2025 — up to 52 years.

This bill was submitted to the State Duma in November 2022, and its development was led by a group of deputies led by the chairman of the defense committee, Andrey Kartapolov. On July 18, the initiative was adopted in the third reading.

Thus, the new changes to the reserve age limit are aimed at strengthening the country’s defense sector, providing longer service time for certain categories of military personnel and improving the readiness of the mobilization reserve.

News of the Crimea | CrimeaPRESS