Women Can Apply for Contractual Army Service, Said Russian Defence Minister

Women will be able to apply for contractual army service in permanent alert units and formations, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov said.

On Wednesday the Government discussed the programme of transition to a contractual service in the Armed Forces and other power structures.

The acting legislation will have to be adjusted to provide for recruiting women, on a contractual basis, namely in relation to family protection, maternity rights and children, the minister added. "Enlisted women soldiers must enjoy equal rights with men," Ivanov said.