Russian Lawmakers OK Less Military Service

[Rose Siding]

MOSCOW -- Russian lawmakers gave preliminary approval Friday to a bill cutting the term of service for military conscripts starting next year, but also canceling many draft deferments.

The lower house of parliament, the State Duma, voted 366-23, with four abstentions, in the first of three required readings in favor of the bill, which reduces the current two-year service requirement to 1 1/2 years starting next year, then to one year in 2008.

The bill also cancels five deferments, including for those caring for elderly and sick parents, and it toughens requirements for another four categories. For example, young fathers will be exempt only if they have at least two children under the age of 3, instead of one, as required under current rules.

All men between the ages of 18 and 27 are required to serve in Russia's 1.2 million-member military. However, fewer than 10 percent of eligible men are drafted, with many dodging service by enrolling in college, being excused for health reasons -- often falsified -- or simply bribing draft officers.

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-russia-military-draft,0,5538934.story?coll=sns-ap-nationworld-headlines