Russia plans to complete recapitalization and modernization of its nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missile deterrent force by the year 2020, the country’s state news agency reported. “By 2016, the share of new missile systems will reach nearly 60 percent,” Russian strategic missile forces spokesman Col. Igor Yegorov said, according to the ITAR-TASS report. “At the same time, the troop and weapon command systems, combat equipment will be qualitatively improved,” including the ability to defeat missile defense systems, he added. Russia is replacing its legacy missile fleet with the modern, multi-warhead RS-24 ICBM, which US inspectors got their first look at in 2012. “The work for the creation of new infrastructure of positioning areas of missile regiments continues, it will ensure better conditions for the use of armaments and training of the alert forces,” Yegorov added. Russia has modernized approximately 52 percent of its strategic nuclear forces to date, according to the report.
The first five days of Basic Military Training will change to better educate trainees on sleep hygiene, stress management, nutrition, and physical training, a move which officials hope will better prepare enlisted Airmen and Guardians for the rigors of life in service.