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Russia‘s army is bleeding, and it’s raising its recruitment bonuses to US military levels to draw in more men.
Russian media reported that new recruits would get a new signing bonus of 1.9 million rubles, or about $22,000 if they sign contracts with the Russian defense ministry.
The announcement said that, including the monthly salary and other benefits, soldiers stand to make around 5.2 million rubles, or $61,000, in their first year of service.
The 1.9 million rubles bonus is nearly double the initial 1 million rubles, which was valid for people enlisting until November 25 last year.
Moscow‘s mayor Sergey Sobyanin pledged the new bonus via a decree on July 23, according to the Russian media outlet.
The new package puts Russia on par with the US Army’s quick ship bonus of up to $15,000, awarded to those who report for basic training within 30 days of enlistment for certain military jobs, per the army’s website.
To be sure, the total amount for the US Army can be a lot higher if combined with other enlistment bonuses, reaching $50,000.
For example, qualified Army reserve recruits may be eligible for up to $20,000 in bonuses.
There is also the Ranger Bonus of up to $20,000, which qualified soldiers can look forward to after completing certain ranger training and reporting to their first permanent duty station.
With the new pay package, salaries in the Russian military are so competitive…
