Russian military told to fix deficiencies

Random checks of the Russian armed forces revealed a number of systemic shortcomings, General Staff chief Valery Gerasimov said. Combat alert checks were carried out in the Central and South Military Districts, the Airborne Assault Forces and military transport aviation units, and insufficient response in processing orders via automated command systems was noted, Gerasimov said Friday in a teleconference. He singled out the Airborne Assault troops at the 201st Military Base in Tajikistan and criticized the level of cooperation between the 201st and local Tajik authorities, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported Friday. Gerasimov ordered military commanders at all levels to analyze their problems, draw up remedial plans and follow them, the news agency said.