Evolving Russian Military Doctrine: Force Structure and Capabilities of the Armed Forces

Military doctrine governs the direction of the armed forces in Russia. The draft doctrine emphasizes the need for adequate defense of the Russian borders. As the active duty force shrinks, force structure changes will occur. The changing geostrategic landscape and the political and economic problems within Russia has brought about the withdrawal of all forward deployed forces. This is a goal of the defensive doctrine. If internal order can be maintained, there is a chance the Russian military will survive into the next century as a smaller force, conducting limited operations.