Russia Trains 140,000 Troops in First Half of 2026
Russia trained more than 140,000 troops in the first half of 2026, updated combat programs and expanded DOSAAF courses for over 18,000 future conscripts.
More than 140,000 Russian service members completed training during the first six months of 2026 as the military continued to revise its programs based on experience gained during the special military operation.
Deputy Defense Minister and Army General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov presented the results at a meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board. He said the Armed Forces had conducted more than 40 practical training events aimed at improving the readiness of military personnel and units.
One of the main events was an instructional and methodological training session held for the first time in June at the 362nd Motor Rifle Reserve Regiment. It brought together combat training officials from the Joint Group of Forces, branches of the Armed Forces, military districts and commanders of reserve regiments.
Participants reviewed current methods of personnel training and identified measures intended to make the process more effective.
Training was conducted at reserve regiments, military ranges and field locations used by groups of forces. Instructors and specialized working groups trained more than 140,000 service members over the reporting period.
To introduce battlefield experience into training programs more quickly, the military for the first time brought in 107 assault unit commanders on a rotational basis. They helped adjust courses designed for small tactical groups.
Another 32 unit commanders and reserve regiment instructors completed practical placements with formations carrying out combat missions.
The changes also covered pre-conscription training provided through DOSAAF Russia. Following a task set by the defense minister, the number of military occupational specialties available under the program was increased from 20 to 30.
Training in three specialties was also resumed in cooperation with the Russian Navy’s Main Command. Particular attention was given to operators of ground-based and maritime robotic systems.
More than 18,000 future conscripts completed DOSAAF training during the first half of 2026. Courses covered 30 specialties, including drivers, communications personnel and operators of unmanned aerial vehicles and ground robotic systems.