Sergei Ivanov, who is also deputy prime minister, said a complete transfer was "impossible for financial and military reasons."
Russia will first man its high-alert units with contract troops, with about 85,000 soldiers and sergeants to turn professional in 2006. A total 145,000 troops will be switched to contract service within four years, including 132,000 in the army and all remaining personnel in the border guard service and interior troops, according to the minister.
He said only contract servicemen will command recruits by 2011, a move aimed at eliminating hazing, which has become a high-profile issue in the Armed Forces recently.
Private Andrei Sychyov had to have both of his legs and genitals amputated after being beaten and tortured by senior fellow soldiers and sergeants during the New Year's Eve holidays in the Ural city of Chelyabinsk, 1,180 miles east of Moscow. The case caused an outcry across the country.
"Sergeants with five grades of education will no longer be in command of soldiers," Sergei Ivanov said.
The Russian army has been beset by problems since the collapse of the Soviet Union, including low pay for officers, outdated armaments and hazing among soldiers. The reform of the army is designed to increase salaries for officers, raise the combat efficiency of troops and provide the army with modern hardware.
