KHABAROVSK (Sputnik) – The course includes being "rolled over" by a tank, where a soldier lies between the tracks, allowing it to drive over him, then throws a grenade at the tank's rear.
"Over 8,500 contract troops will hold intensive training courses with elements of survival," Gordeev told reporters.
The first 500 people have started the course so far, he added.
"The military training program, despite the Far East cold, remained essentially unchanged," Gordeev noted.
In addition to being "rolled over," he said the troops would take part in basic training, go through an obstacle course and perform a 6-mile battle march. Skii training is included in field days.
A total of 19 course sessions are scheduled to be held in military units across Zabaikalsky and Khabarovsk Territories.
Around 10,500 contract troops passed the course last year.
