Kartapolov: in case of a "large-scale war", the mobilization reserve will have to be increased

"The reserve is intended for this, but everything will depend on the scale of [possible future] conflicts. We will not be able to completely manage with the mobilization reserve in the event of a large—scale war," Kartapolov said in an interview with RBC.Thus, the head of the committee assessed the possibility of increasing the number of reservists in the Russian Federation in the future.

On January 7, a member of the State Duma Defense Committee, Lieutenant General Andrey Gurulev, made a similar proposal. In his opinion, it is necessary to increase the mobilization reserve "in case of Polish intervention", as well as to deter NATO from interfering in the conflict in Ukraine.The mobilization human reserve of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation consists of citizens who are in reserve, but have signed a contract with a military unit to stay in reserve for a period of three, five years or until the age limit of stay.

During the term of the contract, reservists receive a monthly cash payment in the amount of 12% of salary by position and military rank, taking into account the district coefficient and the percentage allowance for continuous stay in the reserve. They continue to work in civilian positions, are required to undergo military training, and also go to military training camps once a year, during which they receive a full salary of a serviceman. The number of reservists in the Russian Federation is not disclosed.Not everyone can enroll in the mobilization reserve — there are a number of restrictions on age, health status, specialty, and so on.

Fathers with many children cannot enter there either, as they are not subject to military fees. Earlier, the State Duma proposed to abolish this restriction. The bill, prepared by a group of deputies, including Kartapolov and Gurulev, proposed to allow voluntary admission to the mobilization reserve of citizens with three or more children.