The Russian Armed Forces are setting up reinforced battalions within all of their Ground, Airborne and Naval Infantry permanent readiness regiments, starting from the upcoming summer training period that begins 1 June. These battalions will be charged with being able to leave for combat missions within 24 hours. Sources in the Defense Ministry told Interfax-Military News Agency on 30 May that the decision had been made by the General Staff. The battalions will be reinforced with tank, artillery, air defense missile, sapper, reconnaissance and other useful subunits. Establishment of these battalions does not imply plans to use them in the Chechnya campaign. - Adam Geibel