Russian Army generals too fat for new uniform

[willie777]

Russian Army generals too fat for new uniform

Apr 9, 2008

MOSCOW (AFP) — Russian generals will soon have a stylish new uniform designed by a top fashion designer but the question is -- will they fit?

More than 30 percent of the army's elite officers are overweight and 25 percent failed a fitness test, army spokesman Vyacheslav Sedov told AFP on Wednesday.

The army will now launch a fitness drive as it prepares to move over to a stylish uniform designed by top fashion designer Valentin Yudashkin.

"The new military uniform should match what is inside it," said Sedov.

The army will build gyms, swimming pools and sports halls to get the podgy and under exercised officers back in form, said Sedov.

The fitness tests were organised by Vladimir Shamanov, an officer alleged to have overseen widespread human rights abuses while helping to lead Russia's crushing of Chechen rebels.

Officers were tested on their running, swimming and shooting skills.

Shamanov said that the unfit officers need more physical exercises, particularly aerobic exercises, daily newspaper Kommersant reported.

The army will also launch a campaign "to cultivate the culture of sport in the armed forces," said Sedov.

Source: AFP: Russian Army generals too fat for new uniform