The BTR is Russia's answer to an armored personnel carrier, but is much different than the U.S. M113. Russian infantrymen depend upon these vehicles and on helicopters for direct fire support and tactical movement. As in all armies, a hot meal is high on a Russian soldier's priority list. The meal comes in cans and usually contains meat and some form of starch. The Russian package also features rock-hard crackers and blocks of sugar.
Soldiers eat the meals for only three days straight.
Any longer exposure, some Russian commanders commented, may make the soldiers ill. Russian soldiers depend more upon natural resources than do Americans, gathering wood for fires to heat water instead of using bottled fuel. When a bathing facility is not available, they may use a nearby water source to clean themselves, regardless of the temperature. Russian soldiers have always helped harvest the country's crops, but like their U.S. counterparts, are now assuming a variety of newer roles in step with their nation's own military drawdown. Russian soldiers assist in construction, are used as an auxiliary police force and have recently accepted the role of peacekeepers.