The reform is aimed at optimising the Armed Forces management mechanisms in addressing defence tasks in the Russian regions and is implemented in two phases.
On September 1, 2010 the Western Military District is established by unifying the existing Leningrad and Moscow Military Districts.
The North Caucasus Military District, the Volga-Urals Military District, the Siberian Military District and the Far Eastern Military District will all be preserved.
On December 1, 2010 a new military administrative division of the Russian Federation will fully enter into force, which in addition to the already established Western Military District will introduce three new military districts.
The Northern Caucasus Military District will be transformed into the Southern Military District.
The Volga-Urals Military District will be transformed into the Central Military District.
The Siberian Military District and the Far Eastern Military District will be transformed into the Eastern Military District.