MOSCOW, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Russian Strategic Rocket Forces (SRF) has completed "by 100 percent" the 2016 plan to recruite contract soldiers, the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday.

"In 2016 Strategic Rocket Forces took more than 2,000 people under the contract, and completed 100 percent plan. And 78 percent of them have higher or secondary professional education," the announcement said.

Contract soldiers in SRF serve as launchers' mechanic drivers, technicians, chiefs of estimations, platoon commanders and top sergeants of subunits. They also bear combat duty.

Over the last three years, the number of contract soldiers in SRF had increased twofold. Nowadays, more than 18,000 people serve under the contract, according to the press service.

Created on Dec. 17, 1959, the SRF is used to deter possible nuclear aggressions and its troops are constantly combat ready, the press service said.