Russian Pilot Supply

[flyboyike]

As far as I know, Russia never hired pilots from the military to fly civilian a/c. If you wanted to become an airline pilot (Aeroflot), you had to go to the University of Civil Aviation and get your ratings in the course of 5 years.

You're correct in the context of the Soviet Union, but since the downfall thereof things have changed somewhat. Aeroflot's career page specifically states that military pilots are welcome to apply, however the same requirements apply to them as to civilians.