Nikolay Pankov, PhD (Law), State Secretary, Deputy Minister of Defence since September, 2005.

A native of Marino, Kostroma Region, Nikolay Pankov was born on 2 December, 1954. He joined the then Soviet Armed Forces under his military obligations for a term of two years in 1976 with the North-West Frontier Guard.

Later in 1980, he graduated from the KGB Higher School, where he stayed to continue his service. After completing his postgraduate course which earned him a degree of Candidate of Science (PhD) he began working as a teacher and a scientist. In 1994, he was entitled Academic Secretary at FSB Academy.

From 1997 to 1998, Mr. Pankov served as Chief of Federal Frontier Guard Organizational Directorate. From 1998 to 2001, he headed the Russian Security Council Secretariat.

In April, 2001, Nikolay Pankov was appointed Chief of MOD Organizational Directorate.

As per the President's Decree as of July 12, 2001, Mr. Pankov became Chief of the General Personnel Directorate and, later, Deputy Minister of Defence for Personnel following Decree 539 as of June 3, 2002.

Nikolay Pankov was delegated the powers and responsibilities of Chief of MOD Personnel and Morale Service on October 18, 2004.

He assumed the duties as State Secretary, Deputy Minister of Defence in September, 2005.