MOSCOW — Kremlin officials say that former U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Spenser Rapone has been approved for a lateral commission into the Russian Ground Forces, sources confirmed today.

"We're aware that most lieutenants around the world have difficulty finding their way," said Gen. Igor Bruschnev. "But we're glad Rapone has found his way over to the right army."

The West Pointer made headlines last year after images surfaced revealing hidden messages and apparel that displayed his support for communism. But not long after Rapone's other-than-honorable discharge, rumors began to swirl that he had submitted a transfer packet through U.S. Army Human Resources Command requesting to join the 'Soviet' military, despite the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.