Over the past month, more than 1,700 military personnel have contacted the State Bureau of Investigation regarding their return from combat duty
The State Bureau of Investigations has announced the launch of an updated mechanism for the reinstatement of service members who left their units without authorization. In the first month of the simplified procedure, more than 1,700 service members and their representatives contacted the agency.
A statement posted by the Bureau on its website on Thursday notes that for military personnel in the Special Forces who are ready to return to duty, a special internal mechanism was introduced at the SBI in May of this year, allowing investigators to promptly carry out the full range of procedural actions to prepare for the closure of criminal proceedings under Article 407 of the Criminal Code (unauthorized absence from a unit or place of service) and Article 408 (desertion).
“This procedure allows military personnel who, under pressure of circumstances, went AWOL to quickly complete all organizational steps and return to their comrades as quickly as possible,” the statement reads.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) notes that in just one month of this algorithm’s operation, over 1,700 requests were received from military personnel and their representatives.
“Most of the requests were received via the hotline, by mail, or through the relevant form on the SBI website. All requests received by the Bureau are already at various stages of processing,” the agency clarifies.
“Some fear accountability, some don’t know where to start, and some are convinced that upon their return, only punishment and endless bureaucracy await them. In reality, this is not the case. If you are ready to return to service, the state gives you this opportunity,” the SBI explains.
In other words, as the Bureau notes, the investigators’ task in this process is not to create additional problems, but to help you navigate the legally prescribed procedure, sort out the paperwork, and return to service as quickly as possible.
“If you are on medical leave and want to return to service, contact the DBR. They will explain the procedure, provide the necessary advice, and help you complete all the procedures required by law,” the agency urges.
The announcement lists the phone numbers and email addresses of the SBI’s regional offices, which military personnel on administrative leave or their representatives can contact. Requests can also be sent to [email protected]. The SBI website provides this information.
As a reminder, military personnel may return to their desired unit after the Special Military Operation only under certain conditions.
