Following the military draft, service members can now choose from more than 70 units
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has expanded its program for the voluntary return to service after unauthorized absence from a unit (SZCH). Now, service members can choose one of more than 70 units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, or the State Special Transport Service and immediately report to their new duty station under a simplified procedure.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced the expansion of the voluntary return-to-service program for service members who previously left their military units without authorization. From now on, they can choose one of more than 70 units within the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, or the State Special Transport Service.
The ministry notes that the program is designed to give service members more opportunities to return to duty and choose a unit where their experience will be most useful. “We have expanded the number of units to provide more opportunities: to serve in a desired field, choose a desired position and commander, and apply previous experience. Drivers, UAV operators, clerks, and riflemen—the military needs them all. More than 70 of the most effective units are ready to accept service members after their temporary discharge and give them a chance to return to combat under a streamlined system and with full support throughout the entire process,” said Deputy Minister of Defense Mstislav Banik.
The program launched in June of this year. It allows service members to independently choose a new military unit from an approved list, specify their desired area of service, and indicate their prior experience. After submitting an application, recruiters work with the candidate. They take into account the soldier’s military specialty, skills, prior experience, and the needs of the selected unit to determine where the individual will be most effective.
One of the program’s main advantages is a streamlined reassignment process. Once approved, a service member can report directly to the new unit, bypassing the Military Law Enforcement Service and reserve battalions. The list includes mechanized, assault, airborne, artillery, drone, and other units. Each of these units has open positions for service members with various specialties and levels of training.
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the number of openings in certain areas is limited. Therefore, those who have already decided on a unit and position are advised not to delay submitting their application. Another guarantee for program participants is that, for six months after enrollment, they cannot be transferred to another military unit without their written consent.
The program applies to service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Special Transport Service, provided that their status as a reservist was recorded on or before June 12, 2026. Reports can be submitted until September 20, 2026. This can be done via the “Army+” app, directly at the military unit (for service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Special Transport Service), or through the First or Second Armed Forces of Ukraine Recruitment Center.
A complete list of units participating in the program is available on the project’s official website and in the “Army+” app. There, you can also review the available service branches and submit the appropriate report. This information is provided by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
Here’s a reminder of the requirements for digitizing employment records.
The Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) has also explained what will happen to the non-digitized work history records of Ukrainians.
