Commander-in-Chief Eliminates Unnecessary Military Levels in the Process of Reinstating Service Members After AWOL

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has simplified the procedure for reinstating service members who left their military units without permission (AWOL).

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi has eliminated intermediate steps in the processing of documents, specifically the army corps, operational command, branches of the military, etc.

Documents for the assignment are now submitted directly from the military unit to the General Staff.

These steps are intended to expedite the assignment of service members to positions, make the transfer process more transparent, and eliminate opportunities for certain officials to manipulate the process and obstruct such transfers.

The newly introduced transfer mechanism does not change the conditions for returning to service after temporary discharge.

At the same time, the changes are intended to reduce the number of such cases, as the new mechanism offers a more flexible approach to transfers to the chosen military unit.

“Recommendation letters, which are now exclusively electronic, should not be used as a means of transferring from a combat brigade performing tasks on the active front line to a military unit with more comfortable service conditions,” the General Staff reported.

In addition, the General Staff is implementing measures to reduce paperwork in processing orders and directives related to the transfer of military personnel, to shorten the time required to make personnel decisions.

The Commander-in-Chief’s Position on Desertion

Oleksandr Syrskyi recently stated on ICTV that the solution to the desertion problem lies in creating proper conditions for servicemembers at all stages of service, rather than in harsher punishments.

According to him, conditions have already been created for the return of servicemen who previously left their units. They arrive daily at reserve battalions, from where they are assigned to their original or new units.

Syrskyi noted that the main cause of desertion is people’s natural fear for their own lives.

Therefore, the transition from civilian to military life must be as painless and comfortable as possible. This applies first and foremost to the work of territorial recruitment centers, where those mobilized should be treated humanely and without unnecessary formalities.

“You know that I am not a supporter of harsh measures. In my opinion, the law is already strict enough toward anyone who violates it. I see this process as creating conditions that minimize desertion at every stage of mobilization. Everyone wants to be treated humanely. Such a humane approach must be present at every stage. Then, I think, there will be significantly fewer problems,” Syrskyi shared.

According to the commander-in-chief, the command is also working to improve conditions at training centers. To enhance the safety of service members, infrastructure and living quarters are being moved underground. The duration of basic training has been increased to 51 days, and an additional 14-day adaptive training course has been introduced.