Army+ has introduced functionality to facilitate the return to duty after an absence without leave (AWOL)

The Army+ app has introduced a functionality allowing service members to notify their intention to return to duty after an absence without leave (AWOL). Upon returning to duty, these service members can transfer to another military unit that requires them, supported by a letter of recommendation.

“We understand the crucial importance of supporting and motivating every service member. This function was created to provide a clear and transparent pathway for reinstatement to duty,” stated Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

Filling out the report takes approximately 5 minutes. Using the prompts, a service member needs to enter the required information and can also attach a letter of recommendation for future use in changing their duty station. 

“We have established a straightforward, transparent, and swift process for returning to service after an unauthorized absence while assisting military unit commanders in acquiring motivated personnel. It is important to emphasize that, upon returning to duty, service members will have the opportunity to select and transfer to a unit interested in their capabilities. This can be done by simply submitting, within the application, a report to change the duty station,” said Kateryna Chernohorenko, Deputy Minister of Defence for Digital Development.

The Main Directorate of the Military Law-Enforcement Service (Military Police) is responsible for receiving and verifying the data included in the report. A service member is required to arrive at their chosen Military Police (MP) station within 24 hours. In a Military Police (MP) station, the necessary paperwork will be processed, an order will be issued, and secure transportation to one of the 17 designated military units will be arranged.

The commander of one of these military units has 72 hours to reinstate the service member's financial allowances and social benefits. After reinstatement from a reserve unit, service members will be eligible for transfer to another military unit based on a letter of recommendation. To initiate this, a report for a change of duty station must be submitted via the Army+ app.