Contract 18-24: How candidates can undergo the MMC examination

In February, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine officially launched the ‘Contract 18-24’ project. This voluntary initiative is directed towards Ukrainians aged 18 to 24 who are willing to join the Defence Forces for a one-year term. The Ministry of Defence provides step-by-step guidance for candidates wishing to sign such a contract on undergoing a Military Medical Commission (MMC) examination to determine their fitness for service. Additionally, the Ministry outlines the procedures for officials on how to organize the process.

Step 1. Obtaining a referral. Candidates must obtain a referral, which can be issued in two formats: 

•  Electronically, via the Unified State Register of Conscripts and Individuals Liable for Military Service (Oberih register);
• In paper form.

To obtain an electronic referral through the Oberih register, the candidate must personally submit a request via the Reserve+ mobile app—the digital service for conscripts, reservists, and individuals subject to military service. 

When submitting the request, candidates may choose their preferred location for undergoing the MMC examination—whether at the place of their selected military unit, a recruitment center, or their place of military registration.

If the candidate meets the age criteria, the Oberih register automatically generates an electronic referral, which is sent to the candidate through the Reserve+ app. 

The referral must include the name and address of the selected MMC, the date of the medical examination, and a QR code containing the relevant details. 

The referral generated by the Oberih register can be presented to the MMC electronically via the Reserve+ app or, if preferred, printed and submitted in hard copy.

If candidates are unable or unwilling to use Reserve+, a paper referral can be issued.

This may be issued by the commander of the military unit or the head of the Armed Forces Recruiting Center where the candidate undergoes the interview, immediately following the interview. 

The paper referral specifies the name of the nearest MMC conducting examinations for candidates from the respective military unit, along with the examination date. 

The paper referral is handed to the candidate, who is then directed to attend the MMC examination on the specified date.

Step 2. Oversight of the organization and conduct of the MMC examinations is the responsibility of the commander of the military unit or the head of the recruiting center for candidates issued a paper referral, as well as for those who, when submitting an electronic request through Reserve+, selected an MMC at the location of the relevant military unit. 

To oversee the medical examination process for candidates, commanders of military units or heads of recruitment centers may coordinate with the heads of district (city) enlistment offices where the designated MMCs are located.

If candidates, via Reserve+, select an MMC corresponding to their place of military registration, responsibility for overseeing the medical examinations is entrusted to the head of the relevant district (city) enlistment office.

Step 3. Undergoing the MMC examinations

The official responsible for overseeing MMC examinations must coordinate with the administration of the healthcare institution housing the designated MMC to verify the availability of reserved time slots and ensure their priority allocation to candidates.

It is advisable that representatives of the relevant military unit and/or the enlistment office be present during the medical examinations to oversee the process and support candidates.

Step 4. Psychiatric examination

In addition to the MMC examination, candidates must obtain a certificate confirming completion of a psychiatric examination, including screening for psychoactive substance use.

The official overseeing the organization of medical examinations must designate a healthcare facility and confirm that the procedures for issuing the required certificates in the established format are available at no cost. 

If necessary, such healthcare facilities may be designated by the healthcare departments of local state administrations.