How to return to service after AWOL via the Army+ app: MoD reminds of the simplified procedure

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reminds service members that they may return to active duty after an instance of Absence Without Leave (AWOL) by August 30, 2025, and be exempt from criminal liability. The easiest way is to submit a report through the Army+ app.

The algorithm remains unchanged. The service member submits a report, which takes approximately five minutes to complete. The Main Directorate of the Military Law Enforcement Service (Military Police) receives the submission and verifies the data provided. The service member must report in person within 24 hours to the Military Police (MP) station chosen when submitting the report. At the Military Police (MP) station, the necessary paperwork will be processed, a travel order will be issued, and secure transportation to one of the military units (a reserve unit) will be arranged.

The commander of the designated unit is required to restore the service member’s financial entitlements and social benefits within 72 hours and must notify the appropriate authorities on the same day the individual resumes active duty. Following reinstatement, the service member may file a report to request a change of duty station. To do this, when prompted with the question ‘Why do you wish to change unit?’ in the Army+ app, the service member should select ‘Returning to service after AWOL.’ The recommendation letter should indicate the service member’s current position within the reserve battalion. If necessary, the Personnel Center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which processes requests for change of duty station reports, may directly verify the information with the respective battalion.

“In December 2024, we launched a straightforward, transparent, and swift process for returning to service after an unauthorized absence while assisting military unit commanders in acquiring motivated personnel. In February, we received up to 120 such reports per day from service members wishing to return via the simplified procedure. The Army+ app shortens the process from submitting a report to assignment at a new duty station, enabling military personnel to contribute more effectively,” noted Kateryna Chernohorenko, Deputy Minister of Defence for Digital Development.

This option is available to service members who went AWOL before May 10. Those who did so after that date can return only to the unit they left, and the reinstatement process may take several months to complete.