MoD provides clarification on whether a Personnel Order is a basis for obtaining Combatant Status

A Personnel Order cannot serve as the basis for issuing a certificate entitling a service member to Combatant Status. 

This is because the involvement of personnel in activities essential to the defense of Ukraine, the protection of civilian security, and the safeguarding of national interests in response to the military aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine is not covered by Personnel Office orders.

To grant Combatant Status to a service member who directly participated in in activities essential to the defense of Ukraine, the protection of civilian security, and the safeguarding of national interests in response to the military aggression of the russian federation, the commander of the military unit or military command body is obliged to submit a relevant certificate for consideration by the commission within 30 calendar days from the date of the service member’s participation in combat (service) tasks. 

The certificate is issued based on at least one of the following documents:

• Combat report;
• Combat operations (operational tasks) log;
• Watch log;
• Flight log;
• Service record book;
• Order on involvement in relevant activities;
• Information confirming engagement in reconnaissance activities;
• Certificate of the circumstances of injury (wound, blast injury, or permanent disability).

Importantly, the “Deployment to areas of combat operations” section of the certificate must list the specific regions, districts, and settlements where the service member carried out assigned duties or combat missions. This is required to confirm whether the mentioned areas are part of military (combat) operation zones identified in the orders of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

At the same time, Personnel Orders — including those issued by commanders of military units or heads of military command bodies (including temporarily established ones) — cannot serve as a basis for issuing such a certificate. These types of orders regulate exclusively personnel and administrative matters, including:

• Enlistment/removal of service members on/from the unit’s roster;
• Extension of the term of military service or contract;
• Appointment, reassignment, or dismissal from positions;
• Granting or revocation of military rank;
• Tracking medical treatment time;
• Changes to personal data;
• Deployment for temporary duty assignment, leave, training, etc.