Last week, the Army+ app introduced a feature that allows military personnel in the Armed Forces of Ukraine to request a transfer to a different place of service. Over this period, more than 1,500 related reports were processed, with more than 500 fully approved.

“The volume of reports indicates that service members expected a smoother relocation process, free from lengthy approvals, bureaucracy, and unreasonable rejections. The number of approved requests, in turn, demonstrates that the feature is functioning effectively. “The transformation driven by digital technologies is shaping our military into a future-oriented army, where all services are efficient, transparent, and agile,” said Kateryna Chernohorenko, Deputy Minister of Defence for Digitalization. 

The procedure for requesting a service place change via Army+ is simple and straightforward. For this purpose, it is necessary to submit a report, along with a military ID card or officer's ID card, and a letter of recommendation from the unit the service member wishes to relocate to. In some instances, a conclusion from a military medical commission may be required, for example, when a service member seeks to transfer from a combat unit to a rear unit. The report is then forwarded to the Personnel Center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. If there are no grounds for refusal, an order is prepared and subsequently signed by either the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine or the Chief of the General Staff. 

“Another distinctive aspect is the possibility of changing one's place of service without needing approval from one's commander. Such approval is required only in certain cases and will be handled by the Personnel Center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, not by the service member. We are doing our best to free up as much time as possible for people to engage in effective service,” added Kateryna Chernohorenko. 

The new algorithm for changing the place of service is not only simple but also transparent. In the event of a refusal, the service member will be provided with an explanation of the reasons. Currently, the most common reasons for refusal are as follows:

• The report is submitted by military personnel who do not serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine; 

• Lack of a military medical commission's conclusion for transfer from a combat unit to a rear unit;

• Missing copies of some pages of the military document that include service history records.