The Ministry of Defense has updated the procedure for passing the military qualification examination: what has changed for military and reservists
2 June 2025 13:57
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has approved amendments to the Regulation on Military Medical Examination in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The innovations have already entered into force and are aimed at making the process of medical assessment of persons liable for military service and military personnel more efficient, transparent and prompt. This was reported by
The key goals are to simplify document flow, speed up decision-making, and minimize the human factor in decision-making.
Simplification of document flow between commissions, TCCs and military units
One of the main changes is the digitalization of the document flow between the MMCs (military medical commissions), TCCs (territorial recruitment centers) and military units:
- If the decision of the MEC does not require approval by a higher authority (for example, on fitness for service), the documents are not printed but automatically transferred to the Oberig register . Only examination cards and supporting documents (except for decisions) are transferred to the MCC in paper form. The MEC prints and sends two copies of the decision to military units.
- If the decision requires approval (for example, the status of “unfit” or “temporarily unfit”), the documents are transmitted electronically through the MLC Cabinet, and the paper copies are sent to the higher commission the next day after the examination is completed. Previously, it could take up to 5 days.
What are the terms for verification of documents by the HQC?
The new rules establish a clear timeframe for document review:
- The HQC must verify the submitted documents no later than 5 days from the date of their receipt.
- If the verification is carried out by the regional or city commission and no errors are found, the decision on “unsuitability” is transferred to the regular commission the very next day after the verification.
- In cases where the decision is made by a regular HQC, the electronic document is immediately entered into the Oberig register, and paper copies of the protocol are stamped and submitted to the MCC (2 copies for persons liable for military service, 4 copies for servicemen).
The process of issuing decisions of the MEC to persons who have undergone a medical examination
If the commission’s decision does not require the approval of the regular MEC, a citizen can receive the document directly from the medical institution where he or she underwent a medical examination on the day of application. Previously, the commission’s decision was issued only at the TCC at the place of registration.
If approval is required, the TCC independently prints the document with the decision from the Oberig register, certifies it with a seal and issues it together with the protocol. Previously, the document was issued only after the Territorial Recruitment Center receives the minutes of the regular MEC meeting.
Previously
Law No. 3621-IX clearly defines the category of persons who are required to undergo a second medical examination:
- Age range: Men aged 25 to 60 years who were recognized as limitedly fit for military service before May 4, 2024.
- Exemptions: Persons with disabilities of any group are exempt from this requirement.
According to the law, all persons who have previously been recognized as “partially fit for service” must:
- undergo a medical re-examination;
- obtain a new status in accordance with the updated classification.
Importantly, the initiator of the VLC must be the person liable for military service, not the MCC. This means that there is no need to wait for a call-up – citizens must apply to the military registration and enlistment office or through the mobile application Reserve.
How to get a referral to the MTC?
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has simplified the procedure for obtaining a referral to the CMC by offering two main ways:
- Through the TCC and the JV: Persons liable for military service can apply to the nearest territorial recruitment center at their place of residence to receive a paper referral. This requires a passport, military registration documents and medical documentation (if available).
- Through the application “Reserve “: Since January 31, 2025, the application has had an electronic referral function for the MLC. Users can submit a request through the application, receive a notification with details and contact a designated healthcare facility without visiting the MCC. For the service to work correctly, you need to update the “Reserve” to version 1.6.1.
What statuses can be assigned by the MEC?
After the second VLC has taken place, men can be assigned one of the following statuses from the two categories “fit” and “unfit”.
- fit only for service in military support units, TCCs and JVs, higher military educational institutions, training centers, institutions (establishments), medical units, logistics, communications, operational support, and security units;
- fit,
- unfit for military service with exclusion from the military register;
- unfit for military service with re-examination (in 6-12 months);
- temporarily unfit (a person in need of treatment or treatment and leave, release from service).
These statuses are determined on the basis of an updated list of diseases approved by the Ministry of Defense in May 2024, which meets the current requirements of military service.
Consequences of failing to undergo a preliminary medical examination by June 5
The Ministry of Defense warns that ignoring the requirement to undergo a preliminary medical examination by June 5, 2025 will have serious consequences:
- Penalties: Violation of the rules of military registration is subject to administrative liability in the form of a fine of UAH 17,000 to 25,500 (Article 210 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Ukraine). In case of voluntary payment of the fine within a certain period, a 50% discount is possible.
- Forced delivery to the TCC: MCCs may contact the National Police, which has the right to detain violators and bring them to military registration and enlistment offices for the purpose of undergoing a military check-up.
- “Wanted” status: If a person liable for military service has received a call-up for the CMC and has not fulfilled it, the “wanted” status may appear in the “Reserve” application.
At the same time, if the call-up has not been received, no fines should be imposed, but lawyers advise not to take any risks and initiate a medical examination on your own.
Why is it important to meet the deadline?
The Ministry of Defense urges citizens not to postpone the VLC until the last days, as the queues at military registration and enlistment offices are only growing. Timely fulfillment of the requirements of the law allows:
- Avoid fines and sanctions: A timely medical examination will protect you from administrative liability.
- Save reservations: Persons with a deferment or reservation are also required to undergo a VLC, otherwise they may lose these privileges.
- Get a clear status: The new conclusion of the OPC will help determine whether a person can serve, and if so, in which units.
Tips for passing the military qualification commission
To simplify the process and avoid problems, follow these recommendations:
- Prepare your documents: Bring your passport, military ID card and medical documentation confirming previous diagnoses. This will help doctors assess your health condition faster.
- Make anappointment in advance: Many TCCs have an electronic queue that reduces waiting time.
- Use the “Reserve”: An electronic referral saves time and allows you to choose a convenient medical facility for your medical examination.
- Do not ignore thesummons: If you have received a summons, comply with its requirements to avoid the “wanted” status.
- Appeal against decisions: If you do not agree with the conclusion of the MLC, you can appeal it first to the regional MLC and then to the court within one month.