---
title: "Digital breakthrough in the army: how to simplify returning to service after unauthorized absence"
description: "The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has simplified the procedure for returning to service for military personnel who left their unit without authorization. Now, all stages of the process can be completed remotely via the \"Army+\" app, allowing soldiers to independently choose a new military unit. 📱🇺🇦"
date: 2026-07-30T17:38:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/digital-breakthrough-in-the-army-simplify-returning-to-service-after-awol
tags: [ukraine, military, army-plus, defense-ministry]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Digital breakthrough in the army: how to simplify returning to service after unauthorized absence

![Soldiers firing a heavy machine gun mounted on a pickup truck, highlighting digital changes in the military](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/30/uproschenie-protsedury-vozvrashcheniya-na-sluzhbu-cherez-armiya/uproschenie-protsedury-vozvrashcheniya-na-sluzhbu-cherez-armiya-1.webp)

Significant changes have occurred in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine regarding the procedure for returning to service for military personnel who previously left their units without permission. The authorities have decided to simplify bureaucratic barriers and move the process into the digital sphere, making it as transparent and accessible as possible.

### New procedure via the "Army+" app

The main innovation is the elimination of the need to personally visit reserve battalions or Military Law Enforcement Service (MLES) offices. Now, the entire process of returning to service can be completed remotely using the official "Army+" mobile application.

According to information published by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the new mechanism applies to military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Special Transport Service. The simplified procedure applies to those whose unauthorized absence from the unit (AWOL) was recorded before June 12, 2026.

### Step-by-step instructions for return

The process is initiated automatically: a notification about the recorded absence from service will appear in the user's Army ID section. After this, the algorithm of actions is as follows:

- Open the "Army+" app and go to the "Services" section.

- Select the "Reports" tab and create a request titled "Return to service after AWOL".

- Independently select a military unit from the available list within your structure.

- Specify the desired direction of service and provide information about your combat experience.

- Sign the report electronically.

### Deadlines and transfer status

After submitting the application, representatives of the selected military unit will contact the serviceman to coordinate further steps. Once the transfer is confirmed, the status "In transit" will appear in the app. From this moment, the soldier has five days to arrive at the new place of service.

It is important to note the timeframe for this program: an electronic report under the simplified procedure can be submitted until September 20, 2026.

### Support and additional features

The Ministry of Defense has prepared infrastructure to support military personnel in this process. A hotline has been created for inquiries, and a detailed instruction along with answers to frequently asked questions has been published on the official portal.

Previously, the return procedure was significantly more complex and required passing through additional stages via intermediary structures. The new mechanism not only saves time but also gives the serviceman the right to independently choose a unit for further service. Furthermore, upon reinstatement, financial support is automatically resumed.