The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is launching a large-scale experiment aimed at making life easier for military personnel and making personnel policy more transparent. With the help of the 'Army+' mobile application, a pilot project for digital processing of transfers between units is being launched. This is a step towards full automation of internal processes, which will allow soldiers to resolve personnel issues without bureaucratic red tape.

Pilot Launch and Limitations

According to RBC-Ukraine, citing Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, the new functionality is not yet available to everyone. In the first stage, the system will be tested exclusively within the 16th and 19th Army Corps. This will allow for debugging work algorithms and identifying possible technical or logistical errors before full implementation.

It is important to note that digital transfer processing is not available for all categories of military personnel. Only representatives of the enlisted and non-commissioned officer ranks can submit an electronic report. Officers, as well as those with SZCH status (likely a specific status regarding timely enrollment in units), cannot use this function yet.

How the New System Works

The entire transfer procedure has now been moved to the smartphone. A serviceman can submit a report, choose a desired unit, and track the status of the application review in real time. However, to maintain the combat readiness of units, the system has a number of limitations:

  • Transfers are possible only within the operational zone of one corps.
  • Monthly limits on the number of transfers apply.
  • Fixed deadlines for reviewing applications are established.

"Our task is to make this process understandable for the soldier while maintaining the combat readiness of units," emphasized Mykhailo Fedorov, explaining the logic behind introducing restrictions.

Deadlines and User Support

Beta testing of the new system will last until September 24. During this period, experts will evaluate the convenience of the interface, the speed of processing applications, and the impact of the innovation on the personnel composition. If the results are positive, the decision is planned to be scaled to all units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

For those who encounter difficulties using the application, support is provided. The 'Army+' service itself has a text help service, and the Ministry of Defense's free hotline is also operating on number 1519.

Context: New Contracts and Digitalization

The launch of the transfer function is part of the overall strategy of digitalization and optimization of contract service. Earlier in Ukraine, three new types of military contracts were introduced with clear terms of service and guaranteed deferment from mobilization after their completion. These conditions are available to both civilians and active military personnel.

The Ministry of Defense has already expanded the functionality of 'Army+', adding a service for online contract signing. Now, military personnel can not only submit a report for transfer but also choose the type of contract, desired position, and unit, and then control the document processing process remotely.