The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has made significant changes to the rules for concluding contracts with military personnel. As part of a large-scale transformation of the defense forces, the department has expanded the list of positions for which appointments can now be made under infantry-storming contracts.

Expansion of the list of positions

The Ministry of Defense emphasized that the updated list of staff positions for the officer corps concerns combat military units participating in the experimental project. The key change was the inclusion of commanders of unmanned systems units and commanders of mortar units in the list. Previously, these positions were not included in the list, which limited the ability to attract specialists under new conditions.

Who the new rules cover

According to the official order, the updated lists of positions apply to the enlisted, non-commissioned, senior non-commissioned, and officer ranks. They will apply exclusively to the following units:

  • Battalions (detachments);
  • Companies, including mortar and artillery batteries;
  • Squads, teams, and groups.

It is important to note that these units must be part of the main structures of brigades, regiments, separate centers, as well as independent battalions, companies, and squads.

Exceptions and context

The effect of the new lists does not extend to artillery and self-propelled artillery battalions. This distinction highlights the specific nature of the reform, aimed at strengthening precisely the infantry-storming component of the army.

All changes are being implemented within the framework of the overall strategy for the transformation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Previously, the department discussed the possibility of replacing existing contracts with new ones, as well as launching the "Reserve+" initiative to attract volunteers. Against the backdrop of these events, the Minister of Defense Alexey Reznikov (Fedorov) admitted the presence of errors in his work, indicating an active process of reviewing approaches to army management and staffing.