Ukraine Offers Troops Option to Rejoin from 70 Units

Ukraine allows AWOL troops to choose from 70 units for redeployment, hoping to boost ranks as the war continues.

Ukraine is giving its missing troops a bonus for rejoining the war: the chance to choose their new area of deployment, commander, and job.

Kyiv’s defense ministry announced on Friday that it would allow troops who are absent without leave, or AWOL, to select from over 70 units across its three ground branches if they choose to redeploy.

This announcement represents an expansion of a voluntary return program, which was launched in June, aiming to bring back tens of thousands of AWOL troops within 100 days. This initiative is crucial for Ukraine, which has faced challenges in maintaining its ranks over the years, leading to an exhausting cycle where its remaining, outnumbered forces become increasingly fatigued.

The program enables soldiers to pick a new military unit from a specified list, indicate their desired direction of service and prior experience, receive support from a contact center, and proceed immediately to their new unit. Troops must apply for their return by September 20, as stated by the ministry.

Social media has created a scenario where different Ukrainian commanders and units have established their own reputations regarding troop survival rates and welfare, which has made some units more desirable than others.

However, the announcement included a caveat: there is no guarantee that a soldier will secure their preferred unit or role. There are limited positions in specific areas, so those who have already chosen a unit should not delay in submitting their application.

Furthermore, the ministry has reassured soldiers that the new systems are designed with practicality in mind, aiming to ensure that troops do not fall through bureaucratic cracks.

“Drivers, UAV operators, clerks, shooters — the army needs everyone,” said Mstislav Banik, deputy minister of defense.

Previously, an AWOL soldier had to report to military law enforcement to officially register their absence, which could result in up to 10 years of imprisonment. After reporting, they would typically be sent to a reserve battalion before being redeployed. However, the newly designed structure allows troops to bypass this process directly to their chosen unit, where they will not be subjected to involuntary transfers for six months.

Instead of going through military police, AWOL troops can apply for their return via a website or Ukraine’s military mobile app, Army+, authorities confirmed.

In January, Fedorov stated that Ukraine had recorded over 200,000 AWOL cases since the war began. However, this number may be inflated due to an administrative loophole that permitted disgruntled troops to evade the red tape associated with transferring units.

Additionally, Ukraine recently increased troop salary ceilings substantially, allowing assault soldiers to potentially earn six figures yearly depending on their combat frequency.