The Ministry of Defense introduces new rules for the submission and consideration of service members' reports.
The Ministry of Defense introduces new rules for the submission and consideration of service members' reports. The new Procedure for the Organization of Work with Service Members' Reports has been approved by Order No. 531 of August 6, 2024, which came into effect on the day of official publication (August 8).
The ministry noted that the changes aim to protect the rights of military personnel, establish clear deadlines for the consideration of appeals, and increase the responsibility of commanders.
The new rules define the concept of a report and its form (oral, written, and electronic), as well as establish a clear sequence and procedure for report approval by commanders.
Deputy Minister of Defense Natalia Kalmykova explained that previously there was no single act regulating the issue of reports, which led to problems with informing service members about the results of their reports' consideration, their tracking, and potential commander abuses. The new system sets clear deadlines, rules, and accountability for violations.
The new rules also introduce mandatory justification in case of report disapproval and clear deadlines for its consideration. Refusal to consider a report must be motivated, and disapproval by commanders does not prevent further consideration and decision-making.
According to the new rules, the consideration of a paper report by all direct commanders must be carried out immediately, but no later than 48 hours after its submission on issues concerning military discipline, the duties of personnel during the execution of combat orders, the preservation of the life and health of personnel, and leaves for family reasons. Reports on other issues are considered within 14 days from the date of submission.
The order also defines the consequences of violating executive discipline regarding the consideration of reports and abusing the rights to submit reports, guaranteeing the impossibility of being held accountable for the fact of submitting a report.
For reference: On August 8, the Ministry of Defense presented the Army+ app, through which service members can submit electronic reports. Army+ offers 11 types of reports, grouped into four categories: "Leave," "Assistance," "Referral," and "Issuance of Referral." Reports can be submitted in a few minutes, with hints to help fill them out correctly. Reports are sent for signing using a unique service member number - Army ID.
