What kind of leave can a serviceman expect?

What vacation can a servicemember expect?

The Law of Ukraine "On Social and Legal Protection of Military Servicemen" and the Regulations on Military Service govern the procedure for granting leave to servicemembers, determining who and in which cases has the right to receive such leave. Leave is an important part of the social protection of servicemembers, allowing them to restore their strength and resolve personal matters. However, during wartime, the rules for granting leave change, and opportunities for long-term leave are limited.

According to current legislation, during martial law, servicemembers can only receive short-term leave of up to 10 days. The reasons for granting such leave may include important personal or family circumstances, such as the death of a close relative, the birth of a child, marriage, or other significant events in the person’s life. These situations serve as the basis for receiving short-term leave, but the decision to grant it is made by the commanding officer.

What types of leave are available for servicemembers during wartime?

During periods of war and martial law, the opportunities for granting leave are limited. However, Ukrainian legislation provides for several types of leave, including:

• Short-term leave for family reasons: up to 10 days is granted based on confirmation of significant family events.
• Leave for child care: granted based on relevant documents confirming the birth of a child, usually for a short period.
• Leave for medical reasons: if the servicemember requires treatment, they may be granted leave based on medical documents.

How to submit a leave request?

To obtain leave, a servicemember must submit a request to the commander of their unit. This is the first and important step in the process of obtaining leave. The request should clearly state the reasons the servicemember needs the leave. Additionally, the request should be accompanied by relevant documents that confirm these reasons. For example, in the case of family circumstances, these may include a birth certificate, death certificate, or other documents that verify the importance of the event.

Specifically, the following documents should be attached to the request:

1. Documents confirming the circumstances: birth certificate, death certificate, or other legally significant documents.
2. Medical documents: in case of illness or injury — medical reports confirming the need for treatment.

How to increase your chances of getting leave?

To increase your chances of getting leave, it is important to follow all the requirements and procedures outlined by the law. First of all, make sure you have provided all necessary documents that confirm your situation. This will help the commander make a positive decision regarding your leave. Also, keep in mind that during martial law, the commander may deny leave due to the need to perform duties in difficult conditions.

How often can you take leave during service?

Usually, servicemembers are entitled to their main leave once a year, but this is not always possible due to the situation in the country, especially during martial law. Depending on the circumstances, there may be restrictions on the frequency of granting leave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can we help?

Legal consultation: our lawyers will provide qualified advice on leave arrangements and assist in collecting the necessary documents.

Legal support: we will help you properly draft the request and submit it to the relevant authorities for swift resolution of your issue.

Protection of your rights: our lawyers are ready to defend your rights in case of a denial of leave or disputes with the commander.