Support for young people undergoing mandatory military service to be expanded

Today, youth-related issues are among the most important aspects of state policy in the country. Reforms focused on providing comprehensive support to help young people access modern education and careers, as well as ensuring their employment, are being implemented consistently.

In particular, at an expanded meeting of the Security Council held on January 13 this year, specific tasks were outlined to enhance the prestige of military service and help young people find a worthy place in society.

As a logical follow-up to these reforms, proposals were discussed today to create opportunities for vocational training and quality education for young people drafted for mandatory military service, as well as to encourage reading in the army.

In particular, starting with the 2026/2027 academic year, several benefits and guarantees will be introduced for conscripts.

Conscripts will now be able to apply to higher education institutions and pursue remote studies during their service. To support this, preparatory courses for applicants will be organized within military units in collaboration with educational institutions, and a system for preparing for university entrance exams will be put in place.

Soldiers who enroll in education programs on a contractual basis will be eligible for preferential interest-free loans. Most importantly, soldiers attending higher education institutions will be treated the same as students at military academies, and upon completing their studies, they will be promoted to the military rank of “reserve lieutenant”.

Additionally, a procedure will be introduced for the admission of soldiers to higher education institutions without entrance exams, for those who have demonstrated exemplary service, as well as for those who have achieved first place in national and international sports competitions and academic Olympiads.

Another benefit to be introduced is the organization of 3-6-month training courses for soldiers during their service based on the principle of “One soldier – one profession”, with the issuance of a state-recognized certificate.

For young people returning from mandatory military service who plan to work in the private sector, the costs of vocational training will be paid for by the State Employment Promotion Fund through a voucher system.

Those seeking employment in government agencies will receive a 10 percent bonus in the form of extra points on tests administered by the Agency for Governance Efficiency.

The measures to boost service members’ interest in reading and to support and encourage them in this area were also discussed at the meeting.

In particular, starting this year, a four-stage nationwide reading competition titled “Shield of Spirituality” will be held annually among servicemen of all categories of the Armed Forces.

The first stage of the competition will be held in military units and military educational institutions, the second – in military districts, formations, and units, and the third – in ministries and agencies within the Armed Forces. In the final national stage, winners of the qualifying rounds will compete.

Four winners of the final stage will receive the grand prize from the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces – a modern electric vehicle – along with diplomas. Service members who place in the top positions will also be awarded cash prizes and diplomas.

The Head of State approved the presented proposals and signed the relevant decisions. It was emphasized that the new measures should help form a personnel reserve with high levels of knowledge, qualifications, intellectual potential, and patriotism.

At the meeting, the defense minister also reported on the progress in implementing the assigned tasks to strengthen the country’s military security and improve the combat readiness of the troops.