Russia Debates Changes to Medical Fitness Rules for Military Service
The Russian Ministry of Defense has submitted a proposal to amend the regulations governing the health status of citizens eligible for military service. The draft plan focuses on adjusting the framework for military medical examinations and was published on the federal portal for regulatory drafts. The department argues that updating these provisions will better reflect current demands and operational experiences, including those arising from the ongoing security environment. portal of regulatory drafts.
The ministry’s proposal centers on reorganizing the medical examination process for Russians who suffer from medical conditions that do not significantly impair the ability to fulfill the duties associated with military service. The revision takes into account insights gained from recent military operations and aims to provide a more accurate assessment of fitness for service. portal of regulatory drafts.
Officials say the plan is designed to address the health needs of individuals who are drafted for military service or for military training under contract with the Defense Ministry. It also covers Russians entering military professional organizations or military universities, as well as citizens entering the mobilization manpower reserve. This broader scope reflects an effort to align medical evaluation with today’s organizational and educational pathways into the armed forces. portal of regulatory drafts.
On December 3, Viktor Sobolev, a member of the State Duma Defense Committee, remarked that the country faces a challenging political and security situation. He noted that discussions about extending service duration have been ongoing for some time, driven by strategic considerations and the need to bolster national defense. portal of regulatory drafts.
According to Sobolev’s calculations, recruits would undergo six months of service in training units followed by an additional eighteen months in active troops. He argued that this structure would yield a stronger, more capable army able to respond decisively to potential threats. portal of regulatory drafts.
The Defense Ministry has previously stated that mobilization measures are not currently foreseen under the proposed changes. portal of regulatory drafts.