How Service Members Can Apply for Leave and What to Do if It Is Denied
In July of last year, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law initiated by the President of Ukraine expanding the leave entitlements of service members. All combat veterans were granted the right to an additional 14 days of leave at the discretion of their commander. The law also guarantees service members the right to 15 mandatory days of annual leave. A service member may choose not to use these 15 days only at their own discretion.
A commander may limit the granting of certain types of leave due to personnel shortages, as the law permits no more than 30 percent of a unit's personnel to be absent at the same time. However, the commander is required to grant the mandatory 15 days of annual basic leave regardless of the unit's staffing level.
- the type of leave requested;
- the requested period of leave;
- the address where you will stay during your leave;
- your contact telephone number;
- supporting documents, where applicable (for leave due to family circumstances or health reasons), such as a marriage certificate or the conclusion of a Military Medical Commission.
After the commander issues the leave order, obtain your leave pass. Upon arrival at your leave destination and before returning to your military unit, be sure to obtain the required registration marks from the local Territorial Centre of Recruitment and Social Support, if required under the applicable registration procedure.
- If your immediate commander delays consideration of your report or refuses to consider it, you may submit your report to the brigade commander through the personnel administration office.
- If your military unit violates your right to the mandatory 15 days of annual leave, you may submit a complaint to the Office of the Military Ombudsman.