The Verkhovna Rada supported the bill that allows voluntary mobilization of men after 60 years of age
The Verkhovna Rada supported the draft law in the first reading № 13229, which provides for the possibility of voluntary mobilization of men over the age of 60. As explained people’s deputy from the faction “Servant of the People” Oleksandr Fedienko, it is not about combat units, but about rear and technical positions.
The document provides for the conclusion of a voluntary contract for a period of one year for citizens aged 60+. Such persons may join the Armed Forces of their own free will, if they are found fit for their health.
To conclude a contract, the consent of the unit commander is required, and for officers over 60 years of age, additional consent of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is required. The draft law provides for a two-month trial period. The contract can be prematurely terminated if the serviceman does not pass the test or is recognized as not meeting the service requirements.
The explanatory note emphasizes that such contractors can be effectively engaged in non-combat positions where the physical load is limited, but experience, professional knowledge, responsibility and discipline are critical.
“The availability of various types of technical knowledge (often unique) among older people is an extremely valuable resource in the conditions of large-scale combat operations, where not only physical skills are required, but also deep professional knowledge, practical experience of their application and managerial competences”, says the explanatory note.
Among the initiators of draft law No. 13229 are people’s deputies Roman Kostenko, Fedir Venislavskyi, Oleksandr Fedienko, Solomiya Bobrovska and other members of the Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence. Fedienko noted that he is regularly approached by military commanders who already have subordinates or men over 60 who are willing to join the army.
“We have those volunteers who are 60+, not for combat positions. We are not talking, of course, about assault units, but, for example, they can be signalmen, cooks, clerks, lawyers – those who want to be useful.” – explained the deputy.
However, according to him, the current legislation does not allow such citizens to be mobilized even if they voluntarily wish to do so.
“Parliament and the specialized committee are already studying this issue. A corresponding draft law is being developed. If the military medical commission recognizes such a citizen as fit for service, and he voluntarily signs a contract with the Armed Forces, then, in principle, there are no problems.” Fedienko emphasized.
