Military Commissar of the Vitebsk region Ruslan Shkodin spoke about the attractiveness of contract military service
Instead of urgent service
– The reason for the popularity of military service under contract is obvious. It is a high social status, a solid social package, and the prospect of a successful career, – noted Ruslan Nikolaevich. – Now, military service under contract can be performed instead of urgent service. These changes were made to the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Military Duty and Military Service" in 2014. Such a practice is also common in our neighboring countries – the Russian Federation and Ukraine. However, the minimum term for the first contract is set at two years.
Citizens with higher education also have these preferences. In addition, graduates of educational institutions have the opportunity for redistribution. There is also a legislative norm according to which a citizen is exempted from reimbursing the funds spent on his training from the republican (local) budget in case of concluding a contract for military service. This also applies to persons who have undergone targeted training. The agreement on such training is re-concluded in the manner determined by the Ministry of Defense.
Decent earnings
– The monthly salary of a serviceman is called monetary allowance, which consists of several components, – said Ruslan Shkodin. – For distinction in service, a contract soldier can receive an additional bonus. There are a number of other payments – field money, a one-time allowance for health improvement, material assistance, the amount of which will be determined based on real needs.
Servicemen have a one-time monetary reward when extending the contract for a new term. For those who have concluded obligations for a period of three to five years – it is 10 base salaries, for five years or more – 35 base salaries.
Social guarantees
– The Ministry of Defense of our country and military units care about the comfort of their servicemen. Great attention is paid to providing contract soldiers with housing, – added Ruslan Nikolaevich. – They are provided with well-equipped dormitories in formations and military units. If a person rents an apartment, they are entitled to monetary compensation. Its size is differentiated: it depends on the status of the settlement. Upon reaching five or more years of service, those in need of housing have the right to a preferential loan for the construction of an apartment or house.
The health of a serviceman is under special control. Everyone is subject to mandatory state life and health insurance. Medical services operate in formations and military units, which include modern medical stations and infirmaries. And for those who need medical rehabilitation, the Lepel Military Sanatorium of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus is ready to open its doors in the Vitebsk region.
A contract soldier with at least 20 years of service can retire upon reaching the age limit for military service. From January 1, 2022, it will be 48 years.
Who is accepted?
Selection and recruitment for contract military service in the Armed Forces are carried out in the manner determined by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus.
– Any citizen can choose this path if they meet the requirements, – noted Ruslan Shkodin. – The candidate must undergo a medical examination and professional-psychological selection measures. Physical fitness is important. An additional plus is a positive recommendation from public organizations, heads of enterprises and institutions, and educational institutions.
For the first time, military service under contract is available to individuals up to 35 years of age for positions of soldiers, sergeants, and petty officers. Those previously discharged from military service can enlist up to 40 years of age. In exceptional cases, older candidates may be accepted for military service by decision of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Belarus. The most popular positions among contract soldiers are junior commanders and positions in combat units. Women are attracted to positions in communications, medical specialties, and staff roles.
The most common reason for refusal to accept individuals for military service under contract is the absence of vacant military positions in the Armed Forces corresponding to the citizen's training profile or acquired military registration specialty. Furthermore, a contract cannot be concluded with citizens who are undergoing criminal prosecution, have served sentences of imprisonment in correctional facilities by court verdict, or have a criminal record.
Success is Guaranteed
– By entering military service under contract, citizens choose stability, broad opportunities for self-realization, a decent standard of living, and the high social status of a defender of the Fatherland, – Ruslan Nikolaevich concluded. – This is an opportunity for career building, promotion, appointment to higher positions, and improvement of education level.
There is a misconception that people without education join the service under contract. This is not true. Our army's arsenal includes modern complex weapon and equipment systems that require deep knowledge and skills. Without highly educated specialists, they will be useless.
All those interested in service in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus should contact the personnel department of the nearest military unit or the nearest military commissariat. We are always glad to see you in our ranks.