Contract Service After Category В: Military Commissariat Guide

Individuals previously classified as category “В” (limited fitness) due to a medical exemption can volunteer for military service by undergoing re-examination through a military-medical commission (ВВК) and submitting a formal request to their local military commissariat (военкомат). The process involves demonstrating that their health condition has improved sufficiently to meet contract service requirements under “Графа III Расписания болезней” rather than the conscription standard of “Графа II.”

Contents

• Understanding Military Service Categories
• Re-examination Process for Category “В”
• Contract Service Requirements
• Step-by-Step Procedure for Volunteering
• Documentation and Medical Evaluation
• Potential Challenges and Considerations
• Legal Framework and Official Sources

Understanding Military Service Categories

The Russian military service classification system uses five main categories to determine an individual’s fitness for service. These categories are assigned during military-medical commission examinations and are recorded in the military ID (военный билет).

Category “А” (fully fit) allows service in all positions without restrictions. Category “Б” (fit with minor limitations) permits service in most roles with certain restrictions. Category “В” (limited fitness) exempts individuals from conscription but potentially allows them to serve under contract in specific circumstances. Category “Г” (temporarily unfit) grants deferment, while category “Д” (permanently unfit) completely exempts from military service.

For individuals with psychiatric evaluations that previously resulted in category “В”, the key distinction is between conscription standards and contract service standards. According to the official regulations, contract service uses different evaluation criteria than conscription.

Re-examination Process for Category “В”

The primary mechanism for changing a military service category is through formal re-examination (переосвидетельствование). This process allows individuals who were previously classified as category “В” to demonstrate improved health conditions and potentially qualify for higher service categories.

Submitting a Re-examination Request

The first step involves submitting a written statement to the military commissariat where you are registered. According to guidance from Oruzheinoe Pravo, this statement should clearly request re-examination of your military service category. The document typically includes your personal information, military registration details, and a specific request to be re-evaluated for service suitability.

Military-Medical Commission Evaluation

Once your request is received, the military-medical commission (ВВК) will schedule a comprehensive examination. This process involves multiple medical specialists, including psychiatrists, who will reassess your condition. The Consultant legal documentation specifies that for contract service, the commission must evaluate whether you meet the requirements outlined in “Графа III Расписания болезней.”

Evidence of Improved Condition

During re-examination, it’s crucial to provide comprehensive documentation demonstrating improvement in your condition. This may include:

• Medical records from ongoing treatment
• Reports from civilian psychiatrists or psychologists
• Documentation of successful completion of therapy programs
• Character references demonstrating stability

The burden of proof rests with the individual to demonstrate that their condition no longer disqualifies them from service under the applicable standards.

Contract Service Requirements

Contract military service (служба по контракту) has different medical standards than conscription, which creates opportunities for individuals with category “В” classifications.

Distinction Between Conscription and Contract Standards

As outlined in the official regulations, there are two different sets of standards:

1. For conscription (Графа II): More restrictive standards that typically result in category “В” for various conditions, including certain psychiatric evaluations.

2. For contract service (Графа III): Less restrictive standards that may allow service with conditions that would disqualify someone from conscription.

This distinction is crucial because it means that even if you were deemed unfit for conscription, you might still qualify for contract service under the more lenient contract standards.

Psychological Evaluation for Contract Service

Contract service requires a thorough psychological assessment. The evaluation focuses on whether an individual can handle the stresses of military life, maintain discipline, and perform required duties. Unlike the psychiatric evaluations for conscription, which often err on the side of caution, contract evaluations are more nuanced.

According to the Consultant documentation, contract service psychological evaluations consider:

• Current mental state stability
• Ability to function under stress
• History of treatment compliance
• Support systems in place
• Long-term prognosis

Specific Requirements for Psychiatric Conditions

For individuals with psychiatric histories, the military requires documentation showing:

• Current symptom remission or significant improvement
• Stable treatment regimen
• Period without hospitalization or crisis
• Ability to maintain regular duties
• Positive evaluations from treating professionals

The RBC article explains that “Расписание болезней” (Schedule of Diseases) contains specific criteria for different psychiatric conditions under both conscription and contract service standards.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Volunteering

The process of volunteering for military service after a medical exemption follows a specific sequence of actions that must be completed in order.

Step 1: Consultation with Military Commissariat

Begin by visiting your local military commissariat (военкомат) to discuss your situation. Bring your military ID and any relevant medical documentation. The Voenkomat Pom resource emphasizes that military commissariats are the primary point of contact for all matters related to military service eligibility.

During this consultation, you should:

• Explain your desire to serve on contract
• Discuss your previous medical classification
• Inquire about the specific requirements for your situation
• Obtain information about the re-examination process

Step 2: Prepare and Submit Re-examination Request

Draft a formal statement requesting re-examination for contract service suitability. The statement should include:

• Your full name and date of birth
• Military registration number (if applicable)
• Current military service category
• Specific request for re-evaluation under contract service standards
• Contact information

Submit this document to the military commissariat where you are registered. Keep a copy for your records.

Step 3: Complete Medical Examination

Once your request is approved, you’ll be scheduled for a comprehensive medical examination at the military-medical commission. This typically involves:

• General physical examination
• Psychological evaluation
• Laboratory tests
• Specialized examinations as needed based on your history
• Review of all submitted medical documentation

The Voenkomat Pom resource notes that the commission consists of specialists from various medical fields who collectively determine your fitness.

Step 4: Receive New Classification

After completing the examination, the military-medical commission will issue a formal determination of your service category. If you qualify for contract service, you’ll receive an updated classification that reflects your eligibility for voluntary enlistment.

Step 5: Apply for Contract Service

With an updated classification showing eligibility for contract service (typically category “Б” or potentially “А”), you can then formally apply for contract military service. This involves:

• Completing application forms
• Undergoing additional screening as required
• Meeting educational and other eligibility criteria
• Signing a contract for a specified term of service

Documentation and Medical Evaluation

Proper documentation is essential when seeking to change your military service classification and volunteer for service.

Essential Documents

When applying for re-examination and contract service, you’ll typically need:

1. Military ID (военный билет): Showing your current classification
2. Passport: For identity verification
3. Medical records: Comprehensive documentation of your condition and treatment
4. Psychiatric evaluation reports: From qualified specialists
5. Treatment history: Including medications, therapy sessions, and outcomes
6. Character references: From employers, educators, or community leaders
7. Educational certificates: Required for certain contract positions

Medical Examination Process

The medical examination during re-evaluation is thorough and may include:

• Physical examination: To assess overall health and fitness
• Psychological testing: Standardized assessments to evaluate mental state
• Laboratory tests: Blood work, urinalysis, and other diagnostics as needed
• Specialist consultations: With psychiatrists, neurologists, or other relevant specialists
• Functional assessment: Evaluations of how your condition affects daily activities

The Povestok resource explains that the commission will carefully review your complete medical history to determine if there has been genuine improvement that would allow safe military service.

Third-Party Medical Opinions

In some cases, obtaining independent medical evaluations can strengthen your case:

• Civilian psychiatric evaluations confirming stability
• Expert opinions from specialists in relevant fields
• Documentation of successful rehabilitation programs
• Testimonials from treating professionals

These third-party opinions can provide additional credibility to your claim that your condition has improved sufficiently for military service.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

While it is possible to volunteer for military service after a medical exemption, several challenges and considerations should be kept in mind.

Burden of Proof

The primary challenge is the burden of proof required to change your classification. Unlike initial classifications where the military err on the side of caution, re-examinations require clear, convincing evidence of improvement. The Consultant legal documentation emphasizes that contract service standards, while less restrictive, still require candidates to meet specific fitness criteria.

Time and Resource Commitment

The re-examination process can be time-consuming and may require multiple appointments and examinations. Additionally, thorough medical documentation and expert opinions may involve significant costs and time commitments.

Potential for Rejection

Even with substantial evidence of improvement, there is no guarantee that the military-medical commission will upgrade your classification. The T-J resource notes that rejections can occur if the commission determines that your condition still poses a risk to military service or unit cohesion.

Mental Health Stigma

Individuals with psychiatric histories may face additional scrutiny and stigma during the evaluation process. It’s important to be transparent about your history while demonstrating significant improvement and current stability.

Long-Term Considerations

Before committing to contract service, carefully consider:

• The demands of military life compared to your condition
• Potential triggers or stressors in military environments
• Access to necessary medical care while serving
• Long-term career implications
• Mental health support available during service

Legal Framework and Official Sources

The process for volunteering for military service after a medical exemption is governed by several key legal documents and regulations.

Primary Legal Documents

The foundation for military service eligibility is outlined in:

1. “Положение о военно-врачебной экспертизе” (Regulation on Military-Medical Expertise): Establishes the standards and procedures for medical examinations.

2. “Расписание болезней” (Schedule of Diseases): Contains the specific medical criteria for different service categories.

3. Federal Law “О воинской обязанности и военной службе”: Governs the broader legal framework for military service obligations and rights.

Official Guidance

The Consultant legal portal provides the most authoritative guidance on the distinction between conscription and contract service medical standards. According to this official documentation:

• Before the first contract, the military-medical commission evaluates fitness according to “Графа II” (conscription standards)
• After contract signing, evaluations use “Графа III” (contract service standards)

This distinction is critical because it means that even if you were found unfit for conscription, you might still qualify for contract service under the more permissive contract standards.

Military Commissariat Responsibilities

Local military commissariats are responsible for:

• Processing re-examination requests
• Scheduling medical examinations
• Maintaining service records
• Providing guidance on eligibility requirements
• Facilitating the contract application process

The RIA News article emphasizes that military commissariats are the central authorities for all matters related to military service classification and eligibility.

Sources

1. Official regulations on military-medical examination procedures
2. Guidance on re-examination statements in military commissariats
3. Official documentation on VVK conclusions for contract service
4. Legal framework for military service categories
5. Official regulations on examinations for contract service
6. RBC article on military service categories
7. Voenkomat Pom resource on military service categories
8. RIA News article on military service categories
9. Povestok resource on category “В” limitations
10. T-J resource on re-evaluation possibilities

Conclusion

Volunteering for military service after receiving a medical exemption requires a systematic approach involving re-examination through the military-medical commission system. While individuals classified as category “В” are exempt from conscription, the more permissive contract service standards under “Графа III Расписания болезней” may still allow for voluntary enlistment. The process begins with submitting a formal request to your military commissariat, followed by comprehensive medical evaluation to demonstrate improved health conditions. Success depends on thorough documentation, clear evidence of improvement, and meeting the specific requirements for contract service. While challenging, this pathway provides an opportunity for those who wish to serve despite previous medical classifications that limited their conscription eligibility.