Navigating Discharge and Access to Quality Services: Study on Military-to-Civilian Transition System Presented
Ukraine needs to introduce a support program for transitioning from military service to civilian life, during which military personnel and those already discharged will receive high-quality and timely services from the state. This was discussed during the presentation of a study by Pryncyp: “Transition from Military Service to Civilian Life: Contexts, Experiences, Solutions.”
(Short version of the Study in English)
The event was attended by over 150 guests, including military personnel and veterans, media representatives, foreign partners, and government officials.
The event also featured a panel discussion with Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi, Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Yuliia Kirillova, Deputy Minister of Defence Kateryna Chernohorenko, Head of the Central Department of Civil-Military Cooperation of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Kutkov, and Head of the Department for Implementation of Social Guarantees of the Main Department of Social Support of the Ministry of Defence Yaroslav Kalinichenko. The discussion was moderated by serviceman and co-founder of Pryncyp, Masi Nayyem.
Our analysts emphasise that one of the key tasks in Ukraine’s transition system is the effective management of human capital within the Security and Defence Forces. The state must collect and record data on time to ensure a well-prepared reserve and understand the needs of those who leave the service.
“For a long time, the issue of transition has not received proper attention, and there was no clarity on who should take responsibility for it. We believe that this responsibility should lie with the Ministry of Defence. In Ukraine, the vast majority of discharged personnel will join the reserve, meaning they will not end their military careers permanently. With the current state of personnel record-keeping in the army, we are not prepared for the upcoming transition. This data directly influences how effectively a person can pursue a future career in the military, which directly impacts our defence capabilities,” said Liubov Halan, head of Pryncyp and co-author of the study.
What kind of support should be provided during the transition, and to whom?
Pryncyp analysts explained that the transition process begins while still in service and continues after discharge. Its duration depends on the type of service, its length, participation in hostilities, and the reason for discharge. It can last from 6 months to 1 year before discharge and from 6 months to 1 year after discharge. The report’s authors stress that transition participants include not only veterans (those with combat experience) but all military personnel.
Before dismissal from service, the state must:
- record the full extent of the service member’s experience;
- provide clear information on where and how to access all necessary services upon discharge (financial assistance, documentation, benefits, etc.);
- provide social security, career counselling, and, if needed, individual support.
After discharge from service:
- inform service people on how to access services in healthcare, employment, education, career development, and more;
- provide social security and individual support;
- inform them about their enrolment in the reserve.
According to analysts, such transition support should be provided by designated units within military structures, including support services, social workers in the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centres (TRSSC). Also, local governments, employment service providers, healthcare, social protection bodies, and others.
Needs of military personnel upon discharge
Pryncyp conducted 28 in-depth interviews and surveyed 631 people using a questionnaire. The sample included service people continuing their service in various forms (mobilised, volunteers, under contract), those who had already been discharged at different periods (ATO/JFO, full-scale war), and those who had prior experience with transitioning to civilian life.
- 52.3% of respondents indicated a need for medical assistance.
- 41.9% mentioned the need to develop or start their own business.
- 40.3% required temporary financial support for a certain period.
Among those who had already left the service and experienced the transition: 12.1% stated they received no support from the state, 6% received psychological support, 2.5% received legal support, 13.2% obtained temporary financial assistance, 14.5% received treatment and rehabilitation, 1.9% reported receiving employment assistance.
Pryncyp’s analysts have prepared a set of recommendations for authorities, offering a starting point for developing a transition support program. These recommendations address both legislative changes and improvements to transition mechanisms. Specifically, responsible institutions need to enhance data analysis, improve the personnel record-keeping system, and upgrade communication tools between military units, TRSSC, and both active-duty and discharged service members.
This research was conducted under the project A Comprehensive Approach to Veteran Reintegration in Ukraine, which is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of Pryncyp and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
