The ‘Army+’ app has become an effective tool for transferring service members between units. According to the First Deputy Military Ombudsman Ruslan Tsygankov, around 80 thousand military personnel have already taken advantage of this opportunity. This figure indicates the effectiveness of the new mechanism, which has been in operation since November 2024.
This is reported by Finway
Who Can Transfer Without Commander’s Consent
Ruslan Tsygankov clarified that not all service members can change their place of service without the commander’s approval. An exception is made for those recognized as “limited fit” by the military medical commission (VLC). A simplified transfer procedure is provided specifically for this category of military personnel, which does not require additional approvals from the command.
“There is a list of service members who have the right to transfer without the commander’s consent. These are service members who, according to the VLC’s conclusion, are recognized, to use the old terminology, as limited fit. Such service members have the right to transfer without the commander’s approval. This norm is being implemented on a large scale. About 80 thousand service members have been transferred using ‘Army+’. This is quite a staggering number, and this mechanism is functioning,” said Tsygankov.
Problems and Further Oversight
Despite the widespread use of the mechanism, there are instances where certain brigades ignore the new transfer rules. In this regard, the office of the military ombudsman is conducting relevant work to ensure compliance with the norms among all military units.
It is worth noting that after changes in the rules regarding return to service, the number of service members returning after unauthorized absence from their unit has decreased. One of the reasons for this, specialists say, is the lack of the option to choose a new unit for service.
The function for submitting a transfer request in the ‘Army+’ app became available in November 2024. However, military personnel often encounter situations where commanders may not approve their transfer requests. Since the beginning of 2026, the office of the military ombudsman has been officially operating and overseeing the adherence to the rights of service members in this process.