The law on mobilization in the Russian Federation was amendedRussians who undergo alternative service in civilian positions in the structures of the Armed Forces will not be called up in case of partial mobilization.
The decision to leave such employees in their places on Thursday, October 27, was made by the State Duma. At the same time, employees in non-military bodies can be transferred to the AGS in the troops. Izvestia was looking into what an alternative service is and who can apply for it.
What changes have been made to the law on mobilization
At the legislative level, the main change was the amendments to the law "On mobilization training and mobilization in the Russian Federation". They come into force 10 days after publication, that is, on November 6.
The law has a new Article 17.1 "Alternative civil service during the mobilization period". According to the amendment, persons undergoing alternative civil service in organizations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, other troops, military formations and bodies as civilian personnel, when mobilization is announced, continue to perform such service in these organizations.
Photo: RIA Novosti/Alexey Kudenko
Image source: iz.ru
But those alternative employees who worked in non-military organizations, at the time of mobilization, can get into civilian positions in the structures of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
At the same time, there is an important clarification in the law: only those who have already passed it can remain in alternative service. And it will be impossible to replace military service with civilian service mobilized on the agenda.
What is an alternative service
Alternative civil service, or AGS, is a special type of labor activity in the interests of society and the state. It is counted instead of real military service and lasts longer than the usual urgent — 18 or 21 months. All this time, the conscript receives a salary, has the right to sick leave and vacations in accordance with the Labor Code of the Russian Federation.
The inalienable right to refuse military service is enshrined in the Constitution of the Russian Federation and Federal Law No. 113 of July 25, 2002 "On Alternative Civil Service". Citizens can apply for a replacement if their beliefs or religion contradict military service. Beliefs can be both ethical, political and even philosophical.
Representatives of the indigenous peoples of the North also receive an alternative — most often they serve in structures that are engaged in reindeer husbandry and fishing.
In reality, any citizen of Russia who is subject to conscription and has no grounds for postponement can pass the AGS, if he is ready to defend his homeland with peaceful labor, and according to the law, a citizen must be sent to another region, and only if there is no suitable position there, you can stay at home.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Korotaev
Image source: iz.ru
During the service, Russians are entitled to two vacations of 28 days each. In addition, unlike conscripts, alternatively, employees have the right to receive correspondence or evening education. Those who serve far from home are provided with a dorm room or an apartment. In the case when a conscript stays in his city, he can live at home.
What professions are in demand in alternative civil service
Usually AGS take place in civilian structures of the Armed Forces of Russia. You can also serve in executive authorities or in local self-government bodies. When applying for alternative service, education and experience from previous work, as well as health and marital status are taken into account.
In practice, alternatively, employees work as orderlies in hospitals and boarding schools, firefighters, builders or workers in factories, librarians, postmen, workers in circuses and theaters, and even assistant educators. In total, 62 professions are listed in the list.
If an employee already has a professional education at the time of conscription, he can apply for the positions of cooks and bakers, electricians or locksmiths, as well as drivers and machinists of various vehicles.
How to get to an alternative service
To get to an alternative service, you do not need to provide any help. However, you will have to explain your position in the military enlistment office both orally and in writing consistently and convincingly. Difficulties, according to experts, may arise for those who previously belonged to the military-patriotic club.
The application for the desire to serve on the AGS is submitted six months before the expected draft. For the autumn draft, you need to apply by April 1, and for the spring draft — by October 1 of the previous year.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Konstantin Kokoshkin
Image source: iz.ru
In the application, you need to describe your biography and justify your beliefs. This will be followed by a call to the military enlistment office, where the conscript will have to explain his motives to the commission. After that, the documents are sent to the Ministry of Labor, and the conscript is determined for service. Civilian work in military departments lasts 18 months, in other cases, you will have to serve for 21 months.
The decision of the State Duma was preceded by several high-profile court decisions. So, on October 12, the court of St. Petersburg for the first time in Russia suspended the mobilization of a citizen undergoing AGS. On October 19, another similar decision was made.
What other amendments were approved by the State Duma in connection with the mobilization
In addition, on December 27, deputies at the legislative level consolidated the status of volunteer formations, equating them to military personnel under contract. In addition, the mobilization of Russians with an outstanding or outstanding criminal record for a serious crime is allowed. Purchases for the SVO can now be made from a single supplier, and a special departmental guard will be created to protect the Moscow metro.
Maria Shaipova
