Ukraine makes military training mandatory for medical students: new law and social impact
Starting in 2026, military training will become mandatory for students of medical and pharmaceutical specialties in Ukraine. At the same time, people of retirement age have been granted the right to voluntarily sign a contract for service in the army. These decisions are not just a change of rules they reflect a new logic of mobilization and an attempt to balance military necessity with social challenges.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law introducing mandatory officer training for all medical and pharmacy students who are deemed fit for military service by health standards and who have passed a psychological assessment (bill card on the Verkhovna Rada website). The law applies to both state and private higher education institutions. The changes will take effect in 2026.
Until now, this training was voluntary and, according to the Ministry of Education and Science, covered only about 5% of future doctors and pharmacists. Previously (before 2006), it was mandatory, but then became optional now, the country is returning to the old practice, adapting it to the realities of a full-scale war.
The authors of the bill argue that these changes are due to an acute shortage of reserve officers in the medical service. It is these officers who, in the event of escalation or under martial law, must form the backbone of the army’s medical support.
“We must have a reserve of trained medics who can not only treat but also operate in combat conditions,” states the explanatory note to the law.
Basic Military Training For All Students
Starting this September, basic general military training (BZMTP) will be launched for students of all specialties. The program will last 300 academic hours and is expected to cover over 75,000 students. After completing the program, young people will take the military oath, receive a certificate, and a military occupational specialty. Those who do not pass the military training exam will not be able to continue their studies.
“In times of war, civil society must be ready for any scenario. Basic military training is a matter of national resilience,” commented the Ministry of Education and Science.
Contract Service after 60: Experience Over Age
The law allows Ukrainians aged 60 and over to voluntarily sign a contract for military service, provided they are medically fit. This right also extends to those who have served after 2015. The contract term is 1 year, with the possibility of extension, and a two-month probation period is provided. The idea of the law is not to involve the elderly in combat operations, but to make the most of their experience and knowledge in support roles, logistics, training, administration, and technical tasks. At the same time, people are encouraged to join roles where physical load is not the primary demand, but where skills, organization, and discipline are key.
“It is appropriate to involve such contractors in non-combat positions where experience, knowledge, discipline, and responsibility are required,” the explanatory note to the law states.
Why Are These Changes Important for Ukraine?
The main reason is the need to strengthen the army’s reserve with medical personnel, prepare society for a prolonged confrontation, and use human potential rationally, including in older age. According to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Defense, as of early 2024, there was a shortage of more than 40% of reserve medical officers. Without systematic training and a proper reserve, this means vulnerability during escalation. The state also understands that mass basic training for youth forms not only a potential military reserve but also increases the level of self-organization, responsibility, and skills for action in crisis situations. Allowing contract service after the age of 60 sends a signal to society: experience, knowledge, maturity, and motivation are valued equally with youth.
“War is not only about youth and physical endurance, but also wisdom, tactics, management. Involving older people helps the army to retain vital competencies,” explains the Ministry of Defense.
Legal Basis and Implementation Procedure
- Officer training for medics: Law No. 9402 dated 27.06.2024, signed by the President (details Verkhovna Rada).
- Contract service after 60: Law No. 9450 dated 05.07.2024, effective upon the President’s signature (details Parliament website).
Ukraine is changing its approach to military training and mobilization, expanding opportunities both for young people and for those with experience. These decisions respond to the real challenges of war, a shortage of personnel, and the need to use the country’s human potential as efficiently as possible. The new system provides for:
- systematic training of students in all specialties,
- strengthening the army’s medical reserve,
- engaging the experience and professionalism of older generations.
Society is becoming more mobilized and united, and the state is relying on a wider spectrum of human resources both in the rear and on the frontline.
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