During the war, the system of the conferral of military ranks in Ukraine has strategic significance. It determines who makes decisions, who bears responsibility for combat operations, and how servicemen advance in service. During the period of martial law, this process is simplified but remains regulated by legislation.
For servicemen, commanders, and all who want to understand how the order of the conferral of military ranks during martial law takes place, it is important to know which features and terms exist, and who has the right to make such decisions.
General Principles of the Conferral of Ranks in the AFU
The order of the conferral of military ranks of the AFU is determined by the Law of Ukraine «On Military Duty and Military Service» and the corresponding provisions of the Ministry of Defense.
The main principles are as follows:
- Sequence. Ranks are conferred gradually, depending on experience, position, and the term of service.
- Competence. The candidate must correspond to the requirements for knowledge, discipline, and professional skills.
- Command decision. The rank is conferred by the immediate commander who has the appropriate authority.
- Documentary confirmation. All decisions are recorded by an order on the unit, association, or agency.
The term of the conferral of military ranks in peacetime is from 6 months to 3 years depending on the category, but during the war the terms can be shortened.
Conferral of Ranks of the Rank-and-File and Sergeant Composition
The conferral of ranks for the rank-and-file and sergeant composition takes place upon the submission of commanders. The basis for making a decision is the military reference, the level of preparation, discipline, and participation in combat operations.
During martial law:
- the minimal terms between ranks are shortened;
- conferral for combat merits without adherence to the standard term is allowed;
- the decision is made by the commander of the unit or higher command.
Example of the sequence
| Category | Rank | Approximate term (peacetime) |
| Rank-and-file | Soldier | after the oath |
| Rank-and-file | Senior Soldier | 6–12 months |
| Sergeant | Junior Sergeant | 12 months |
| Sergeant | Sergeant / Senior Sergeant | 1–2 years |
| Petty-officer | Chief / Master Sergeant | by the decision of the commander |
In combat conditions, the commander has the right to confer a rank ahead of schedule — this is called the out-of-turn conferral of military ranks.
Conferral of Officer Ranks
For officers, a separate order applies. Junior officers (junior lieutenants, lieutenants, senior lieutenants, captains) receive ranks upon the submission of the commander of the unit, senior officers precisely by the order of the Commander-in-Chief of the AFU.
Key provisions:
- the basis is an order on the personnel composition;
- the rank is conferred after the undergoing of service in the position for a certain term;
- during the war, the terms between ranks can be shortened or canceled if the serviceman demonstrated heroism.
Higher officer ranks (major general, lieutenant general, general) are conferred by a Decree of the President of Ukraine upon the submission of the Minister of Defense or the Commander-in-Chief.
Temporary Ranks During Martial Law
In conditions of martial law, the temporary conferral of ranks is possible. This is necessary for the prompt ensuring of the command of units.
The order of action:
- the commander can confer a temporary rank on a serviceman for the execution of official duties;
- after the completion of martial law, this rank can be confirmed or canceled;
- a temporary rank gives full authority in accordance with the occupied position.
Example: a sergeant who temporarily performs the duties of a platoon commander can receive the rank of junior lieutenant until the completion of a combat operation.
What Changes After the End of Martial Law
After the cancellation of martial law, all conferred ranks undergo verification and are approved according to the usual order.
The main provisions:
- ranks conferred during combat operations are recognized as valid after the order of the Commander-in-Chief or the President;
- temporary ranks can be lowered or confirmed;
- the order of the conferral of military ranks during martial law returns to peacetime conditions with clear terms, requirements, and procedures.
Conclusion
The system of military ranks of Ukraine, even during the period of martial law, remains clearly regulated. It determines the order of subordination, the level of responsibility, and the possibilities of career growth of each serviceman.
During the war, the procedure of the conferral of ranks is simplified in order to ensure the effectiveness of command and quick reaction to combat circumstances. Ranks can be granted ahead of schedule – for heroism, initiative, or the execution of commander’s duties. This makes the hierarchy of ranks in the army more flexible but at the same time controlled.
