Can they mobilize up to 25 years old if there is a military department?

Previously, completing military department training was quite common among students, so a significant number of men have such training. During the war, this issue became especially relevant — can a person under 25 be mobilized if they have already completed such training? The law firm Prikhodko & Partners explains the specifics of this status in more detail below.

Who has the status of a person liable for military service under the age of 25?

It is important to understand that before the age of 25 there are different categories of persons in military registration, and the possibility of mobilization is determined именно by this status, not only by the age criterion. If a man is no longer considered a conscript, he is subject to mobilization on general grounds.

Persons liable for military service under the age of 25 include:

• persons who received a military ID and were enlisted in the reserve;
• graduates of military departments who were assigned an officer rank;
• citizens who have already completed military service;
• persons with special ranks (for example, after serving in the police or other authorities);
• reservists who signed a contract or were enlisted in the reserve.

Important! If you fully completed military department training and received an officer rank, you acquire the status of a person liable for military service, and you may be mobilized on general grounds. The key condition is the completion of the training itself: if the department training was not completed, such grounds do not arise.

Mobilization of persons under 25 in 2026

In 2026, mobilization under the age of 25 remains an exception, but in practice such cases occur due to changes in status and errors in military registration records. Age itself does not guarantee protection — the key factor is whether a person is classified as a conscript or already as a person liable for military service.
Persons aged 18 to 25 cannot be mobilized, in particular:

1. persons with a registration certificate (conscript status);
2. students with deferments;
3. citizens who have not completed military service and were not enlisted in the reserve.

We emphasize that the risks of mobilization arise in cases where:

• a person was groundlessly entered into the reserve;
• after passing the MMC, when fitness for service changes;
• a military ID is issued;
• when data in the registers is updated (for example, through applications or the TCR and SS).

Therefore, if you notice any inconsistencies in your status in Reserve+, we recommend consulting a military lawyer in advance who will help bring your military registration documents into compliance.

Special attention should be paid to the situation with the “limited fit” status, which was abolished. After repeated medical examinations, such persons are sometimes recognized as fit for service and, if already in the reserve, may become subject to mobilization even before the age of 25.

At the same time, in most cases, summonses from the TCR for persons under 25 are of a clarifying nature (verification of data, прохождение MMC), rather than automatic mobilization. However, if conscription occurs without legal grounds, such actions should be challenged.

What happens when you turn 25?

Reaching the age of 25 means an automatic transition from conscript status to the status of a person liable for military service. Importantly, according to general rules, this occurs without mandatory personal appearance at the TCR and SS. The TCR must independently change your status through the registers within 30 days, and as a result it will automatically appear in electronic services (for example, in “Reserve+” or “Diia”).
It should also be noted that the obligation to appear arises only upon receiving a summons (if you have a registration certificate, this does not exempt you from appearing at the military enlistment office upon summons).

Voluntary mobilization into the Armed Forces of Ukraine

It should also be noted that persons aged 18–24 may voluntarily join the Armed Forces of Ukraine even if they are not subject to mandatory mobilization. The state actively encourages such service by offering financial payments, social guarantees, and opportunities for professional development.
One of the key instruments is the “Contract 18–24” project — a voluntary one-year service program that provides:

1. the opportunity to independently choose a unit and specialty;
2. mandatory training before service;
3. financial payments (including up to UAH 1 million for participation in combat operations);
4. additional benefits.

Legal assistance

If you have doubts regarding your military registration status or the legality of the actions of the TCR, contact the military lawyers of Prikhodko & Partners, who provide comprehensive assistance on mobilization issues, including for persons under 25. We offer:

1. consultation and legal analysis of documents;
2. verification of the legality of military registration;
3. appeals against unlawful mobilization;
4. preparation of applications, complaints, and appeals to the TCR and the court;
5. full legal support depending on your situation.

If you still have questions regarding mobilization before the age of 25 — leave a request on the website, and a lawyer will contact you to clarify the details.