Investigation report on a missing military man

Disappearances of military personnel on combat missions are unfortunately quite common in wartime. Legislation regulates how the disappearance of a soldier is documented. We invite you to learn more about this. We'll also discuss how the services of the specialists at "Prikhodko & Partners", who specialize in military law, can help you with such matters.

What is a missing military man investigation report?

An official investigation report is an official document that confirms the fact and circumstances of a military man's disappearance. This report is drawn up if a military man goes missing during combat or while on duty, and their exact whereabouts are unknown.

Who is authorized to draw up such a document?

To formalize such an act, a commission must first be established by order of the military unit commander. It must include:

1. officers;
2. immediate commanders;
3. witnesses to the incident.

It is this commission that collects information and forms conclusions about the circumstances of the disappearance.

What information is included in this act?

The document has a clear structure. It should include:

• the military man's personal information (last name, first name, patronymic, rank, position, unit);
• the date, location, and circumstances of their disappearance;
• testimony from fellow soldiers and eyewitnesses;
• information about the measures taken to search for them.

In addition, the report must include appendices. These include maps, extracts from combat logs, written explanations, etc. This is because the report is intended to provide a complete picture of the event and record all circumstances of legal significance.

What is the legal significance of the act?

The official investigation report is a key document that is necessary for further legal procedures:

• it serves as the basis for adding a service member to the list of missing persons;
• this document can then be used as evidence in court cases declaring the individual dead;
• it opens the door for the family to receive social benefits and state guarantees.

The last of these aspects is particularly important, as it determines whether the state provides financial support to the family of a missing service member. Let's examine the rights of relatives in more detail in this context.

What rights do relatives of a missing military man have?

The following types of financial support are retained for missing military personnel:

• official salary;
• salary based on military rank;
• seniority bonus;
• other payments.

Of particular note is the right to receive an additional 100,000 hryvnias per month in bonuses. Regarding the payment procedure, the following points should be addressed:

• payments are made monthly;
• an order from the military unit commander is required to assign them;
• the first priority for receiving payments includes the spouse, parents, legal guardians of children, disabled children, and their representatives;
• all of the above-mentioned persons are entitled to 50% of the missing service member's financial support in equal shares;
• if the service member's parents have been deprived of their parental rights, they are not entitled to payment;
• the second priority includes the individual's adult children, as well as siblings;
• second-priority relatives can receive payments only if there is no first-priority relative;
• second-priority relatives are entitled to 20% of the financial support.

In addition to all of the above, it's worth mentioning the possibility of personal control. A service member can designate the person who will receive their salary.

Other benefits for the family of a missing military man

In addition to all of the above, the family of a missing soldier has the right to:

• 50% discount on utility bills;
• 50% discount on sanatorium vouchers;
• free public transportation and discounted intercity travel.

Thus, legal provisions provide for a wide range of benefits for family members of missing service members. Therefore, to take advantage of these social benefits from the state, it is important to properly register missing military man status.

How will our services be useful?

When you contact the specialists at "Prikhodko & Partners" Law Firm, you'll receive professional assistance in the following areas:

• Advisory support. Professional consultation – an opportunity to get answers to your questions and navigate current legal regulations.
• Legal support. This may include assistance in dealing with military units, government agencies, etc.
• Representation in court. If your rights are violated, we will help you defend them by filing an appeal in administrative court.

To protect your rights and receive clear legal answers, fill out the feedback form on our website, and our lawyer will contact you shortly.