Preparations are ongoing for the upcoming military qualification process, which in 2026 will take place from February 2 to April 30. More than 230,000 individuals will appear before the commissions. Who will be required to attend?
In 2026, the primary group required to undergo military qualification will be men turning 19 that year, i.e., those born in 2007. However, summonses may also be issued to those born between 2002 and 2006.
The commissions will also examine individuals who were declared temporarily unfit for service in 2024-2025, if the period of their unfitness expires before the end of the 2026 qualification.
Women born between 1999 and 2007 may also be summoned, provided they possess specialist qualifications or are completing studies in fields specified in the Homeland Defense Act. Additionally, volunteers who are at least 18 years old and have applied to take part in the qualification are required to attend, as well as individuals who have not settled their military status by the age of 60 and have not yet been assigned a category.
Summonses are delivered by village heads, mayors, or city presidents.
The result of the qualification is a document confirming that an individual’s military status has been settled – every participant receives such a certificate.
During the qualification, the commission assigns each person one of the military categories. This system determines who may be called up for service and who is exempt. There are four categories:
- A – fit for military service and substitute service
- B – temporarily unfit for service, with the possibility of regaining full fitness within 24 months
- D – unfit for service in peacetime
- E – permanently and completely unfit for service both in peacetime and in the event of mobilization
If a candidate cannot attend the military qualification on the scheduled date, they are obliged to notify the village head, mayor, or city president, stating the reason for their absence.
Those who fail to notify may face consequences, ranging from fines to, in extreme cases, compulsory escort by the police.