Alternative civil service: what it is and how to get there

Since November, the Ministry of Labor has increased the list of institutions where it is possible to perform alternative civil service (ACS). 144 organizations were added to the list. What is the AGS, who can get into it and how – in the Kommersant certificate.

What is alternative civil service

Alternative civil service is the opportunity for a citizen to engage in labor activity at state enterprises instead of compulsory military service. The right to AGS is enshrined in the Constitution of the Russian Federation and federal law “On alternative civil service.” AGS can be completed in civilian institutions, and the citizen does not come into contact with weapons. In addition, alternative employees, unlike soldiers, can receive higher education through correspondence or evening courses without interruption from work.

Who can apply for AGS

A citizen may request to be sent to the ACS if military service contradicts his personal beliefs or religious views. The law does not establish a specific list of denominations whose representatives can apply for AGS. In addition, this type of service can be performed by representatives of indigenous peoples of the Russian Federation. However, such citizens must lead a traditional lifestyle, engage in traditional farming or crafts.

How to get to the AGS

To get into the alternative civilian service, you must submit an application. This will have to be done in person at the military registration and enlistment office where the citizen is registered. The document must indicate the reasons why you are asking to replace your military service. It will be a plus to have a reference from your place of study or work confirming your beliefs, or testimony from witnesses.

The application must be submitted no later than six months before the start of the conscription. In a normal situation – before October 1, if you should receive a summons in the spring, and before April 1, if in the fall. However, the start dates for recruitment may change. The number of places on the ACS is limited and varies from year to year. For example, in the spring conscription for the ACS there was sent 1140 citizens, and 147 thousand people were drafted into the troops. The application will be reviewed by a special commission, which will determine whether to allow the replacement of military service. In case of refusal to undergo the AGS, a citizen has the right to challenge this decision in court.

Where can I take the AGS?

You can take the AGS:

— in organizations subordinate to federal executive authorities or executive authorities of constituent entities of the Russian Federation;

– in organizations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, other troops, military formations and bodies as civilian personnel.

Specific list professions and organizations are determined by the Ministry of Labor. Currently there are 149 specialties and more than 950 institutions where you can undergo AGS.

How long does AGS last?

The term of alternative civilian service is longer than fixed-term military service.

AGS lasts:

– 18 months when serving in organizations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, other troops, military formations and bodies as civilian personnel;

— 21 months when serving in organizations subordinate to federal executive authorities, as well as executive authorities of constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

Restrictions on AGS

Although AGS is a labor activity regulated by the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, there are certain restrictions. Alternative employees cannot resign of their own free will. In addition, they are prohibited from participating in strikes or working part-time in other organizations.

Vasily Kuznetsov