Form 12 of the Armed Forces of Ukraine certifies military service and participation in combat operations

What is Form 12 of the Armed Forces of Ukraine used for?

The main purpose of Form 12 of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is for internal record-keeping. However, in certain cases, the information contained in the document may also be required outside the military unit.

Firstly, it is used to confirm the fact of military service. This is important in cases of legal disputes, when applying for a pension, or in other legal procedures.

Secondly, the document may be required to establish the circumstances surrounding a serviceman’s injury, death or disappearance.

Thirdly, an extract from Form 12 is sometimes used as a supplementary document when applying for benefits.

The document may also be important for a service member’s family members, particularly when applying for benefits, dealing with inheritance matters or establishing legal facts.

Who is eligible to receive Form 12 from the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Access to the document is restricted.

Servicemen and women may obtain the information themselves upon request.

Close relatives of military personnel who have been killed in action or are missing in action may also request this information. To do so, they must provide proof of their family relationship.

Authorised state bodies, courts and law enforcement agencies also have access to the document within the scope of their powers.

Only personnel from the human resources department and the military unit’s command have full access.

What information is contained in Form 12 of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Form 12 contains a military service member’s personal and service details.

Personal details:

• surname, first name, patronymic
• date of birth
• military rank
• post
• personal identification number
• document details

Service details:

• date of conscription or contract
• length of service
• periods of service in units

Service transfers:

• business trips
• transfers
• changes of post
• assignments for training

Key events:

• awards
• injuries
• concussions
• disciplinary measures

Critical incidents:

• death
• missing in action
• demobilisation
• dismissal

All information is entered on the basis of official documents.

How to obtain a Form 12 certificate from the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The procedure for obtaining the certificate depends on who is applying.

For serving military personnel

A service member may submit a report or a written request addressed to the commander of their military unit.

The request must specify:

• exactly what information is required
• for what purpose
• in what format it is to be provided

If there are lawful grounds, an extract or a certificate will be issued.

For relatives of those killed in action or missing in action

Close relatives may contact the military unit or the Ministry of Defence.

The following must be attached to the application:

• documents proving family ties
• a passport
• a statement explaining why the information is required

For other individuals

If the information is required for legal proceedings, a solicitor’s request may be submitted or an application made to the court.

The court may order the military unit to provide the relevant information.

Who has access to the information on Form 12

The information contained in Form 12 of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is confidential and protected by data protection legislation.

Only authorised personnel from the personnel department and the command have full access.

Restricted access via extracts or certificates may be granted to:

• servicemen
• relatives of those killed in action or missing in action
• lawyers
• courts
• law enforcement agencies

Unauthorised disclosure of information is punishable under Ukrainian law.