Combat Veteran Status in 2025
In 2025, a total of 250,781 individuals were granted the status of combat veteran. Nearly half of these decisions were made automatically by a new digital system, which has significantly simplified the process for military personnel to obtain both the status and the corresponding identification. This reform is part of a broader effort to modernize veteran services in the country.
The system's efficiency grew rapidly over the year. In January 2025, it automatically processed 480 statuses, a number that surged to 25,733 by November. A key requirement for automation is that data on the completion of combat missions must be entered into the Unified State Register of War Veterans within five days of the mission's start. This allows the system to automatically verify the information and assign the status once sufficient data is present.
Advantages of the New System
The new process eliminates the need for service members to file reports or gather primary documents like certificates or extracts from orders to submit to a commission. In November 2025, the Ministry of Defense further streamlined the procedure for obtaining a replacement ID card in cases of loss, theft, or for personnel released from captivity, easing the burden on those in difficult circumstances.
The introduction of this automated application system has greatly reduced bureaucratic barriers and the time required to gain veteran status, simplifying life for military personnel. The sharp increase in statuses granted by November 2025 demonstrates the effectiveness of the innovation, which is expected to improve veteran welfare by facilitating access to social benefits and support. This successful digital transition could serve as a model for other government services seeking to modernize their citizen service processes.