Men over 50 at the Military Medical Commission: why they are often recognized as fit for service

Men over 50 at the Military Medical Commission: why they are often recognized as fit for service

Men aged over 50 undergo a military medical commission (MMC) on general grounds and are more often recognized as fit for military service compared to younger conscripts. As noted by Roman Istomin, spokesperson for the Poltava Regional Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support, most representatives of this age group receive a conclusion 'Fit for supply units'. This indicates that, despite their age, these men are capable of fulfilling their military duties.

Main health issues

The number of mobilized men over 50 remains stable during 2024 and 2025. The main health issues that may arise in this age group are usually not critical, which also affects the decisions of the MMC. The deferral from service usually ranges from one to six months, depending on medical indications.

• Acute infectious diseases
• Post-surgical recovery
• Injuries and their consequences
• Exacerbation of chronic pathologies

For example, for acute infectious diseases, the deferral may be from 1 to 2 months, while for chronic and specialized pathologies, the periods can vary from 1 to 3 months, depending on health status.

Roman Istomin also emphasizes that among men over 50, there is a wide range of medical conditions that may influence conscription. This includes:

• Endocrine conditions
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Temporary mental disorders
• Cardiological conditions
• Allergic reactions
• Skin diseases

The duration of the deferral for these conditions also varies from 1 to 6 months, depending on the specific case.

Therefore, the military medical commission takes into account not only the age of conscripts but also their overall health status, allowing a greater number of men over 50 to receive the status of 'fit for supply units'. This approach enables a more effective utilization of the potential of individuals in this age group within military structures.

This information indicates that military structures continue to adapt to modern service conditions, considering not only age but also the physical condition of conscripts. Given the increasing demand for military personnel, the higher fitness of men over 50 may be an important factor in ensuring the mobility and readiness of the army. At the same time, this underscores the importance of medical examination and an individual approach to each conscript, which can influence the overall effectiveness of military formations.