Clear Terms and Guaranteed Rotations: Full Presentation of the Research and Mobilization Reform Model

We present the full version of the research results and a proposal for a rotational military service model aimed at fairly distributing the burden of defense, increasing motivation for mobilization, and reducing the exhaustion of current military personnel. The presentation compiles key findings on the impact of uncertainty regarding service terms on citizens’ willingness to join the defense effort and demonstrates how predictable service/rest cycles can restore trust and support societal resilience.

The research combines quantitative surveys and in-depth interviews with analysis of malicious narratives and updated mathematical modeling (game theory). Based on this foundation, a rotational system is proposed with clearly defined deployment periods, guaranteed recovery periods, and transparent rotation rules—for military personnel, reserves, employers, and families. The results are suitable for use in policy formulation (Verkhovna Rada, Government, Ministry of Defense/General Staff) as well as in planning personnel needs and social support.

We invite you to review the full presentation below and join the professional discussion on implementing the rotational model. The material was prepared within the framework of the initiative “Rotational Military Service Model: Comprehensive Research, Reform Development, and Advocacy to Enhance Ukraine’s Resilience.”

Disclaimer. This publication was created by the Foundation for Democracy Assistance with support from the Askold and Dir Foundation, administered by ISAR Ednannia, within the project “Strong Civil Society of Ukraine – Driver of Reforms and Democracy” funded by Norway and Sweden. The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Foundation for Democracy Assistance and does not reflect the views of the governments of Norway, Sweden, or ISAR Ednannia.