Nizhny Novgorod residents were told how reservists differ from other military personnel.

      October 23, 2025, 16:09 Society

      The Ministry of Defense proposed involving trained civilians in the protection of civilian facilities, especially against drone attacks, within their regions. Reservists who previously served in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or other security agencies will take part in special training sessions but will not be deployed to the special operation or outside Russia. The bill has been supported by the government.

      Political scientist and military expert Yevgeny Mikhailov, speaking to 360.ru, noted the main difference between reservists and other categories of service members.

      Reservists sign a contract with the Ministry of Defense while continuing to work in civilian professions. When they sign the contract they receive a one-time payment and, depending on the circumstances, monthly allowances.

      Mikhailov explained that service members in the reserve can be called up only as part of a general mobilization to defend the country. Unlike them, reservists are called up for training and to perform various tasks as needed.

      Reservists undergo mandatory training to upgrade their qualifications in order to maintain readiness to carry out tasks. Specific fitness requirements have been set for each age group and category of reservists.

      An electronic notification system is being introduced instead of the traditional summons from military enlistment offices. In addition, reservists may be notified of a call-up at their workplace, which guarantees the retention of their job.

      If a reservist is not employed at the time of call-up, certain payments are also provided. In addition, reservists receive money for participating in special training sessions, the amount of which depends on their status — officer or enlisted.

      The political scientist emphasized that signing a contract with the Ministry of Defense imposes certain obligations on reservists.

      "If a person evades such a call-up, it is already criminal liability, because they have a contract. An ordinary citizen, that is a person in the reserve, and a contracted person — those are two very big differences," Mikhailov concluded.

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