From reindeer herders to IT specialists: alternative service in Russia has grown by a hundred new professions

      Opportunities for conscripts who, due to their beliefs or faith, cannot take up arms have significantly expanded. As stated in the updated decree from the Ministry of Labor, the list of professions for alternative civilian service (ACS) has been supplemented by about a hundred new positions and now exceeds 360 names. The main surprise is that the list now includes many non-traditional occupations, far from the stereotypical "hospital" vacancies.

      Now, alongside the usual engineers, programmers, and specialized doctors, the list includes reindeer herders, underwater work specialists, and craftsmen for the repair and tuning of musical instruments. Thus, the choice has not only become broader but also much more diverse—everyone can find a use for their skills, even if they are quite specific.

      Despite the exotic new entries, the key direction for "alternative" service remains the social sphere. Hospitals, boarding schools, and post offices still urgently need additional hands, and it is there that most conscripts are directed. The personnel shortage in these sectors transforms ACS from a formal substitute for the army into a real mechanism for supporting vital infrastructure.

      The updates have affected not only the list of professions but also the venues where one can serve. The number of organizations available for alternative service has increased by hundreds of state institutions scattered across the country. These include large federal medical centers and regional forestry departments, which means a noticeable expansion of geography—now options can be found in almost any corner of Russia.

      Let us remind you that alternative civilian service lasts for 21 months. To exercise your right to replace military duty with civilian service, you must submit an application no later than six months before the start of the next conscription campaign, reports 56orb.ru.