Russia Proposes Raising Female Military Service Age to 50

The Russian government has submitted a bill to the State Duma proposing an increase in the maximum service age for female military personnel from 45 to 50 years. The proposal also extends reserve service periods: for female officers from 50 to 55 years, and for female personnel with other ranks from 45 to 50 years.

According to the explanatory note accompanying bill No. 8108-9, current age limits prevent many female soldiers from accumulating the 20 years of service required to qualify for military pensions and other state support benefits. The document highlights a specific scenario: a woman enlisting at age 25–30 and serving in regions without special service allowances risks reaching the current age limit without securing housing or pension entitlements.

The government notes that during the ongoing special military operation, a significant portion of medical unit personnel are women—many of whom are highly qualified specialists approaching or reaching current age limits. The proposed changes would apply only to personnel from the date the federal law takes effect, with potential implementation scheduled for 1 January 2027. Military pension calculations currently require a minimum 20-year service record to qualify, with benefits calculated at 50 percent of salary plus 3 percent for each additional year served.