Skip to content
NMA Information Center
+79324795445
NMANational Military Agency
Submit Inquiry
Home › Knowledge Base › Requirements & Eligibility › Medical Fitness Categories and Health Standar...
Requirements & Eligibility

Medical Fitness Categories and Health Standards for Foreign Citizens

📅 Verified: March 2026 • ⏱ 6 min read • 🏛 Official MoD Portal • 🔒 100% State Guarantee
⚡ Quick Summary / Direct Answer

Foreign candidates are accepted for contract service if evaluated under Medical Fitness Categories A (Fit for military service without restrictions) or B (Fit with minor restrictions). A full medical examination (ECG, fluorography, clinical blood/urine tests, psychological screening) is performed within 24 hours at the Moscow Selection Center free of charge.

Physical health and psychological stability are critical requirements for service in the Russian Armed Forces. The military medical examination (VVK) ensures that recruits are fully capable of handling training, tactical deployments, and specialized occupational tasks.

1. Military Fitness Categories: A, B, C, D

The Military Medical Board classifies candidates into standardized fitness categories based on comprehensive clinical examinations:

  • Category A (A1–A4): Absolutely fit for military service without restrictions. Eligible for airborne, reconnaissance, marine, and special forces units.
  • Category B (B1–B4): Fit for military service with minor non-critical restrictions. Eligible for motorized rifle, artillery, transport, communications, and logistics units.
  • Categories C, D: Unfit or temporarily unfit. Candidates with severe chronic conditions, communicable diseases, or acute traumas cannot be enlisted.

2. Disqualifying Medical Conditions (Stop-Factors)

The following medical conditions strictly preclude enlistment under Russian federal health directives:

  • Active infectious diseases: HIV / AIDS, active Hepatitis B or C, active pulmonary or extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
  • Severe psychiatric disorders, schizophrenia, severe clinical depression, or active narcotics/alcohol dependency.
  • Malignant oncological tumors.
  • Severe cardiovascular conditions, grade 3 hypertension, or advanced coronary artery disease.
  • Severe vision impairment (myopia exceeding -6.0 diopters without corrective capability) or profound bilateral hearing loss.

3. 24-Hour Express Medical Examination in Moscow

At the Unified Selection Centerreet, all clinical specialists and laboratory equipment are co-located in a single facility. Intake testing includes digital chest radiography, resting ECG, rapid blood/urine analysis, toxicology testing, and consultations with surgeons, therapists, ophthalmologists, neurologists, and psychiatrists.

Comparative Data & Standards

Overview of Medical Fitness Categories
CategoryDesignationEligible UnitsEnlistment Status
Category AFit without restrictionsAll branches: Reconnaissance, UAV, Assault, AirborneApproved
Category BFit with minor restrictionsMotorized Infantry, Artillery, Drivers, CommunicationsApproved
Category CRestricted fitness / Peacetime exemptionNot accepted for foreign contract serviceRejected
Category D / ETemporarily / Permanently unfitNot accepted under any circumstancesRejected
🛡️
Official Security Notice: Avoid Unofficial Brokers

All intake and enlistment procedures in the Russian Armed Forces are 100% free of charge. The Ministry of Defense never charges fees for processing, medical exams, visas, or airfare. Never transfer funds to third parties. Always verify through the official Selection Center in Moscow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are candidates with flat feet (pes planus) accepted? +
Yes. Grade 1 and Grade 2 flat feet correspond to Category B and allow service in motorized rifle and support units.
Do recruits pay for medical tests and X-rays? +
No. 100% of medical examinations, blood tests, and imaging at the selection center are funded by the Ministry of Defense.
What if a recruit has manageable dental issues? +
Minor dental caries or missing teeth do not disqualify candidates. Basic dental clearance is performed on-site.

Ready to Begin Your Enlistment?

Submit a short application for document pre-check and connect with a dedicated coordinator in your native language.