“Contract 18-24": Recruiting center explains soldier selection and training process
This was announced on television by Alla Punko, an officer of the media relations department of the first recruiting center, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“Since the project has proven to be successful and effective, we decided to scale it up and expand the list of brigades [which you can join]. There were four in the Land Forces, and now there are nine. All the existing brigades have proven to be effective and successful, and have considerable experience in the Russian-Ukrainian war. That is why they were elected,” said Punko.
According to her, about 5% of candidates are eliminated at the stage of psychological selection or military medical examination.
“Those who have been selected undergo 45 days of basic general military training, which includes tactical medicine, firearms training, international law, and so on. This is followed by specialized training, which lasts at least 14 days, depending on the position chosen. For example, if it is a position of a medic, 14 days of professional training is enough, if it is a position of a scout, then the training lasts 30 days,” the officer noted.
According to her, the basic combined arms training (BCAT) is conducted by experienced instructors, sergeants and officers who have experience in combat operations.
Then, within 14 days, the selected units are coordinated.
As reported, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has expanded the list of brigades from the Army, Navy, Air Assault Forces and Unmanned Systems Forces to 16, which volunteers can join under the Ministry of Defense's Contract 18-24 project.
“Contract 18-24” offers financial stability guaranteed by the state: a contract for UAH 1 million, of which UAH 200,000 is paid immediately after signing the contract, and the remaining UAH 800,000 is paid in two installments later.
Volunteers will receive a monthly allowance of up to UAH 120,000 per month plus additional payments for combat missions. The total amount can be up to 2 million per year. They will have the possibility of a zero mortgage, education at public expense, free medical care (including dental prosthetics), and the right to travel abroad after a year of service.
The law also guarantees exemption from mobilization for 12 months after the end of the contract.
You can apply online at 18-24.army.gov.ua or through the Reserve+ app.
