Unfortunately, a full-scale war with Russian invaders is still ongoing in Ukraine. Population mobilization continues. But the system of recruiting the Defense Forces has already changed radically, and along with classical mobilization, when the service unit determines the command, recruiting is successfully operating in Ukraine today. This is a mechanism for transparent entry into service under a contract or through mobilization, where the priority is the profession and wishes of the candidate.

This approach guarantees citizens the right to independently choose their position and place of service, the country’s Ministry of Defense notes.. The department explained how to “turn your civilian experience into an effective weapon to protect the country and your loved ones.”.

Citizens of Ukraine from 18 to 25 years old, foreigners and stateless persons can join the army exclusively by concluding a contract.

By the way, special conditions apply for young people of this age: a short-term contract for 1–2 years, payment of 1 million UAH of monetary compensation for concluding and fulfilling a contract, as well as a guaranteed deferment from conscription for 1 year after completion of service.

Citizens aged 25 to 60 years have a choice: concluding a contract or mobilization.

Ukrainians over the age of 60 can also join the Defense Forces solely by concluding a contract.

Recruiting allows the candidate to independently choose the form of service.

Moreover, voluntary mobilization provides for a somewhat faster and more flexible registration, and the contract provides significantly higher legal guarantees for maintaining the position and provides a number of additional incentives.

Contracts have " So, under general conditions, a person himself chooses a “clearly defined period” (from 1 to 10 years, or until demobilization is announced). Under the "

Also, a 1-year contract is available for medical and psychological specialists, and for citizens over 60 years of age.

Firstly, this is a guarantee of a position - that is, guaranteed service during the first 6 months in the chosen position in the chosen unit (based on the commander’s letter of recommendation).

Secondly, there is financial motivation.. Namely, a one-time cash payment for concluding the first fixed-term contract. In 2026, these amounts are: UAH 26,624 (rank and file), UAH 29,952 (sergeants and petty officers) and UAH 33,280 (officers).

Also, contract workers have the right to a preferential state mortgage ДOselya.

For citizens aged 18 to 25 years, the contract provides a guaranteed deferment from mobilization for 1 year after the end of the contract..

And all this - not counting the duties of a full social package, that is, all the standard social guarantees of a military personnel.

Today in Ukraine there is a multi-level recruiting network that provides a transparent search for a position in the army. The first are the Recruiting Centers for the branches of the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces, which offer a full range of vacancies in specialized military units. Ground Forces recruiting centers are now operating; Airborne assault troops; Navy; Territorial Defense Forces; Special Operations Forces; Forces of Unmanned Systems.

Separately, army corps and military units have their own recruiting centers. Separate brigades and army corps (for example, the 10th Army Corps, the 38th Brigade Marine Corps, the 12th Brigade of the NGU " ) carry out direct selection of candidates.

Digital platforms and job aggregators allow you to submit your resume online and communicate directly with the selected department, similar to civilian employment.. These are job search sites Lobby X, Work. ua, robota. ua and the like. A large general database of vacancies is available in the state applications Reserve+ and Diya. And, of course, profile portals - a single database of vacancies on Army websites. gov. ua and ArmyInform.

Civilian recruiting centers based on the Central Administrative Center operate in almost all regions of Ukraine.

There, recruiters work with a general database of vacancies and help select a position and direct the candidate to the selected unit for further mobilization or concluding a contract.

In order for a letter of recommendation to be guaranteed to work and ensure appointment to the chosen position, it is important to understand the difference in the status of military units.

When choosing a vacancy, always check with a unit representative or recruiter whether this military unit is included in the list of priority recruitment. This is your main guarantee of service in the chosen place, the military advises.