The “Contract 18-24” program has been introduced in Ukraine, which allows citizens aged 18 to 24 to become part of the Defense Forces. The contract is concluded for a period of one year, and its main condition is mandatory participation in combat operations. This is reported by IZ, citing a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers.
The minimum period of stay in the zone of activity is at least six months throughout the entire period of service. Candidates are selected through special recruiting centers that receive applications and send them to the relevant military units. After submitting an application, the future serviceman is invited to an interview, where his intentions and motivation are clarified. In case of a positive decision, he is sent to undergo professional and psychological testing, a medical commission and preparatory training.
Candidates who have signed a contract can choose from several military specialties, including rifleman, sniper, medic, grenade launcher or scout. Servicemen who cannot hold the desired position due to health conditions may be assigned to other specialties. Military training includes three stages: a general military course lasting 45 days, professional training lasting at least two weeks, as well as a two-week adaptation in a military unit.
The contract provides for a one-time payment of one million hryvnias, which is paid in installments. After signing the contract and the first assignment, the serviceman receives 200 thousand hryvnias. Another 300 thousand are paid after completing training and the first involvement in combat missions. The last 500 thousand hryvnias are paid on the day of exclusion from the personnel lists. If the serviceman has not participated in combat operations for a minimum of six months, the last part of the payment is calculated in proportion to the time he was at the front.
You can apply for participation in the program online through the conscript's office or by contacting the recruiting center directly. The military unit has three days to make a decision on the application. If the contract is terminated due to illness or injury, the serviceman receives the full amount of payments. However, in case of violation of the terms of the contract or systematic failure to fulfill his duties, the serviceman is obliged to return all funds received.
