Defending the sky: step-by-step instructions for joining Territorial Community Volunteer Air Defence Groups
On June 11, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the launch of a pilot project to establish Air Defence Groups (ADGs) as part of the Voluntary Formations of Territorial Communities (VFTCs). The project aims to bolster air defense capabilities by involving trained and motivated citizens in air defense duties amid increasing enemy activity.
The Ministry of Defence provides guidance for volunteers who wish to participate in this important defense effort and join the initiative.
Where to Apply as a Volunteer
Prospective volunteers are to apply to the commander of the Volunteer Formation of the Territorial Community (VFTC) in their place of residence. If no VFTC exists, volunteers can contact the local military administration to propose its establishment in cooperation with units of the Territorial Defence Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Requirements for Candidates
Joining an Air Defence Group requires membership in a VFTC and a duly formalized volunteer contract with VFTC.
To join a VFTC, a person must be a Ukrainian citizen aged 18 or older, reside in the relevant community, successfully complete medical, professional, and psychological screening, and sign a Territorial Defence Volunteer Contract. It should be noted that only citizens who are not subject to mobilization under Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine ‘On Preparation and Implementation of Mobilization’ are eligible to join Air Defence Groups.
Candidates for the position of external UAV pilot (operator) must hold an external pilot certificate issued in accordance with Resolution No. 1129 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 1 October 2024. For the first 45 days of the pilot project, this requirement is waived, permitting candidates to sign a volunteer contract before undergoing specialized training at certified schools.
Candidates for joining Air Defence Groups operating manned aircraft must meet the established qualification requirements and possess documentation confirming their eligibility to perform piloting and/or maintenance functions on the relevant aircraft. Crew members of manned aircraft shall be designated by the commander of the Air Defence Group, in coordination with the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
VFTC Volunteer Contract for Members of Air Defence Groups
Joining an Air Defence Group requires a volunteer first to become a VFTC member and sign a VFTC Volunteer Contract. The duration of such a contract is 3 years.
Upon joining an Air Defence Group, the Territorial Defence Volunteer Contract shall include a provision forbidding deployment to combat or other duties, except for air defense operations.
Procedure for Signing a VFTC Volunteer Contract:
- Submitting an Application. An individual wishing to join a volunteer formation shall submit an application addressed to the formation’s commander. The application must include: full name; registered residence; education; employment or occupation; military specialty (if applicable); and reason for applying to join the volunteer formation.
- Screening and Selection. Candidates are subject to medical, professional, and psychological assessment.
- Signing the Contract. Following the commander’s approval, the individual enters into a Territorial Defence Volunteer Contract, in the format established by Ministry of Defence Order No. 84 dated 7 March 2022.
- Taking the Oath After signing the contract, the volunteer takes the Territorial Defence Volunteer Oath.
- Issuance of the Member ID Card. Within 30 days of completing all procedures, the volunteer is issued an official VFTC Membership ID Card.
Documents required for signing a VFTC Volunteer Contract:
- Application for VFTC membership;
- Copy of a valid ID (Ukrainian passport);
- Copy of military registration document (mandatory for men; for women, if held);
- Copy of the taxpayer identification number (TIN);
- Documents demonstrating eligibility for exemption from mobilization (if the candidate is not subject to mobilization).
Service Remuneration and Social Guarantees for ADG Members
ADG members are entitled to an additional monthly remuneration of UAH 100,000. The payment is calculated proportionally to the time spent on air defense duties; it is not a fixed monthly amount, but determined based on the number of days on duty.
Members of Air Defence Groups who participate in activities essential to the defense of Ukraine, the protection of civilian security, and the safeguarding of national interests in response to the military aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine are entitled to the social protection guarantees provided in Article 119 of the Labor Code of Ukraine, including the preservation of their job position and employment status.