Detailed guide on how to enlist under the ‘Contract 18–24’ program and the contract's key features

In February, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine officially launched the ‘Contract 18-24’ project. This voluntary initiative is directed towards Ukrainians aged 18 to 24 who are willing to join the Defence Forces for a one-year term. This guide outlines the step-by-step process for enlisting under this contract and highlights its key features.

Where to apply to sign the contract?

Individuals wishing to enlist under a one-year contract must file their applications, either electronically or in hard copy, with recruitment centers or relevant recruiting divisions of military units. Electronic applications can be submitted via the conscript account in the Reserve+ app or through the https://18-24.army.gov.ua/ platform.

What to include in the application:

• Personal details (full name, date of birth, etc.)
• Chosen military unit;
• Chosen military position;
• Preferred location for MMC examination;
• Contact information (mobile phone number and email address).

Subsequent steps after submitting the application

A representative from the recruiting center or military unit’s recruiting division will contact the candidate to confirm, through an interview, their intent to enlist. 

The decision regarding a candidate’s acceptance for contract-based military service is made within three business days.

If the application is rejected, the commander will notify the candidate, specifying the reason for rejection.

If approved, the commander will provide the candidate with a list of required documents for their personnel file, arrange a professional-psychological assessment, and issue a referral for Military Medical Commission (MMC) examinations.

Are there any particularities in undergoing the MMC examination?

Candidates for this contract are granted priority access to MMC examinations at commissions affiliated with enlistment offices or at medical facilities operating under the state healthcare guarantee program. In this case, candidates may choose the location and date of their examination. All required certificates from municipal and state healthcare institutions are issued free of charge.

For more details on the MMC examination process, please refer to this link. 

Signing the contract

Once the candidate is confirmed fit for military service, the commander of the military unit signs a one-year contract with them.

A mandatory condition of the contract is direct participation in combat operations in the areas of military (combat) operations for a cumulative total of at least 6 months during the contract term.

Enlistment under this contract is available for the following military specialties and designated military positions:

• MS 100: rifleman, senior rifleman, marksman-sniper, combat medic-rifleman;
• MS 102, MS 103: grenade launcher assistant, grenade launcher operator, senior grenade launcher operator;
• MOS 106: scout, senior scout.

After signing the contract, the commander will issue an order appointing the candidate to the chosen or proposed vacant position and enrolling them in the military unit's roster, ensuring all necessary support is provided.

Additionally, the commander of the military unit must notify the head of the enlistment office where the candidate is registered, as well as the candidate's employer, within three business days of the candidate's enlistment.

Upon signing the contract and assuming their duties, the service member will receive, within five business days, the first installment of the financial reward designated for this contract type, amounting to UAH 200,000, which will be disbursed by the military unit.

Training

After the contract is signed, the recruit will proceed to intensive training, which comprises:

• Basic General Military Training (BGMT) lasting 45 days;
• Specialized Training lasting 14 days;
• Adaptation Course within the military unit lasting 14 days.

It is strictly forbidden to deploy service members of this category to the area of military (combat) operations without completing the full intensive training program.

For more details on the training program under this contract, please refer to this link. 

Service

After completing training and adaptation, the service member will begin service in their assigned unit. From this point on, they will be assigned to carry out combat or special missions, as outlined in a separate order from the commander of the military unit. Based on this order, the service member will receive the second portion of the financial reward, amounting to UAH 300,000.

Throughout their service, the service member will also receive monthly pay based on their position, along with additional remuneration for direct participation in combat operations.

Upon the completion of the one-year contract and issuance of an order removing the service member from the unit’s roster, they will receive the final portion of the financial reward, amounting to UAH 500,000, provided all contract obligations have been fulfilled.