Up to three months of training: How citizens are trained under the ‘Contract 18-24’ program

As part of the experimental ‘Contract 18-24’ program, the training of citizens recruited for military service follows a three-tiered structure, with a total duration of up to three months. The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has outlined the specifics of this process.

In accordance with established standards, the training of military personnel is conducted in a structured sequence, comprising three consecutive levels: 

• Basic General Military Training (BGMT);
• Specialized Training for a designated military specialty (MS);
• Adaptation Course.

BGMT is a mandatory program for individuals without prior military experience, designed to equip them with the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform military service duties. This training lasts 1.5 months and follows a curriculum approved by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Training is conducted in military units equipped with adequate material and technical resources. In cases where the necessary conditions are unavailable, it takes place in designated training centers. Service members are trained in platoons of 25-30 individuals under the guidance of experienced instructors, officers, and sergeants from combat units.

Specialized Training prepares military personnel to execute specific tasks aligned with their designated military specialty (MS).

Training programs are developed by the relevant military command authority and tailored to the weaponry used by the specific unit. Training is delivered in military units with appropriate equipment or in training centers and led by qualified instructors and combat-experienced officers.

Adaptation Course focuses on enhancing skills for coordinated operations within small tactical groups under the intense psychological stress intrinsic to real combat conditions. The curriculum is designed based on lessons learned from the russian-Ukrainian war and is approved by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 

This course lasts 14 days and is conducted directly within the military unit following the completion of Specialized Training. Training is provided by instructors, officers, and sergeants with combat experience.

Operational command ensures daily oversight of the training process. Additional monitoring may be conducted by military command authorities and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as directed by senior leadership.