In a world where technology is changing the face of warfare, even elite military formations are adapting to new realities. Airborne assault troops of Ukraine, known for their courage and professionalism, are no exception to this. Today, the path to the ranks of the “winged infantry” is not only through military commissars, but also through online platforms and modern recruiting technologies.
How to get into the Airborne Assault Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine? What are the requirements for candidates? How is the training? These and other questions are answered by Yevgeny Lutsenko, assistant of the personnel department of the 95th brigade, in an exclusive interview for “FAKT” IA.
Yevgeny, please tell me how young people can get into the ranks of the DSHV?
First of all, you need to have a burning desire to serve in the Army and defend our country. It’s not just a job, it’s a vocation that requires courage, bravery and dedication. At the moment, there is a maximally simplified procedure by which you can get to the DSHV. For example, a person who expressed a desire to serve in them can apply to any regional territorial recruitment center based on the place of residence or military registration, write an application that is the basis for registration for military service under a contract, and draw up a personal file. The minimum educational qualification level for this should be a basic general secondary education, age from 18 to 55 years (during martial law up to 60 years, but it is desirable that the maximum permissible age does not exceed the term of the contract). Currently, it is possible to sign a contract for a period of three to five years for private, sergeant, and senior staff.
Are there any online resources where I can find information about DSHV vacancies?
Yes, we actively cooperate with four platforms: Lobby X, Robota.ua, Work.ua and OLX, which are in direct contact with military units and publish current vacancies. If the candidate’s resume meets all our requirements, our recruiter will contact him and conduct an interview. During it, the candidate will be able to ask all the questions that interest him and learn more about the service at the State Security Service. If everything is fine and the candidate suits us, then the military unit sends him a letter of recommendation, with which he can apply to the territorial recruitment center (TCC). Next, he will be offered to choose the method of conscription: mobilization or contract.
What is the difference between these methods?
Drafting for mobilization is a temporary measure, and signing a contract is a conscious choice for a long-term perspective with greater opportunities for career growth. Young people more often choose contract service and assault units, older ones – repair units. It is important that the candidate meets the requirements, and if they want to serve in the Air Assault Forces but are medically unfit, we will offer alternatives. Candidates for the position in the DSHV must have: excellent health, a high level of physical fitness, no criminal record and good psychological health.
In general, information about conscripts and contract recruits is official, and it can help the enemy estimate the number of personnel in the Armed Forces, so we do not give exact numbers, but now our main task is to replenish the military unit with combat personnel. We actively recruit candidates for combat military specialties and positions, with Tercenters responsible for mobilization and contract recruitment. I would like to note that no one will force you to serve in a certain position, so you can refuse at any stage, even during the VLK (Military Medical Commission), if the candidate is going to serve under a contract. We understand that the perception of service can change, because some refuse after learning that it is necessary to live in the barracks, and women with children sometimes face difficulties in combining motherhood and service, so we are always open to dialogue so that the candidate can make an informed choice , because service in our ranks is not only an obligation, but also an opportunity for development and self-improvement. However, the contract offers certain benefits, such as settlement assistance or housing rental reimbursements, and the contract almost guarantees you will be placed in the unit of your choice.
What specialties are most often chosen by contractors?
Nowadays, drones are on everyone’s lips, but not only operators are needed, because they need to be repaired, so the specialties of EW and PEP are also in demand. There is always a shortage of drivers, doctors and citizens of Aitiv. Although we have a wide selection of specialties, it is important that the candidate meets certain requirements, as this affects the safety and efficiency of tasks.
How much is willing to take non-combat positions now?
Currently, the demand for combat positions significantly exceeds the supply, as these vacancies in our unit have already been filled by experienced specialists over the past two years. We are seeing a significant increase in the number of requests for combat positions, in particular for gunners, grenade launchers and mortars.
Please tell us about the process of studying at DSHV.
After being drafted or signing a contract, all recruits undergo basic military training at our training center, which is an intensive 45-day course. It includes physical, tactical and psychological training. After that, the fighters are sent to their units, where they continue their training under the guidance of experienced instructors. I often hear the myth that a new arrival is sent to war a week after arriving in the brigade, but this is not the case. First, the recruit is trained on the training ground, and only when the commander is convinced of his training, he begins to perform combat tasks.
Also, military personnel are often sent to study in Great Britain, where they learn new techniques and battle tactics. Selection for it takes place according to the military accounting specialties that the soldier has, or that he acquired during service or training. In most cases, the decision to send military personnel abroad is made on the recommendation of commanders.
Are there cases when candidates are not selected?
Unfortunately, there are cases of dropout, most often associated with insufficient level of physical training or health problems. Therefore, I recommend to everyone who dreams of serving in the State Security Service to prepare in advance and keep themselves in shape.
Airborne assault troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are an elite unit, he is always the first to act in the most threatening directions, where a high level of training, motivation and fighting spirit are required. At the same time, the psychological training of military personnel, the absence of fear of the enemy, is also extremely important. Our paratroopers must be able to master new models of military equipment, so they must have a high level of education and know advanced technologies. This allows them to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, demonstrating courage, heroism, professionalism and high patriotism.
