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Academy

Here, mind and body are forged, join the training and grow as a warrior.

Which should I choose—a contract or mobilization?

#1

If you are of draft age (25–60 years old), you may choose which unit to join. Individuals under the age of 25*, as well as foreigners and women who are not registered for military service, are exempt from the draft.

* If you are under 25 years of age, you may join a mobilization unit only if you have completed compulsory military service (as of February 24, 2022) or have been assigned a specific military specialty.

Contract

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 60 who is registered with the military and medically fit for service may enlist as a contract soldier. Women and foreign nationals are also eligible to join.

The term of service under contract for enlisted personnel (soldiers) is 3 years. This term may be longer, depending on rank—5 to 10 years.

PROCEDURE

01

Once the regional recruitment center has reviewed your application and the documents you submitted and conducted a background check, they will create your personal file.

02

Interview with the commander. Afterward, you will be issued a letter of recommendation from the unit (Reference).

03

Gathering the necessary documents, which will be discussed below.

04

Once the regional recruitment center reviews your application, the documents you submitted, and verifies that you have no criminal record, they will create your personal file.

ADVANTAGES OF THE CONTRACT

If you are over 24 years old.

There are several differences between enlistment and mobilization—namely, social benefits*, compensation, and the right to choose your unit and position.

A citizen who signs a contract has the right to independently choose a military unit and position based on their military specialty. This allows them to serve where it is more convenient or interesting, unlike those who are mobilized, who are sent to where there is a shortage of personnel.

1 SAR HUB is located at: Kyiv, 2 General Shapoval St. A prior appointment with the HUB administration is required to visit. More information is available here https://armyinform.com.ua/2025/01/06/umovy-ta-perevagy-vijskovoyi-sluzhby-za-kontraktom-u-zsu-rozyasnennya-vid-minoborony/)

Mobilization

If you are not considering enlisting but are only interested in mobilization, you need to meet just a few criteria: you must be subject to military service, be between the ages of 25 and 60, and be medically fit for service. The same requirements apply to women, but they must also be registered with the military in accordance with their specialty or profession.

* Term of service: until the end of martial law in the country.

Therefore, the best way to join through mobilization is direct conscription. What is that?

Most importantly, you no longer need to contact the Regional Recruitment Center. Simply call a regiment representative directly at (067)549 73 49. They will help you find a suitable vacancy and advise you on joining the mobilization effort and completing the necessary paperwork.

What’s next? You submit your enlistment application to the commander of the military unit, provide your passport details and identification code, and specify at which territorial recruitment center you will undergo the military medical examination. For its part, the regiment will issue a referral for the medical examination. Therefore, once you receive a decision on your fitness for service (including for the selected position), you will be expected at our permanent deployment location.

The final stage is the BMT, after which our representative will take you to the unit’s location for further military service.

List of Required Documents

#2

Enlisting under a contract requires slightly more official documents than mobilization. Therefore, if you have chosen to enlist under a contract, you should review the list of documents required to establish your personnel file. We recommend that you do not delay and get everything in order in advance.

First and foremost is the letter of recommendation (Referral)*, which you will receive directly from the regiment. After all, it is this document that guarantees you will join our regiment in the position you have chosen.

* We will take care of the format of the recommendation letter ourselves.

Next is your contract candidate application (we will provide a sample), as well as copies of the required documents.

List of Documents

Passport (pages 1, 3, and 11) / ID card (both sides) – 2 copies;

Proof of residence (if you have an ID card; can be obtained through the Diia app) – 2 copies;

TIN (tax identification number) – 2 copies;

Birth certificate;

Education documents;

Military ID or draft registration certificate;

Employment record book (Form OK-5);

copies of marriage/divorce documents (if available);

birth certificates for the child/children (if available);

driver’s license (if available);

autobiography in two copies – handwritten and typed (it must follow a specific structure; an example will be provided);

a reference from your last place of employment or study;

a criminal record check (can be obtained through the Diia app);

one 9x12 cm photo;

six 3x4 cm photos.

How to get to 1 SAR “Da Vinci”

#3

To enroll specifically at 1 SAR, you must first contact us directly by phone at (067)549 73 49

You can also contact us via messaging apps

Our specialists will provide you with all the necessary information and advise you on the next steps so that you can join us.

You can also contact us after receiving your summons, but only if you have not yet undergone a medical examination and are not currently at the Military Registration and Enlistment Office.

The physical location where you can visit to learn more about the unit is 1 SAR HUB — https://www.instagram.com/hub.davinci.bat. There, you will be provided with all the necessary information.

* SAR HUB is located at 2 General Shapoval Street, Kyiv. Visits require prior arrangement with the Hub administration.>

Military Medical Commission

#4

The Military Medical Commission (MMC) is the body responsible for determining fitness for military service. Based on its findings, citizens are classified as “Fit,” “Limited Fit,” or “Unfit.”

There is an online queue for the MMC, but it is not mandatory.

* For more details about the MMC, visit https://moz.gov.ua/uk/vlk

What is BGMT and how are soldiers trained at the 1st SAR

#5

Basic General Military Training (BGMT) in the Armed Forces of Ukraine lasts 5 weeks and takes place at a training center. All mobilized personnel must complete it. Upon completion, cadets receive a certificate of VOS 100 (rifleman) — the minimum required for further service. The choice of unit does not affect the training center where the training takes place. There, you will gain basic knowledge of marksmanship, first aid, navigation, and other skills.

Once you join our unit, you will undergo specialized training, the duration of which depends on your specialty—from a few weeks to several months. During training, you will gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform tasks as part of the unit.

The decision to implement our own training course was made with the priority of preserving personnel. After all, well-trained fighters perform their tasks more successfully and effectively.

“It’s better to train fighters thoroughly once so that we understand their capabilities and ensure the successful completion of missions. Everyone needs an individualized approach—we seek it out and implement it. That’s why the additional two weeks of training are an investment in personnel retention and unit effectiveness,”– Commander Kasper of the assault company.

What to bring with you
for service

During Basic General Military Training, service members are issued a basic kit. It contains 46 items. You can find the full list of items to be issued in Order of the Minister of Defense No. 232. However, in practice, the training center will likely not issue you the entire set.

At the training center, you will receive
  1. Helmet
  2. Body armor
  3. Ballistic goggles
  4. Combat boots
  5. Camouflage uniform (jacket and pants) – 2 sets for 2 years. Additional pants are also issued once a year
  6. Winter jacket and pants – one set for 2 years
  7. Face mask
  8. Cap
  9. Sleeping mat
  10. Sleeping bag
  11. Orienteering equipment
  12. Tactical gloves
  13. Belt
  14. Carry bag
  15. T-shirts
  16. Socks
  17. Underwear
  18. Towel
  19. Duffel bag
  20. Backpack

What should you bring?

The list below is more of a recommendation, as everyone’s list of items may vary. However, we generally recommend bringing the following items:

Personal hygiene:
  1. Toothpaste
  2. Toothbrush
  3. Shampoo
  4. Toilet paper
  5. Wipes (wet and dry) — a few packs of each
  6. Razor or electric shaver
  7. Nail scissors
  8. Sunscreen
  9. Laundry detergent or laundry detergent pods
  10. Tape
Electrical appliances:
  1. Power bank
  2. Extension cord/splitter
  3. Flashlight (with white light and red light)
Footwear and clothing:
  1. Sneakers/hiking boots (must be comfortable)
  2. Rubber slippers
  3. T-shirts
  4. Underwear
  5. Socks
  6. Fleece/warm jacket (preferably with a hood)
  7. Work gloves
  8. Set of civilian clothes
Miscellaneous:
  1. Regular plastic bags
  2. Zip-top bags
  3. Unbreakable tableware (cup/plate)
  4. Fork, spoon (knife optional)
  5. Needles, thread
  6. Rope and clothespins for drying clothes after washing
  7. Multitool
  8. Matches/lighters
  9. Superglue
  10. Repellents for mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects
  11. Waterproof bag for documents
  12. Compact gas stove and several canisters
  13. Trash bags of various sizes
First aid kit:
  1. Thermometer
  2. Pain relievers
  3. Fever reducers
  4. Activated charcoal
  5. Anti-diarrhea tablets
  6. Antibacterial medications
  7. Bandage
  8. Cotton
  9. Superglue
  10. Antiseptics
  11. Band-Aids
  12. Elastic bandage
  13. Personal medications for chronic conditions
Food:
  1. High-calorie foods: condensed milk, chocolate, nuts, energy bars, muesli
  2. Long-lasting dried fruits
  3. Tea, coffee, salt, sugar
  4. Canned goods: fish / meat
  5. Freeze-dried foods
  6. Crackers, biscuits, cookies
  7. Instant porridges and soups
  8. Vitamin supplements for immunity / endurance
  9. Energy drinks, supplements, dietary supplements, etc.
  10. Honey, jams, preserves
  11. Water

* After passing the basic military training, you will arrive at your unit’s deployment location, where your issued equipment will be checked and you will be provided with everything necessary for further service. If necessary, you will also be provided with items not included in the standard list but required to perform your duties.

Unauthorized Absence from Unit (UAU)

#6

If you wish to voluntarily return from AWOL, 1 SAR actively recruits all service members who have left their military unit without permission. We welcome anyone who:

Self-motivated;

Wants to prove themselves;

Is looking for a unit with a respectful environment and true leaders;

Wants to serve in a unit that delivers real results;

Is eager to work with the latest technologies and equipment;

Is committed to professional development;

Returning to service from the Reserve is possible at a military unit of your choice. To continue serving in our unit, you must first obtain written consent from the regiment commander. To do so, please call: (067) 549 73 49.

* Note: if this is your first instance of desertion, you may be exempt from disciplinary action. You only need to submit a written request to the investigator, prosecutor, or court stating your intention to return.

Following the court’s decision, you will be reinstated in military service with full benefits.

Military personnel can also receive consultation regarding returning from unauthorized absence at 1 SAR HUB. You can visit in person at the following address: Kyiv, 2 General Shapoval St.

Transfer to 1 SAR

#7

If you wish to join our regiment from another unit, you must first contact us to obtain a letter of recommendation. Once you have this letter, you can submit a transfer request via “Army+”. To do this, you must provide:

A copy of your military ID, officer’s ID, or other document confirming your military service;

Approval from your immediate commander—either as a separate document or in the form of approval of the report in “Army+.”

*If there are no grounds for refusing the transfer, the Armed Forces of Ukraine Personnel Center prepares an order (for officers) or a directive (for enlisted personnel, sergeants, and senior non-commissioned officers).

You will subsequently receive information about the signing in “Army+.” After that, the transfer of the service member is carried out in accordance with established procedures.

Your First Day - Month - Year in the 1st SAR

First Day

Upon arrival at the regiment, you’ll go through registration, fill out a form, and submit your documents. Next comes drill instruction, familiarization with the service routine, safety procedures, orders, and internal regulations. You will receive your uniform, protective gear, and initial equipment. You will meet your unit commander and receive your initial assignments. Depending on your assignment, you will undergo training.

The First Month

Next comes combat coordination within a squad, platoon, or crew: training, shooting, and tactical and technical exercises. Personnel in new specialties (FPV, NRC, UAV) undergo basic training under the guidance of instructors. You’ll get acquainted with daily life, procedures for interacting with rear support, medics, and command. Your role in the unit will be defined based on your skills and preferences.

First Year

You become a full-fledged member of the combat unit. You carry out combat missions and participate in operations. As needed, you take specialized courses—in reconnaissance, drones, explosive ordnance disposal, command, and more. You gain experience, build a reputation, and pave the way for career growth: from rifleman to instructor, squad leader, or specialist in a specific field. If you prove yourself, you will be noticed and recognized: you will be eligible for incentives, promotions, transfers to other units, or different service formats.

How to Choose Your Specialty and Find the Right Fit

At 1 SAR, we believe that everyone should be in the right place. That’s why, when you join the regiment, we take into account your skills, experience, and physical and mental condition.

Application and Interview

In the first stage, you fill out an application form: education, military experience, civilian specialty, interests. After that, there is a short interview with a unit representative. The main thing is to honestly state what you want and what you are capable of.

01

Preliminary Assignment

After the interview, you’ll be offered several options based on the units’ actual needs: assault, drones (FPV/UAV), engineering, technical support, communications, staff work, rear support, and logistics. Both your preferences and the operational situation are taken into account.

02

On-Site Evaluation

After the initial assignment, you undergo introductory training. If it turns out during training that the chosen specialty isn’t a good fit, a change is possible. The final decision is made by the commander.

03

Career growth / changing direction

After several months of service, based on the results of your completed tasks, you can submit a request to change your specialty or unit. This is standard practice. The regiment maintains rotation, training, and personnel development.

04

Career Development in the 1st SAR

#8

The 1st Separate Assault Regiment is a unit that offers you the opportunity to grow professionally regardless of your starting level. We always encourage initiative, learning, and a willingness to take on more.

Alongside experienced comrades, you will be able to adapt quickly, master new skills, and find your place in the combat system. There is no indifference in our unit—everyone here is important, and everyone has the opportunity to become stronger.

Basic training

Every fighter completes a basic course in their specialty: assault, FPV, NBC, engineering, communications, logistics, medicine, and more. Newcomers gain the necessary knowledge and practical experience under the guidance of instructors. Even administrative staff are trained in all the intricacies of document management.

01

Advanced training

You will have the opportunity to take additional courses to improve your knowledge and skills.

02

Career advancement

There is a clear chain of command: rifleman → senior rifleman → squad leader → platoon leader, etc. The same applies to technical, drone, and logistics units. Your career depends not on “connections,” but on your reputation, discipline, and effectiveness.

03

Change of position or focus

If you show initiative, responsibility, and deliver results, you can request a transfer to a different field or unit. We support those who strive to grow and change their career path.

04

Involvement in innovative projects

1 SAR — a technology regiment. The best fighters are involved in creating new solutions: drone prototypes, mobile platforms, and engineering systems. Here, you don’t just “serve”—you can actually influence the course of the war.

05

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