Project "Contract 18-24" for UAH 1 million and year of service: Ministry of Defence invites volunteer fighters to join AFU. INFOGRAPHICS
On 11 February, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine officially launched the Contract 18-24 project, a voluntary initiative for Ukrainians aged 18-24 who are ready to join the Defence Forces for one year. Among the bonuses for young people is the right to travel abroad after a year of service.
This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Defence, Censor.NET reports.
Voluntary contract for young people aged 18-24
It is noted that the project opens up new opportunities for volunteer fighters aged 18-24: decent financial remuneration, professional combat training in accordance with NATO standards, and social guarantees that no civilian profession provides.
The main emphasis is on voluntariness. Signing a contract is a conscious choice of everyone who wants to contribute to the defence of the country and get real opportunities for personal development, the agency said.
"The 18-24 contract is not coercion, mobilisation or obligation. It is an opportunity for people to make a conscious choice, gain combat experience and financial stability in just one year. It is up to the volunteer to decide whether to continue serving or return to civilian life, having unique prospects," said Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umierov.
What does "Contract 18-24" offer?
"The 18-24 contract offers financial stability guaranteed by the state: a contract for UAH 1,000,000, of which UAH 200,000 is paid immediately and the rest is paid during service.
The Ministry of Defence noted that volunteer fighters will receive a monthly salary of up to UAH 120,000, have the possibility of a zero-coupon mortgage, training at public expense, free medical care, including dental prosthetics, and the right to travel abroad after a year of service.
The law also guarantees exemption from mobilisation for 12 months after the end of the contract.
"We are creating conditions in which service becomes prestigious and competitive. Ukrainians who join the Defence Forces will receive everything they need: the best training, high salaries, social guarantees and career opportunities," Rustem Umerov added.
You can apply online at 18-24.army.gov.ua or through the Reserve+ application with the next update. The next step is to consult with a recruiter, sign a contract and undergo training in combat units.
"The Ukrainian army is changing. It is becoming modern, strong and flexible. "Contract 18-24 is one of the steps towards the formation of a new level of professional army, where every volunteer soldier is a value and strength of our defence," the head of the Ministry of Defence concluded.
What preceded it?
Earlier, the deputy head of the Presidential Administration, Pavlo Palisa, said that Ukraine was exploring new ways to recruit people into the army, as the current conscription system, inherited from the Soviet era, was slowing down progress.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukrainians aged 18 to 24 who sign contracts to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be able to earn UAH 1 million a year.
