Six brigades of AF have been involved in implementation of "Contract 18-24" project – Palisa
As of today, 6 Ukrainian brigades have been involved in the implementation of the recruitment reform and the pilot project "Contract 18-24" for volunteer fighters.
Deputy Head of the Office of the President Pavlo Palisa said this in an interview with the "Commanders of Our Victory" project, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrinform.
"Currently, six brigades are involved in the experiment: four ground, one airborne and one marine. Why six? This will allow us to analyze the entire process: how a citizen gets into a military unit, receives financial and material support, undergoes training, and in what conditions he or she serves. This is a test period during which we will be able to eliminate possible shortcomings," he explained.
Palisa emphasized that the key task of this project is to create a system in which servicemen feel protected and have equal rights.
The main thing is that a person who joins the service should understand that the state does not deceive him or her. All servicemen aged 18 to 24 who hold relevant positions and signed a contract before the introduction of the pilot program will receive the same conditions and benefits as current contract servicemen," said the colonel.
At the same time, he said, the list of brigades is planned to be expanded after the test period.
They are also considering recruiting a wider category of Ukrainian citizens, including those who have received a deferment from mobilization, have been released from the Armed Forces under a deferral, or have a military exemption.
We aim to make the Armed Forces of Ukraine a competitive player in the labor market. We are considering an option in which mobilized Ukrainian citizens will be able to sign a contract with a fixed term of service under clear and transparent conditions. For example, those mobilized in 2022 will have the opportunity to sign a contract and be discharged after six months. Citizens mobilized in 2023 could be discharged in approximately 10–12 months, while those mobilized in 2024 would serve for a longer period," Palisa said.
Palisa also emphasizes that it is planned to improve conditions for those who have been on the front line since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
"We understand that we cannot discharge everyone at the same time, because it would mean leaving the frontline without cover. That is why we are approaching this issue comprehensively, taking into account various factors," he said.
The deputy head of the OP noted that the main goal of the reform is to gradually abandon mobilization and move to voluntary recruitment.
"Mobilization is perceived ambiguously by society. But I am convinced that we are moving towards a time when people will voluntarily join the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The question is how to motivate them and what approaches to use. This is a complex process that requires in-depth analysis and work. But, in my opinion, this is the right way," he summarized.
As a reminder, on February 11, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine officially launched the Contract 18-24 voluntary service format for Ukrainians who are ready to join the Defense Forces for one year.
The Ministry emphasized that joining the Defense Forces under this project is not mobilization but a voluntary choice.
