News

×

How the 1st Recruitment Center's Odesa office works

Since summer 2025, a stationary point of the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been operating in Odesa.

Recently, a representative of the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the AFU, Kostiantyn Iziumov, visited the Southern Palmyra to talk with recruiters on the spot as a potential candidate.

What came of it — watch in the video. 👇

Want to visit this point too? Reminder: it operates at Odesa's Central Railway Station 🚉📍Also, don't forget that you can start the process of joining Ukraine's Defense Forces remotely as well:

Leave your application on the website of the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Submit Application
instagram
+380 800 503 696

×

155th Brigade named after Anna of Kyiv held recruitment events in the capital and fed people deruny (potato pancakes)

The 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Anna of Kyiv held recruitment events on Podil in the capital.

The 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the AFU joined the event and spoke with the brigade's recruiters.

What came of it — watch in the video. 👇

“The main focus of the event is that we generally promote service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and since we're from the 155th Brigade of Anna of Kyiv, we're inviting people, emphasizing that there's an opportunity to join specifically our brigade,” said Senior Lieutenant Anatoliy Diak, head of the recruitment department of the military unit's headquarters.

The advantage of voluntary recruitment is the ability to choose not just a unit, but a specific position. In other words, to be in the military in your own place.

“You can choose a position according to your civilian skills and abilities. We also work closely with the 1st Recruitment Center, so it's very simple — for a person who has the motivation and desire to join, we select a position, and essentially you're already in our brigade,” Diak notes.

A wide choice of positions and quick mobilization or contract signing is an advantage for candidates joining the AFU through the 1st Recruitment Center, including into the 155th Brigade of Anna of Kyiv.

“We have quite a large list of positions — we have separate mechanized battalions, an unmanned systems battalion, and, for example, an EW company, which also needs specialists. If a person wants to join, that doesn't mean they need to already be a specialist in that field — all of this can be learned and mastered in the process,” Diak emphasizes.

At their recruitment tent on Podil, the brigade's representatives not only talked with potential recruits but also demonstrated the latest weaponry and fed people deruny with sour cream.

“We have deruny and sour cream,” jokes Sergeant Yevheniy Sorokin, an instructor group instructor of the military unit.

He demonstrates the latest weaponry provided to the brigade, in particular by our Western partners.

If you didn't manage to attend the event but want to join the ranks of the 155th Brigade named after Anna of Kyiv — reach out to the 1st Recruitment Center. Together toward Victory!

Leave your application on the website of the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Submit Application
instagram
+380 800 503 696

×

The 1st Recruitment Center is urgently looking for ground robotic system operators

Today, ground unmanned systems aren't “sci-fi of the future” but a real tool that saves lives every day and helps destroy the enemy. If you want to be useful, have a technical streak, and are ready to master complex but necessary things — the ground robotic systems company of the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade could become your unit. The 1st Recruitment Center will help you join it.
Modern war is a clash of technologies. Alongside infantry, artillery, and tank crews on the battlefield, unmanned systems play an increasingly important role. And if everyone has already heard about strike drones, ground robotic platforms often remain “in the shadows,” even though their contribution to saving lives and the success of units on the front is hard to overestimate.
The ground robotic systems company of the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Marko Bezruchko has announced personnel recruitment. The 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the AFU is helping with this, through which you can join the unit as an operator or specialist in ground unmanned platforms.

What is a ground unmanned systems company and what does it do
Ground unmanned systems are remotely controlled platforms that can perform a wide range of tasks without unnecessary risk to servicemen's lives. Depending on the type and configuration, such systems can be used for:

• delivering ammunition, water, and supplies to the front line;
• evacuating the wounded from dangerous areas;
• transporting cargo under fire;
• engineering tasks (bringing fortification materials, helping set up positions);
• reconnaissance and fire correction (with mounted cameras/optics);
• supporting assault actions as auxiliary “iron logistics.”

The ground robotic systems company works “in tandem” with infantry, assault units, and other combat units of the 110th Brigade, helping them carry out tasks with less risk to people. Where fighters previously had to move under fire, a controlled machine can now do part of the work.

Who the 110th Brigade's ground robotic systems company is looking for
The unit needs motivated fighters ready to master modern equipment and work as a team. Specifically needed are:

• ground unmanned systems operators;
• mechanics/technicians for maintaining and repairing the platforms;
• electronics, communications, and control system setup specialists.

Important criteria required of candidates include technical thinking and willingness to learn, attentiveness, discipline, and the ability to follow procedure. Psychological resilience and the ability to work in stressful conditions are also important, and of course - the desire to genuinely influence the combat capability of units and preserve the lives of fellow soldiers.
People with experience are especially welcome:

• in IT, electronics, radio engineering;
• in auto, motor, and agricultural equipment (repair, maintenance);
• in the drone field (even civilian — FPV, industrial UAVs);
• logistics and process organization.

Training and preparation: what awaits a recruit
Having joined the ground robotic systems company through the 1st Recruitment Center, a candidate goes through the standard path:

1. basic combined-arms training (BZVP) – mastering the fundamentals of military service, tactics, marksmanship and drill training, combat medicine;
2. professional training – learning to work with specific types of ground unmanned systems, control panels, video surveillance systems, communication channels;
3. adaptation in the unit – already serving in the brigade, under the guidance of experienced servicemen, the recruit learns to work in combat conditions, with real tasks and interaction with other companies and battalions.

The unit is interested not just in “filling a vacancy,” but in getting a combat-ready specialist who will strengthen the brigade long-term. That's why training is approached systematically, and the recruitment center immediately selects the most suitable position.

Why it's worth joining the military specifically through the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces
The 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the AFU is an “entry point” where:

• you choose the position and unit yourself (including the 110th Brigade's ground robotic systems company);
• you're walked through all possible service options: mobilization, contract, including tracks related to unmanned systems;
• they help gather documents, pass the medical commission and psychological screening;
• they explain the real conditions of service, tasks, and the unit's specifics.

This way, recruiting lets you not just “go into the army,” but consciously choose your place; take into account your civilian experience and inclinations and minimize the feeling of chaos when a person doesn't understand exactly where they'll end up.

How to join the 110th Brigade's ground unmanned systems company
To apply to the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Marko Bezruchko for the ground unmanned systems track, turn to the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the AFU:

• lfrecruiting.mil.gov.ua
  
• hotline: 0 800 503 696 (free)
• additional number: +38 097 902 30 89 (per operator's rate)

When you contact us, mention that you're interested in the 110th Brigade's ground unmanned systems company named after Marko Bezruchko, and recruiters will help you go through all the selection stages.

×

Vox populi: servicemen on the 1st Recruitment Center

The 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the AFU talks a lot about the opportunities and options for voluntarily joining the military. But many wonder — what happens next, how does their fate and service in the military turn out, do they really end up in the positions and units they chose?
So, in cooperation with top Ukrainian online media, we're starting a series of publications about the stories of servicemen who joined the AFU precisely through the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces. Today we present the first feedback, published on LB.UA.

Olena Khomenko, 3rd category sergeant-manager of the personnel department of the 143rd Separate Mechanized Brigade; joined the AFU through the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces at age 19

Please introduce yourself and briefly describe who you are and what you did in civilian life?
I'm Olena Khomenko, born in 2005, and in civilian life I worked in the police security service.
When did you join the military?
In November 2024, I decided to become part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
You joined the AFU through the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces. Tell us how you learned about the Center and how the process went, why did you choose recruiting through the 1st Center?
On a friend's recommendation, I turned to the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces in the city of Poltava. (The 1st Recruitment Center is located in Kyiv, but has offices in various regions of Ukraine, and an office was recently opened in Ternopil – editor's note)
I was met by a very friendly team, who immediately asked what position I'd like, told me about the possible risks, and reassured me, because I was scared. But thanks to such competent staff, all my fears and doubts disappeared.
What was decisive in your choice: a specific position, unit, training duration, or the team? How transparently were the stages explained to you — from application to arriving at the unit?
They told me about my future schedule, my training, and working conditions, but what surprised me was that they told me everything in the most specific way possible, without any doubts or omissions about what awaited me.
The 1st Recruitment Center specialists offered me a lot of vacancies for various positions, but my wish was clerical work, and the representatives of this center helped me choose a unit where I'd feel as comfortable as possible.
What happened after signing the agreement: how did basic combined-arms training go, did you end up in the exact brigade and position you agreed on? How did basic training go: what was most useful, and what was hardest?
After choosing my position and unit and getting approval, I passed the medical commission, gathered the full package of documents, which they told me about and helped me collect, since I didn't understand this very well, and on November 21, 2024, I was already at the military unit, where I was shown how my work would proceed and what it involves.
The next day I was enrolled on the unit's roster and sent for basic combined-arms training. It was very interesting there 🤔 - I was taught to shoot a rifle, how to react in emergency situations, provide first aid, and most importantly - teamwork.
How did the adaptation course help: getting to know the team, equipment, and safety procedures?
After completing the training course, I was sent back to my unit, which I had gone to earlier upon referral from the 1st Recruitment Center. After returning, I began performing my job duties. But the most interesting thing, which surprised me a bit, was that even after this already “completed recruit path,” I still got calls from the 1st Recruitment Center asking how my service was going, whether I liked it, and whether there were any conflicts with the command or fellow soldiers.
How did your further service go: did you stay in the same unit, or did you get a promotion/new role?
Yes, as promised at the 1st Recruitment Center, I got the position of clerk (an enlisted position - editor's note). Currently I hold the position of 3rd category sergeant-manager in the personnel department (a sergeant position, indicating career growth - editor's note).
Would you recommend civilians join through the 1st Recruitment Center to independently choose a position and unit? Why?
After 11 months of service, I can now confidently say that turning to the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of Ukraine is the better decision. Thanks to them, I was able to gain a second family in my unit, without which I can no longer imagine my life. Thank you for your work!
Interviewed by 1st Recruitment Center officer
of the Ground Forces of the AFU Illia Abel

Leave your application on the website of the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Submit Application
instagram
+380 800 503 696

×

The 1st Recruitment Center presents Ground Forces units: the 61st Separate Mechanized “Stepova” (Steppe) Brigade

The 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the AFU helps people join military service in the most convenient and predictable way — through mobilization or by contract, with the ability to independently choose a position and unit from the available list of vacancies. To make the choice easier for future servicemen, we're starting a series of publications about Ground Forces formations. First in focus — the 61st Separate Mechanized “Stepova” (Steppe) Brigade.

Who they are
The 61st Separate Mechanized “Stepova” Brigade is a Ground Forces combat formation, formed in 2015. The unit evolved from a motorized infantry/jäger format into a mechanized one, and in 2022 received the honorary title “Stepova.” Among its tasks are operations in difficult terrain (forests, wetlands), which requires flexibility and high standards of training among personnel.

Experience of modern warfare
During the full-scale invasion, the brigade carried out combat missions in the southern direction, including participating in the liberation of Kherson and the Kherson region, fighting near Soledar and in the Avdiivka direction, and distinguishing itself in operations on other sections of the front.
In 2024-2025, the unit was mentioned in reports on operations in the border region of russia, which highlights its maneuverability and readiness for complex modern warfare operations.

Composition and capabilities (in brief)
The brigade's structure includes mechanized battalions, a tank component, artillery (including rocket artillery), air defense units, engineering support, communications, reconnaissance, a sniper company, as well as UAV and electronic warfare units. This allows it to perform a wide range of tasks — from mobile defense to offensive actions with close coordination of maneuver and fire assets.
Worth noting separately is its work with engineering equipment and bridging/crossing solutions — open sources have reported the use of new pontoon systems that improve mobility and the pace of operations.

Who might be interested in joining
Given the brigade's profile and tasks, the following may be in demand:

• mechanized units (rifle/assault specialties);
• drivers and logistics specialists (evacuation, supply);
• artillerymen (tube/rocket artillery, fire correction);
• signalers and IT specialists (network solutions, communication equipment, cyber hygiene);
• UAV operators/technicians (operation, maintenance, repair);
• engineering specialties (mine-blasting operations, crossings, fortifications);
• medical specialists (pre-medical aid, stabilization, evacuation).

The current list of vacancies for the 61st Separate Mechanized Brigade is published on the official website of the 1st Recruitment Center; there you'll also find conditions, candidate requirements, and the recruit's path with first steps in the military.

Contract 18-24
The Stepova Brigade also participates in the “18-24 Contract” project, under which every recruit receives an additional UAH 1 million reward. Join the Stepova Brigade to crush the enemy together and be useful to your country – free people choose to fight, fight together with the 61st brigade! The enemy would do well to remember the “Stepovyky's” motto Noli Me Calcare (Don't tread on me) and steer clear.

Why go through the 1st Recruitment Center
A transparent choice: you see real positions and units, consult with recruiters, and choose a path suited to your skills and motivation.
A clear route: from submitting your application to basic training, professional courses, and adaptation in the brigade.
Support at every stage: with documents, the medical commission, choosing a specialty, and explaining service conditions.

How to apply specifically to the 61st Brigade
Follow the link to the brigade's card on the official website of the 1st Recruitment Center to leave an application and get a consultation: lfrecruiting.mil.gov.ua or call +380 800 503 696

×

New “Front and Rear” episode with the heroes of the 92nd Brigade

A new episode of the “Front and Rear” project about the legendary 92nd Separate Assault Brigade named after Otaman Ivan Sirko has been released on the official YouTube channel of the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the AFU. You have the chance to see the unit's life from the inside, get to know modern military specialties and incredible people — soldiers who bring our shared Victory closer every day! Enjoy watching, and we look forward to your comments under the video with your thoughts on the project and its main heroes — the soldiers of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade named after Otaman Ivan Sirko and the representatives of the 1st Recruitment Center.

Leave your application on the website of the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Submit Application
instagram
+380 800 503 696

×

The 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the AFU took part in “DYKA GONKA” (Wild Race)

We didn't win, but we got a boost of positive energy and drive from the “wild” competition.

Another stage of “DYKA GONKA. Autumn” took place on Venetian Island in the capital of Ukraine. “DYKA GONKA” is a real challenge, as professional athletes compete alongside amateurs and military personnel. That's why the level of competition is quite high. As in previous stages, representatives of the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the AFU also took part in the race this time.

Among more than 200 servicemen from various branches of the military, Kostia Iziumov, known to most as the morning voice of Bayraktar radio, competed for the first time as a representative of the 1st Recruitment Center.

What is this competition
DYKA GONKA is a unique combination of three types of activity: cross-country running, overcoming dizzying obstacles, and battling the challenges of nature. Participants faced a new track, new obstacles, new distances, but the same friendly atmosphere.

Representatives of the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the AFU also ran, climbed, jumped, overcame both artificial and natural obstacles, and made their way through a breathtaking route designed to challenge them at every stage. After all, there are no strangers here — all participants and fans are one “wild” family that creates an unforgettable atmosphere.



Unfortunately, our representatives didn't manage to win, but everyone got a good dose of optimism and positive energy. So there's motivation to return for the next stage and improve the result. Although, of course, the main thing at such events isn't victory but participation and the chance to meet fellow soldiers in a friendly civilian atmosphere amid an ongoing war.



Leave your application on the website of the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Submit Application
instagram
+380 800 503 696

×

FRONT AND REAR / 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “ACHILLES” / part 3

The 1st Recruitment Center continues introducing you to the 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “Achilles.”
In part three of our military travel show “Front and Rear,” we invite you to dive into the work of other sub-units and meet wonderful, talented, and inspired defenders.
So, part three of “Front and Rear” — here it is! Enjoy watching.
The 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces – together toward victory!

Leave your application on the website of the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Submit Application
instagram
+380 800 503 696

×

The 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the AFU has opened in Ternopil

Recruiting is gaining momentum in Ukraine. The number of people mobilizing or signing a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces is steadily growing. To make this process more convenient and comfortable for citizens, the Center's chief, Lieutenant Colonel Ruslan Furdylo, decided to open regional offices. Today such offices operate in the cities of Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Sumy, and now the fine city of Ternopil joins this group.

An office of the 1st Recruitment Center has opened at Ternopil's central railway station, where everyone interested can get the full range of services from Ground Forces recruiters.

“The most comfortable conditions for joining the Ground Forces, professional recruiters who make every effort to help the recruit, a large list of positions and units, as well as support throughout the entire recruiting process — these are the advantages that help the 1st Center earn people's trust,” said Illia Abel, an officer of the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces.

The opportunity to learn more information and talk with recruiters who are combat veterans — and therefore can advise from their own experience on what to choose — is very important for many Ternopil residents.

No need to travel to Lviv anymore

As recruiters from the 1st Center note, their main advantage is full freedom of choice and maximum control by recruits over the process of mobilization or signing a contract, including under the “18-24 Contract” project.

“After our consultation, the candidate decides which position they want, tells us about their education and expectations from service. We select a military unit, they approve it, undergo psychological tests and the military medical commission. Then we process the personal file — and the candidate heads off to basic combined-arms training,” says Dmytro Andreichyk, a recruiter at the stationary point.

The 1st Recruitment Center provides professional personnel to all priority units of the Ground Forces of the AFU, including under the “18-24 Contract” project.

“Here we help with choosing a position and unit, undergoing the military medical commission and psychological screening, and provide professional consultations on entering military service. If desired, we accompany the person at all stages of joining the Ground Forces,” says Alla Punko, an officer of the 1st Recruitment Center.

The 1st Recruitment Center also reported that they don't plan to stop, so new regional offices can be expected to open in the near future. If you don't want to wait any longer, and an office hasn't yet opened in your city, submit an application on the official website or call the hotline.

Apply through the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Submit Application
instagram
+380 800 503 696

×

Premiere coming soon: a new “Front and Rear” episode with the heroes of the 92nd Brigade!

Very soon, a new episode about the legendary 92nd Separate Assault Brigade named after Otaman Ivan Sirko will air on the YouTube channel of the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces. We'll show you the unit's life from the inside, introduce you to modern military specialties, and to incredible people — soldiers who bring our shared Victory closer every day!
Bringing victory closer together!

Apply through the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Submit Application
instagram
+380 800 503 696