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