We present the “Myths and Reality” project, in which the Ground Forces talk about perceptions, fears, and information traps surrounding the military and explain how it really works. In the first episode, myths about recruiting were debunked by 1st Recruitment Center officer, Senior Lieutenant Maksym Tieplov.

For a long time, a “veil of the unknown” dominated relations between citizens and the military. Fear of unpredictability and losing control over one's own fate is a natural reaction to outdated recruitment methods. But today the Ukrainian military is going through a paradigm shift toward people-centered management.

Modern recruiting isn't just a way to fill staff positions, but a strategic approach where the Ukrainian army becomes a space for a conscious career, and professional dignity and the right to choose are the foundation of cooperation.

The point of no return - your right to say “no” until the very last second

The main principle of professional recruiting is complete voluntariness. Unlike forced mechanisms, the path through a recruitment center leaves the candidate the right to stop the process at any stage. Even if you've already passed the military medical commission (VLK) and processed your personal file, you retain the right to change your decision.

The legal and moral point of no return comes only at the moment of signing the contract. Until that moment, you remain a civilian with complete freedom of action. As 1st Recruitment Center officer Tieplov notes, a person can simply go home and continue with their own affairs if they've changed their mind about serving. This is everyone's right until the legal obligations are formalized.
Learn more about perceptions, fears, and information traps around recruiting in the video: