Finding the right fit: How Ukrainians navigate recruitment and roles in the armed forces

What's the problem?

As US officials are holding bilateral talks to halt the fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war — and assert that attacks have partially subsided — Russia continues its full-scale invasion. Airstrikes still rain down on Ukrainian territory, and Russian forces are launching new assaults along nearly the entire front line.

Ukraine fights back and works to attract more people to its army because it realizes it needs more people. Members of the previous US administration said that manpower was the key factor on the battlefield and that Ukraine "needs to do more." Ukrainian soldiers have also spoken openly about the need for increased mobilization. 

While Ukraine's military leadership tries to devise better solutions to grow troops, like the Contract 18–24 initiative of the Ministry of Defense to recruit young people into the armed forces, Ukrainians are stepping up and joining the army ranks. Last fall, the Ministry of Defense reported that, on average, 6,500 volunteers joined the Armed Forces each month through recruiting centers. 

But how do they choose a military role that actually suits them? There are many options. Just one local job search website, Work.ua, lists over 8,500 vacancies in the Defense Forces. Rubryka asked the soldiers of the 3rd Battalion of the 429th Achilles Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment in the Ukrainian Ground Forces about their recruitment experiences.

Insights from a Ukrainian military recruiter

Prometheus joined the 3rd Battalion voluntarily. It all started when he signed a contract and joined the 5th Assault Battalion of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade. He spent a year in an assault company, taking part in combat missions. Later, he transferred within the same brigade to the artillery unit, where he became the commander of a self-propelled artillery squad.

After that, Prometheus completed officer training and received the rank of Junior Lieutenant. Only then was he assigned to the Achilles battalion — this time as a deputy company commander.

"I didn't have a specific position in Achilles in mind at first," Prometheus says. "But thanks to my previous experience, the support of my commanders, and my own drive to grow, I was placed where I could make the most of my potential."

Prometheus. Photo courtesy of the soldier

Today, Prometheus serves as the battalion's deputy commander. He supports soldiers' mental well-being, handles official paperwork, and is also responsible for recruitment.

According to Prometheus, Ukrainians join the military through contract or mobilization. Contract service means you're voluntarily joining the forces, and you have the right to choose your place and position of service. Mobilization, on the other hand, includes mandatory enlistment under current law (when those liable for service receive draft notices and are assigned where the army needs them). There's also a voluntary mobilization, when someone chooses to join a specific unit on their initiative, bypassing the Territorial Recruitment Centers. In other words, voluntary service is possible through both paths. The Ministry of Defense has already provided a detailed breakdown of the differences.

As for the Achilles Regiment and the 3rd Battalion specifically, you can join by mobilization or contract. The first step is filling out a form to help the unit assess your skills, experience, and preferences regarding the type of role you'd like to take on.

The ones who follow these steps can find the right place for themselves in the army:

1. Speaking up. If recruits don't know where they want to go, they need to say so during the recruitment. Asking questions (about opportunities, duties, and conditions) is paramount. The more a potential soldier learns, the easier it is to make an informed decision.
2. Considering your skills and experience. It's not just about combat, Prometheus says. Technical, organizational, analytical, and logistical skills are all valuable in the army. A soldier might be needed in ways they hadn't even considered.
3. Talking to those already serving. Active service members can share their perspectives, recommend units, and give a realistic idea of what to expect.
4. Not just choosing a position, but choosing a team. Prometheus stresses that a soldier's comfort depends not only on what they're doing, but also on who they're doing it with. Often, it's the people who make all the difference.
5. Accepting change. If the first role doesn't suit a soldier, they have other options: internal transfers, training, and growth opportunities. The key is to communicate with the command and not isolate oneself.

Prometheus adds that transfers within the Armed Forces are standard and can happen under different circumstances. A soldier can request a transfer to a different role or unit by submitting a formal report. The command makes the final decision, considering the unit's needs and the soldier's professional qualities. The crew can also initiate transfers if its structure changes, new roles open up, or there's a pressing need for personnel.

Soldiers may also be reassigned to different positions due to professional development, health issues, or psychological well-being.

Illustrative photo: Facebook / Achilles – 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment

When it comes to recruitment, Prometheus says that for him, it's not just about getting someone to sign up — it's about helping them find their place in the unit. That's why he starts every interaction with a recruit by having an open conversation. He asks about their background, motivation, physical and psychological condition, and any prior skills that might be useful in the military.

"My goal isn't to fill a vacancy. It's to give someone the opportunity to truly realize themselves in an environment where they can feel comfortable and be effective. We always consider people's preferences, conduct interviews with company commanders, and let recruits talk with their potential comrades so they can feel whether this is the right place," says the battalion's deputy commander.

Prometheus also stresses how important it is for a soldier to adapt gradually and to be supported by more experienced soldiers, training, and practice. He believes that only when someone feels confident and understands their role can they be of value.

He believes successful recruitment is all about honesty, empathy, and solid communication. The unit has to be upfront about the realities of service — the risks and challenges — but also respect a soldier's motivation, listen to them, and consider their preferences. On top of that, recruitment only works when it's a team effort, supported by commanders and comrades who help welcome newcomers into the fold.

Soldier stories

Zoria. Photo courtesy of the soldier

Before the war, Zoria worked in marketing. After the full-scale invasion began, she started helping deliver cars from Poland to Ukraine's Armed Forces.

In February 2024, she took a civilian first-aid course. She did so well that her instructor, known by the call sign "Grandpa Spider," invited her to become an instructor. At that time, Zoria hadn't planned on joining the military, but she stayed in touch with Grandpa Spider.

"I took that course as a civilian because there were so many missile strikes across Ukraine back then, including in Kyiv. I just wanted to know how to help someone if something happened. It was a conscious decision to go learn something that might save a life. We're at war, and it's important to understand what to do if something hits nearby," Zoria recalls.

In June, Zoria joined the Bucha Volunteer Territorial Defense unit, working for five months as a driver in a mobile air defense group called the Bucha Witches. Thanks to her strong training foundation from February and her dedication — reading and watching material on tactical medical aid for soldiers on the battlefield  — Zoria decided she wanted to take that path more seriously.

In late August, Zoria entered a brigade training program focused on tactical combat casualty care. She passed the course on her first try and earned certification as a Combat Medic (CMC). After that, Grandpa Spider, who had since joined the Achilles unit as a combat medic, invited her to come aboard. So, in November, Zoria mobilized, completed basic training, and has served in the 3rd Battalion since February.

Zoria believes assessing your strengths and determining where you'll be valuable and fulfilled is vital.

She suggests testing yourself before committing to military service. For example, if you're interested in combat medicine, there are many courses at different levels. Other military specialties offer similar options. The 3rd Assault Brigade, for example, runs weeklong boot camps for civilians, where you can try out battlefield medicine, explosives training, and more. You can even find drone training courses in Ukraine.

Zoria says the key is to treat these training programs not like games but as a serious way to identify one's strengths.

She also advises reaching out to recruiters in specific units. They can help match you with the proper role based on your experience and goals, and talking to a recruiter doesn't lock you into anything.

The soldier known as "Hryb" has been serving in the Achilles for seven months. He joined before it was formally upgraded to a regiment this past January. He's been in the 3rd Battalion for a month.

He volunteered for mobilization, knowing he wanted to work with FPV drones, but wasn't sure where to go. While still a civilian, he took courses at the Global Drone Academy, where he learned to pilot drones and picked up some basic drone engineering.

While training, Hryb started researching military units he might join. With few friends in the military, he turned to the soldiers' social media pages. Achilles came up often — instructors in his courses spoke highly of the unit. Eventually, he got a contact, reached out, went through the necessary steps, and joined what was then still a battalion.

Hryb says that what mattered most in choosing a unit was personal recommendations. They gave him a realistic picture of what to expect. And once inside the unit, his expectations lined up with reality.

Hryb. Photo courtesy of the soldier

At first, Hryb was assigned to the aerial reconnaissance company. But when the battalion grew into a regiment, new roles opened up. Hryb took the initiative to transfer to an FPV drone operator position — the job he'd wanted from the beginning. He points out that transfers can happen without structural changes to a unit.

"But it's not about showing up and demanding to do what you want only," he explains. "Try out the position you're given. If it works out, great. If not, talk to your commanders and explain what's not working. There's always someone who wants your role, and you might be a better fit for theirs."

Based on his path and what he's seen from others, Hryb has advice for people who know what they want and those still figuring it out.

He says joining by contract is the better option if you already know the position or specialty you're aiming for. It lets you choose your unit and role according to your military occupational specialty.

Like Zoria, Hryb stresses the need to gain experience while still a civilian. If you know your desired role, try to learn more about it through courses, talking to people already working in that field, or reading up on it online.

If you're not sure yet, ask around. Friends and acquaintances in the military, or even military figures on social media, can offer valuable guidance — that's how Hryb navigated his path.

Hryb also recommends using recruiting platforms like Lobby X. These can show you what specialists are in demand and help you connect with the right unit. You can also check for positions on sites like Work.ua, Robota.ua, or Olx.ua.

Hryb and Zoria stress one final, crucial point: physical preparation matters. Strength and fitness will help you in any role you take on in the military.

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