SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES Recruiting

Who are we looking for?

We have answers to your questions

• 01

  Contract 18–24: Drones

  This is a contract-based service in the Special Operations Forces for citizens aged 18 to 24, allowing you within 2 years to receive competitive financial compensation, prestigious military experience, and social guarantees unavailable in civilian life.
  

  
  

  Guarantees:
  

  • Contract worth UAH 1,000,000 (UAH 200,000 upon signing the contract and UAH 800,000 paid in two installments during the contract period)

  • Up to UAH 120,000 per month + additional combat mission bonuses

  • Choice of unit and specialty

  • Housing compensation during service

  • Medical care, including dentistry and prosthetics

  • 0.0% mortgage interest after contract completion (“eOselia” program)

  • Free public transport and utility benefits

  • State-funded education within quota limits after contract completion

  • Right to travel abroad after 1 year of service

  • Ability to independently choose the location of the medical commission (VLC)

  
  

• 02

  I have never served and don’t know which position suits me. How do I choose the right specialization?

  First of all, no one is born a soldier — let alone a SOF operator. That’s exactly why SOF Recruiting exists: to help you choose a position and guide you through every stage. Every person is valuable for their skills, experience, and even hobbies. You may not know how to handle a weapon, but you can disassemble engines blindfolded, multiply four-digit numbers instantly, or know how to get internet “out of thin air”. Tell us about yourself — and we will definitely find a role that fits you. If you want to explore on your own, read our blog.
  

• 03

  What if I realize I chose the wrong specialty? Can I change my position?

  If you decide to change your specialty, contact your commander and honestly explain your motivation. In general, changing positions is possible, but it depends on your level of training and the unit’s needs. If you are a critical specialist, command may ask you to transfer your knowledge to others before changing specialization.
  

  
  

  It is better to decide at the basic training stage, because everyone invests a lot of time and resources.
  

• 04

  What are the career growth prospects in SOF? Can I become an officer starting as a soldier?

  Career growth in SOF is absolutely possible — from soldier to officer — but this path requires perseverance. Commanders are interested in developing their personnel, so be ready for hundreds of hours of training, deployments to partner bases, and constant self-improvement.
  

  
  

  You will always find support within the unit, but successful career growth requires honesty, responsibility, leadership qualities, and openness to new knowledge.
  

• 05

  Is it true that I will be sent straight into combat without training? How long does training last before combat missions?

  Of course not. What would you do there without training? This isn’t shooting sparrows with your father’s shotgun. In SOF, training is sacred, and haste doesn’t work here.
  

  
  

  First, you undergo 7 weeks of Basic Combined Arms Training at a training center, mastering soldiering and survival skills. Then you return to your unit for specialized training, lasting 1 to 3 months, depending on your specialty.
  

  
  

  And after that — don’t expect a honeymoon phase. If you are part of a team, your most important stage is just beginning. You will learn to sense your commander’s intentions from kilometers away and read your teammates’ moods instinctively. This takes 3 to 6 months, so combat missions will have to wait.
  

• 06

  Contract or mobilization — which should I choose?

  What do they have in common?

  • Equal base pay and combat bonuses.
  • Some communities provide one-time financial assistance (UAH 20,000–50,000)
  • Demobilization after acquiring the legal right to discharge.

  
  

  Advantages of mobilization:

  • Demobilization after the war (by phases)
  • Penalty and interest relief on loans (excluding mortgages and car loans.

  
  

  Advantages of a contract:

  • Career growth and additional training.
  • Housing compensation (UAH 4,000–8,000 per month).
  • UAH 100,000 after the 1st and 2nd year of service.
  • One-time signing bonus.
  • 50% mortgage compensation.

  
  

  Conclusion: a contract offers development and stability, while mobilization offers demobilization after the war. The choice is yours.
  

• 07

  Will my service be dangerous for my family if they remain in occupied territory?

  Your family’s safety is the first concern for anyone considering joining SOF — and that’s completely normal. Let’s clarify things immediately: your relatives do not automatically become targets just because you choose to serve.First of all, SOF is a professional force operating under strict confidentiality. No one will post photos on TikTok saying “Vitalii from Group 3 is on a mission today.” Your activities will remain classified even from close acquaintances.
  

  
  

  Secondly, if you have relatives in occupied territories, the main risk is careless communication. Minimal information, maximum caution. Never discuss your service — especially over the phone or on social media.
  

  
  

  Thirdly, if you are genuinely concerned, during basic training you will be taught how to communicate safely, what can be said and what must remain private. Information security rules will become your best allies.
  

  
  

  So, the main thing — don’t panic.
  

• 08

  What support is provided if I am wounded or injured?

  If you are wounded or injured, you will not be left alone. The state and SOF will provide medical care, rehabilitation, and financial support.
  

  
  

  What is provided:

  • Full medical treatment and rehabilitation — from day one until full recovery.
  • Financial compensation depending on injury severity.
  • Disability payments in accordance with the law.
  • Social protection for you and your family in case of serious loss of work capacity.

  
  

  SOF is, first and foremost, a PACK — we never abandon our own. You will receive everything necessary to return to service or confidently build a new life.
  

• 09

  How long does it take to join SOF?

  The enlistment process is not instant, but it is clearly structured. From application submission to the start of service, it takes approximately 2.5 months.
  

  
  

  How it works:

  • Application submission — today, right now.
  • Initial interview with the Recruitment Center (up to 3 days).
  • Selection and meeting with the unit commander (up to 7 days).
  • Documentation, security screening, and medical commission (VLC) (up to 30 days).
  • Enrollment in the unit and 7-week basic training.
  • Return to the unit and start of service.

  
  

  If you’re ready — don’t hesitate. SOF is waiting for those ready to act.
  

• 10

  Do we work with AWOL cases?

  Currently, SOF Recruiting does not work with this category of service members.
  

• 11

  What is the transfer procedure for active service members from other branches?

  After submitting the application, a recruiter will contact you and accompany you until your transfer to a SOF unit. You will receive instructions for transfer via Army+ and for passing the mandatory internal security screening.It is important to strictly follow the recruiter’s instructions to ensure the fastest possible processing.
  

  
  

  The next stage is physical and psychological selection at a location determined by the unit. After approval, you will receive an official recommendation letter to upload to the Army+ application.
  

• 12

  Is transfer from the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) or the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) possible?

  At present, transfers from these structures to the SOF are not available. Only internal transfers operate within the NGU and SBGS.
  

• 13

  Is it possible to join the SOF from the age of 18?

  Yes. However, between the ages of 18 and 25 — contract service only.
  

• 14

  What are the requirements to enter the Q-Course?

  The course is available only to active servicemembers who have expressed a desire to join the SOF. Primarily, candidates must have appropriate physical fitness and strong moral resilience.
  

• 15

  I’m worried I won’t pass selection due to weak physical fitness. How can I test myself and prepare?

  The most important thing is your motivation. Most recruits are not fully prepared at first, but with training, everything is possible. Focus on three things: motivation, training, and nutrition.
  

  
  

  Test yourself against the standards:

  • 3 km run — up to 12 minutes;
  • Pull-ups — 15 repetitions;
  • 100 m sprint — 15 seconds.

  
  

  If you don’t meet some standards yet, instructors at the training center will help you improve.
  

  
  

  We also offer an offline preparation program for Kyiv residents and an online format for those from other cities.
  

  
  

  Interested? Contact us!