How to join the 141st Separate Mechanized Brigade: step by step

The path from the decision to your first day in the unit consists of nine steps. We break down each one — with real timeframes, a list of documents and an explanation of where exactly you get to choose and where the decision is made by a board.

Who can sign a contract

• Age — from 18 to 60. After 60, a contract is possible for medically fit citizens at the request of the military unit’s commander.
• Health — fitness is determined by the military medical board (VLK).
• Citizenship — citizens of Ukraine. A separate procedure applies to foreigners and stateless persons.

Separately, there is the “Contract 18–24” programme for young people under 25: a term of 1–2 years, a one-off payment of UAH 1 million and a choice between the infantry, unmanned systems units and robotic systems units. Applications are submitted via 18-24.army.gov.ua, the “Reserve+” app or recruitment centres.

Nine steps

1. Choose a position. The list of open 141st SMB vacancies is at 141.army/vacancies/. Each listing sets out the duties, requirements and pay. This is the most important step: it is your choice of position that determines what your service will look like day to day.
2. Submit an application. Fill in the form at 141.army/anketa/ or call: +380 73 141 48 08. You can also write to recruiting@141.army or to our official page on Facebook
3. Interview with a recruiter. A conversation about your experience, motivation and which positions genuinely suit you. You can ask any questions here — about conditions, training and pay.
4. Interview with the unit. A conversation with the people you will serve with: duties, place of service and expectations on both sides are clarified.
5. Letter of recommendation. The military unit confirms in writing that it agrees to accept the candidate for a specific position. Without this document, the next steps are impossible.
6. Documents. Passport, taxpayer identification number, education documents, information on marital status, employment history, photographs. The recruiter will tell you the exact list — it depends on the position.
7. VLK and psychological screening. The military medical board determines medical fitness. Professional psychological screening takes place in parallel.
8. Signing the contract. It is completed digitally via the “Army+” app.
9. Training. Basic military training, followed by specialist training in your field. After training, you arrive at your unit in the position you chose.

How long basic training lasts

Basic military training (BZVP) lasts 51 days, of which 42 are training days. Since July 2025, all training centres of the Armed Forces have been working under the sixth edition of the programme.

Programme structure:

• 1 day — introduction to military service;
• 21 days — individual training;
• 17 days — operating as part of a unit;
• 3 days — comprehensive tactical exercise.

If you sign a 14-month infantry assault contract, basic training is included in that term rather than added to it.

What you can and cannot choose

With a contract with a specific unit, you choose your position and unit — a fundamental difference from being called up through the TCC (territorial recruitment centre), where assignments are determined by the needs of the army.

What does not depend on the candidate’s choice: the VLK’s fitness findings, completing basic training, and the unit’s decision on whether to accept you for a specific position.