Before Ukraine stands the task of forming a modern, motivated, and professional army. That is precisely why the state is updating the approach to contract service — it is introducing transparent conditions, understandable terms, and competitive monetary support.
BlueBird Tech, a producer of military technologies for military needs, created this article in order to simply and accessibly explain what the new contracts of the AFU provide for, which payments are offered to the military, and how to process monetary support.
About the Contract in the AFU in Simple Language
A contract in the AFU is an official agreement between a serviceman and the state about undergoing service for a defined term. Its main goal is to give the military predictability, stability, and a fair system of payment.
According to the updated model, which is at final approval:
- the term of the contract can be chosen — from 1 to 5 years;
- the document can be signed by both new candidates and those who already serve;
- a serviceman can choose a brigade and a position (in agreement with the command);
- after the completion of a contract of 2–5 years, 12 months of deferment from mobilization are provided for;
- monetary support becomes more stable and understandable.
The Ministry of Defense states that it is precisely such a model that will bring the Ukrainian army closer to European standards of professional service.
Who Can Sign a Contract
A contract can be signed by:
- active servicemen who wish to transfer to the new conditions;
- the mobilized who want to receive a predictable term of service and a fixed system of payments;
- volunteers and citizens of Ukraine who did not serve earlier but are ready to join the defense of the state;
- the military of various specialties — from infantry to technical specialists, signalmen, medics, and so on.
The exact criteria and medical requirements are formed according to the general principle: all who correspond to the standards of health, education, and professional fitness will be able to serve under the new contracts.
If you are only planning to join the army and want to understand how the army is arranged in general, we recommend becoming acquainted with the material about the military ranks and structure of the AFU.
Payments Under the Contract: What Changed
A key part of the reform is precisely financial motivation. Under the new contracts, the state introduces a stable and predictable system of payments:
- 50,000 – 60,000 UAH of base monetary support per month;
- the sum is accrued without taking into account supplements and combat surcharges — they are added separately;
- bonuses for signing the contract are provided for — the sum depends on the term (the longer the contract, the greater the reward);
- additional surcharges for combat tasks, special conditions of service, and specific military specialties;
- compensations and social guarantees remain in effect and are updated in accordance with the decisions of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ministry of Defense.
Thus, the new contracts of the AFU and payments form a more competitive, stable, and understandable financial system for the military.
What Needs to Be Done to Receive Payments
In order to receive the provided monetary support, a serviceman needs to:
- Sign a contract for 1–5 years at the Recruitment Center or in one’s own unit.
- Choose a brigade and a position (with the consent of the command).
- Provide all documents for the processing of monetary support to the personnel subdivision.
- Correctly fulfill the conditions of service — from discipline to the tasks of the position.
- Process supplements and additional payments through the financial body of the unit.
Payments are made monthly, and additional supplements are accrued in accordance with participation in battles, tasks, or the specifics of service.