In the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, a nationwide recruitment campaign has been launched, primarily targeting civilian population, named "Step Plus".
This was announced by recruiters and representatives of Main Intelligence Directorate, including Andriy Yusov, during the campaign presentation.
"Military intelligence is typically a highly classified and secretive structure. But new times bring new challenges, and of course, Russian aggression and full-scale invasion have presented a powerful new challenge for us. And we are responding to it with actions," Yusov stated.
Yusov noted that legendary units such as "Kraken", "Group 13", "Kabul-9", "Shaman", and many others, most of which cannot be named, are part of GUR. Now, intelligence officers are seeking specialists not only among military personnel but also among civilian citizens who can be valuable to the state.
"The goal of the campaign is to inform the civilian population that there are vacancies in military intelligence. Individuals with specific skill sets have the opportunity to become operatives," said the head of the recruitment unit of Main Intelligence Directorate.
"Who are we recruiting? Highly qualified professionals with leadership qualities and a desire to win. Both men and women. Those willing to join our team can fill out an application on the website, at 'Secret Recruiter', or at Lobby X," the recruitment unit leader reported.
The active duty department recruiter emphasized that their focus is on combat service.
"We need Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 40 who are physically, morally, and psychologically fit for military service, ready to perform reconnaissance missions on land, in the air, and at sea. We guarantee official mobilization until the end of the military state, or service under contract," the recruiter stated.
Fighters will undergo general military training, receive medical care, and be provided with NATO-standard weapons. All employees are guaranteed a starting salary of at least 70,000 hryvnias. Individuals who abuse alcohol or use drugs are ineligible to serve in the active duty department.
The recruiter of the special technical unit noted that their sphere involves tasks related to various robotic systems and complexes for air, sea, and ground applications.
"We are interested in technical specialists—designers, engineers, radio engineers, master mechanics, and other professionals who understand the design, blueprint reading, radio circuits, and can create their mechanisms manually," the recruiter stated.
They are also interested in those who can operate UAVs already involved in combat missions and those who can quickly learn to use drones of advanced models.
The recruiter of the international legion added that their combat unit includes military personnel from 50 countries worldwide, but Ukrainian citizens can also join. Defence Intelligence Agency stated that the personnel service unit ensures candidate support during the VVK stage and inclusion in the Main Intelligence Directorate personnel lists. Afterward, all candidates undergo a 90-day general military training.
While the active duty department accepts men and women up to 40 years old, other departments allow entry up to 60 years old. "If you are a scientist, we will consider anyone," added one of the recruiters.
A candidate may immediately express interest in a specific specialty. Main Intelligence Directorate emphasized that they do not practice placing candidates where needed without focusing on their own abilities.
"If you are a journalist in civilian life, we will consider you for the stratcom unit (strategic communications). If you are an IT specialist, for the cyber defense unit. If you are a driver, as a driver... We look at your experience and expertise. And then we will ensure your retraining," said the head of the recruiting unit.
Candidates are typically contacted within 10 days. Then, potential operatives undergo various verification stages, which take a certain amount of time.
"Since the beginning of Russian aggression, Main Intelligence Directorate has become more public and open. This applies not only to interaction with the media but also to communication with society, with the world. Recruitment activities have always been conducted, but now is the time to take them to a new level and provide access to individuals from various fields who understand that they can effectively realize themselves within Main Intelligence Directorate," Yusov concluded.
