The Third Army Corps provided details on the specifics of its recruitment model under the conditional early discharge procedure: applications from interested individuals come from many sources, but a personal interview conducted according to a clear protocol is mandatory.
When asked how the selection process works for inmates who have expressed a desire to serve in the military, comrade Manhust said applications from interested individuals come from many sources, including the Ukrainian Army Recruitment Center and hotlines.
"That is, they receive calls from correctional facilities, and those who express a desire to join, for example, the Third Separate Mechanized Brigade – that’s where it comes down to us, to me. Convicts themselves also have the option to use paid IP telephony, and recruitment posters are displayed throughout the facilities – so they see the number, call, sign up, and ask to join. And, of course, word of mouth still works: someone has already been released, someone is already fighting in our ranks and passes on the ‘news’ to correctional facilities that ‘guys, it’s great here, people treat you like a human being here,’ and others start signing up," the soldier said.
The head of the conditional early discharge of the recruitment division added that the Third Army Corps has its own teams of recruiters who travel throughout Ukraine, visiting all correctional facilities.
"We "cover" absolutely every correctional facility. So when we receive a request, the guys compile a list of these people, visit the facility, and invite them for an interview. We always conduct in-person interviews – we do not grant written consent remotely," Manhust said.
According to him, the interview process follows a standardized procedure: there is a clearly defined structure, specific questions are asked, a psychological profile of the individual is established, and their suitability is assessed, among other things. In addition, medical professionals are always present on the recruitment teams, and they are required to conduct an initial medical examination before the candidate undergoes the Medical Examination Commission.
"In other words, even though a convicted person who has enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine will still be required to undergo a medical board examination, our medical professionals first examine the person, ask questions, and conduct a rapid test for viral diseases," the military official said.
He noted that only after this is a written consent form issued to the person wishing to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"We then guide the individual through the medical examination process, prepare their military registration documents, submit the materials to the court that approves the conscription, and we accept them into our ranks," Manhust said.
However, according to him, there are certain legal restrictions on the possibility of enlisting a convict into the army.
"That is, there are restrictions based on specific criminal charges: for example, sex crimes and intentional homicide. Regarding the latter, there are certain provisions that the law prohibits – accordingly, we do not consider such individuals," the Third Army Corps said.
In addition, Manhust said the corps has additional internal rules: a strict ban on drug addicts. Also, according to the Special Forces Directorate, only men can be recruited into the Third Army Corps.
Speaking about age restrictions, Manhust said that since the service involves field operations and involves infantry units, physical condition, health, and age are very important.
"Actually, if a person is over 40, we tend to be more selective. They may feel physically well and strong, but when they put on all their combat gear, under physical strain, carrying heavy loads, and under stress, chronic conditions, for example, tend to surface," the head of the recruitment division said.
However, if a person has already turned 18, they can join the Special Forces, Manhust added.
"The only caveat is that in some cases, the law stipulates that consent from a parent is required until the person turns 21. In other words, the parents must submit a written statement indicating that they have no objections and permit their child to sign a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the corps said.
