Ukrainian Legion volunteers take military oath in Poland

17 November, 2024 Ukrainian Legion volunteers take an oath to the Ukrainian people in Poland. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine In Poland, the first volunteers of the Ukrainian Legion took the military oath of allegiance to the Ukrainian people.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported on this. The oath took place at one of the training grounds of the Polish Armed Forces, where the first group of volunteers took the military oath of allegiance to the Ukrainian people. "Taking the oath is one of the most important and solemn events in a serviceman's life.

For the Legion volunteers, this moment is special because their decision to defend Ukraine is conscious and decisive. The unit is formed of highly motivated soldiers for whom defending their homeland from the aggressor is a matter of honor," Petro Horkusha, a representative of the Legion's command, shared.

Ukrainian Legion volunteers take an oath to the Ukrainian people in Poland. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

After taking the oath of allegiance, the volunteers will begin an intensive military training course that will include a significant amount of drills.

First of all, the military will undergo firearms training (including elements of CQB - Close-quarters battle), tactical medicine, mine safety, topography, and other necessary disciplines. The training will be conducted by experienced Polish instructors and in accordance with NATO standards. In early November 2024, the first volunteers of the Ukrainian Legion signed contracts with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

A volunteer of the Ukrainian Legion signs a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, November 12, 2024.

Photo credits: Ukrinform

The contract signing procedure took place at the recruitment center set up at the Consulate General of Ukraine in Lublin. According to the procedure, the head of the recruiting center asked each volunteer in turn to sign a contract, which they had read in advance. Petro Horkusha, a representative of the recruiting center, noted at a media briefing that more than 600 people have applied to join the Ukrainian Legion so far.

"The Ukrainian Legion is the first volunteer unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine formed from Ukrainians living abroad. The Legion opened recruitment in early October this year and offers service exclusively on a contract basis. The unit is formed in Poland, and NATO instructors conduct training at training grounds in partner countries.

Candidates with Ukrainian citizenship are invited to the recruiting center for an interview with the commander, during which the position is determined, documents are checked, and a referral for a medical examination is issued.

If the medical examination is successful, the volunteer receives a contract signing date, usually two weeks after all checks are completed.