How do you volunteer to join Ukraine's defense forces? How can veterans help?

SSG Carlos Madden — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 17:54:19 -0500

I'm wondering the process is for an individual to get boots on the ground in Ukraine if they choose. Addionally I'm curious about some of the followng:
- Are US citizens even legally allowed to do this?
- How are these volunteers vetted by the Ukrainian government?
- Will you get paid and fed?
- Do you have to bring your own gear or is that provided?
- How are you integrated into a unit? How are you organized?

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Mar 7 at 2022 6:06 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 18:06:35 -0500

SSG Carlos Madden All good questions but I do have a comment on one item. If you are dedicated enough to want to volunteer to help Ukraine, I wouldn't expect to get paid.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Mar 7 at 2022 6:51 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 18:51:41 -0500

I read something a few days ago, but can't remember where. The basics were to contact the Ukrainian embassy; fill out an application and then be interviewed for them to decide if they want you to go help. That would also be my guess as where to get most questions answered as well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2022 9:23 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 21:23:21 -0500

I caution against this for those of us who still have a pathway back into US military service.

1) You're over all contribution to the fight against Russia will be most utilized where you are now.
2) I really think US service members wont have long to wait. So do you want to go in as a SSG or some dude with a US passport that is only there to pull a trigger.
3) You will be on your own, dependent on the whims of the Ukrainians and lord forbid the Russians if they get their hands on you as a non US military soldier. They will write their own rules.
4) How you get back home is entirely unknown. It could very well be, OK thanks, we don't need you anymore. You have boots and a passport, so start walking west.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2022 1:17 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 01:17:42 -0500

SSG Carlos Madden Military Times spells it out pretty good.

https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/ukraine/2022/02/27/want-to-go-fight-for-ukraine-heres-what-to-do/

Want to go fight for Ukraine? Here’s what to do.

Here are the six steps you need to take if you want to help Ukraine fight.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 8 at 2022 9:40 AM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 09:40:16 -0500

Someone else shared the link to the Military Times article. US citizens can indeed generally serve in foreign militaries.
Based on the information in that article, it appears they do vet applicants and that you should bring at least some of your gear. "On a volunteer basis" sounds like you may not get paid.
I read something where someone told how he arrived at his unit while they were in contact and upon finding out that he was the new guy he was directed to where to obtain a weapon.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2022 9:30 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 21:30:31 -0400

https://ukrforeignlegion.com

International Legion of Defence of Ukraine (ILDU): Join Ukraine’s Foreign Legion.

Fight for freedom. Join the brave. Enlist Now.

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Mar 15 at 2022 9:39 PM

SSG Byron Hewett — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 21:39:32 -0400

U.S. law does permit any U.S.citizen to volunteer as long as you are NOT volunteering to help fight against the United States, if you decide to use caution because that doesn’t mean a prosecutor somewhere won’t get a burr under their saddle and try to find some sort of crime to charge you with upon return to the states, service members are not authorized to volunteer it is against the law unless you get something to help cut through all the red tape but I can be done. If you do this make sure you have all the information available to protect your legal rights as a citizen.
Good luck to all of you my brothers and sisters and stay safe and keep your heads down and make every shot count and remember 1shot 1 kill follow the rules of war and the ROEs and the Geneva convention

Response by SGM Ronald Cheatom made Mar 16 at 2022 5:48 AM

SGM Ronald Cheatom — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 05:48:08 -0400

Sorry Staff. I can't answer that. I know people who went to fight with the Peshmerga against ISIS. They were provided weapons, and minimal equipment, but told me it's better to outfit yourself.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 16 at 2022 9:47 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 09:47:40 -0400

It is not unheard of. WWI, volunteers fought(many pilots) for the French until the U.S. came into the war. Spanish Civil war, there was an American Bde. Before U.S. entered WWII, pilots flew for the English until U.S. entered, then they came home.
There is an international Bde set up and I know Mercs are headed there. I'm guessing you would be put there. I wouldn't count on pay, if it comes great. Fed, I'm guessing yes but don't expect the best or like the U.S. Really doubt if there is a vetting system, come one, come all. Better have all your ducks in a row before you go. Make sure you check your ego at the boarder, I have served with Americans who'd never been outside the U.S., our way is not the only way. I would take a couple good pair of boots, who knows what you would be issued. Better be familiar with Russian type weapons. Make sure you got money for the ride home. Want to go for it, if you are in the Guard or Reserve, or IRR be careful. Lots of sticky situations there. Want to go, have fun.

Response by SGT Nel Despradel made Mar 16 at 2022 2:15 PM

SGT Nel Despradel — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:15:36 -0400

Please search an article about this in army.com? The Constitution, do not allow anyone receiving benefits, to fight for another country. But You can request permission from your Branch of service. Also, if volunteering, not travel expenses, money etc. are allowed. I think it is much better to help from here sending them supplies, food etc.; than going to fight, remember that the modern Russia was born in Ukraine, and this is more than a family dispute going to the extremes, like during the First and Second War.

Response by LTC Michael Hrycak made Mar 16 at 2022 4:55 PM

LTC Michael Hrycak — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 16:55:49 -0400

Currently, the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Force has an algorithm of how to apply. But I don't know if they are conducting SRP's (Soldier Readiness Processing). I would think the background check, aside from DD214 showing military experience, including a combat zone, and some kind of military resume would be needed. I read the article below, posted by MSG Borders, and have met the Georgian lieutenant colonel mentioned. They have been absorbed into the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2016. As a result, I would expect a more orderly process.

Response by SGT Jason Scholte made Mar 16 at 2022 7:04 PM

SGT Jason Scholte — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 19:04:04 -0400

Stay stateside. Russia and Ukraine are but a spark.

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made Mar 29 at 2022 9:42 AM

SFC Douglas Duckett — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 09:42:40 -0400

Not our fight....Risks outweigh the gains.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2022 1:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 13:23:26 -0400

Either way, I would be willing to go fight as a civilian combat veteran, or if there is a possibility of being recalled. If I were to be able to go over on my own, Id appreciate a ride, but I would find my own way there and back if need be. Hell, I might just make a new home in the Ukraine.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2022 2:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 14:48:41 -0400

I give my opinion here as being a veteran in civilian life. I think my profile says that I am still in, but for reasons, I have not been on here in a few years, and the site wont let me input my correct ETS date. I have read the comments above, respect your opinion, and agree with many. I would like to make a second statement.

There is nothing saying that as a veteran in the civilian life, one cannot go and fight for another countries cause. At least I have not found anything yet in my research. Joining the forces of a foreign country is not the same as obtaining citizenship (albeit, I did say "Hell, I might just make a new home in the Ukraine," I did not say it was set in stone, nor that I would obtain citizenship). However, on the comment saying you can't receive your benefits, well, you can. You can live abroad (U.S., Deutschland, Ukraine, Russia, South/Central America, Canada, etc.) and still receive your benefits. See the following reference from the VA website:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-abroad.asp#:~:text=If%20you're%20a%20Veteran,place%20of%20residence%20or%20nationality.

obviously, if a civilian volunteers is injured, I would assume said injury will not be treated as a service related injury at the VA. But yes, get your ducks in a row, to protect yourself from any legal ramifications, some prosecutors are a little too eager.

I personally believe that the U.S. should provide military aid. Freedom is in perilous state for the Ukraine. We may have no duty or obligation to go into Ukraine, but neither was there for Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam. Our Country has a history in getting involved in other countries fights, but now we say no, to a proud people who are begging for help, in fighting a country who are murdering innocent people, women, children. Ukraine cannot hold Russia forever. Russia will not stop at the Ukraine. Laws and Treaties of the U.S. and international laws allows a sovereign country such as the U.S. to punish any person(s) from any country (such as Putin, his generals, etc.) for violating international law, for war crimes, or any crime committed against humanity.

I'm not a war mongrel. I'm trying to make life changes. But I feel that providing a physical presence and assistance (whether as a volunteer or a military presence), defending the Ukraine is the right thing to do. I would do it regardless of financial payment. I would hope they provide food, but I can hunt and fish. I will appeal my request to the Embassy.

Would this war bring us into World War III? I'd say yes. But it must happen. If not today, maybe it will happen in 50 or 100 years from now. We can try to hold it off as long as possible, but WWIII is inevitable.

Thanks all

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Response by LTC James McElreath made May 14 at 2022 9:14 PM

LTC James McElreath — Sat, 14 May 2022 21:14:51 -0400

If nothing were to stop you, you gave plenty of reasons to not go! The next would be why and the heck go. The USA have needs here at home on our border! The Texicans are there on their own, not provided food, place to sleep, no one knows what to take with them. I got no response what to take with you. Guns no guns no intel!