Combat officer tells about mobilization of women, recruitment and cash payments

Since 2023, the elite Marine Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been operating the 40th Coastal Defense Brigade, a unit that is currently performing one of the key tasks on the southern front. Its mission is not an offensive, but a reliable defense of the Ukrainian coast, particularly in the Kherson region.

In an interview with Intent.Insight, the brigade's combat officer Oleh Zakharkiv spoke about the peculiarities of the formation, service, training, gender balance and recruitment.

The brigade's path and mission

The unit was formed in 2023, and the following year, in 2024, the brigade began performing its first combat missions in both southern and northern Ukraine. Later, the soldiers were redeployed to the Donetsk area, and since August 2024, the brigade has been operating on the southern front again.

According to the officer, the main mission of the unit is already in its name - it is coastal defense. Today, the soldiers of the 40th Brigade are focused on protecting the Ukrainian coast in Kherson region.

Oleh Zakharkiv emphasized that the 40th Coastal Defense Brigade is not an assault unit. Its task is not to attack, but to defend the Ukrainian coast. According to him, the servicemen have literally "bitten" into every piece of Ukrainian land - the shores, islands - with their hands and teeth, and continue to perform combat missions in their area of responsibility.

How to join the brigade

The brigade is part of the Marine Corps of the Ukrainian Navy, the elite of the Armed Forces. That is why those who want to serve in the brigade or transfer to it are subject to increased requirements, both in terms of physical fitness and psychological endurance. This is due to the specifics of combat missions, which are often complex and non-standard.

At the same time, Zakharkiv noted, the brigade has many local positions related to its functioning. The requirements for such positions are lower, so the military unit also invites people with disabilities to serve and help in the rear.

"Anyone who wants to serve in the 40th Coastal Defense Brigade must first undergo a military medical examination. After that, they undergo basic military and professional training, which takes place at one of the training grounds. All stages take place in a clear sequence and under the constant supervision of a representative of the brigade - a recruiter," said the military.

Oleh Zakharkiv explained that already at the stage of the preliminary medical examination, the future serviceman agrees with the recruiter on the specific position he wants to take. The recruiter advises the person, explains the possibilities, helps them choose a direction and accompanies them throughout the process.

After completing the training, the person arrives at the unit location and begins service in the position that was previously agreed upon. The whole process takes about two months.

Women in the ranks

Women are actively serving in the 40th Coastal Defense Brigade - they are represented in almost all units. Some of them head services and departments, taking responsibility for important areas of work.

According to the officer, the service of women in the marines has clear regulations and takes place only after appropriate approvals, taking into account the specifics of the unit. Therefore, this process is approached with special care.

Women who apply to serve in the brigade are interviewed and undergo mandatory psychological testing. After that, the materials are submitted for approval on the possibility of serving in the marines. Most women are currently serving in the medical unit, kitchen, as well as in clerical positions and other sectors that require responsibility and organization. Currently, women fill many important positions and play a significant role in the life of the brigade.

Financial support

The officer emphasized that in marine units, in particular in the 40th Coastal Defense Brigade, the level of payments is indeed somewhat higher compared to other units. This is due to the specifics of the service and the risks that marines bear.

"Our brigade belongs to the elite of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, so the level of financial support here is higher than in other branches of the military. Soldiers receive monthly remuneration, bonuses for successful combat missions, combat payments, one-time financial assistance, and in case of injury, appropriate compensation during treatment," said combat officer Oleh Zakharkiv.

Ірина Глухова