Is military experience required to serve in AFU? | 3rd Mechanized Battalion
AFU Knowledge Base • Updated October 2026

Is military experience required to serve in AFU?

Recruit Experience Requirements AFU. Updated: October 2026.

Quick Answer

No, military experience is not required to serve in AFU. If you have not served before, you will undergo basic general military training (Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT)), followed by specialized training for your chosen role. More important are motivation, responsibility and willingness to learn. Details below.

Experience
optional — learning from scratch
Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT)
basic training for all recruits
Civilian
skills count — and help

Why experience is not the main thing

In AFU, people come from a wide variety of backgrounds: construction workers, drivers, IT workers, doctors, students. The recruiter and the battalion teams select the role based on what you already know, and what you don't know - teach:

  • without experience - start with Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT) and professional courses from scratch;
  • with civilian skills (IT, electronics, medicine, driving, logistics) - find a role where they work immediately;
  • with military experience - you will be able to transfer or continue in your specialty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it true that without experience they are sent "to hell"?

No. Before performing their duties, all receive basic military and professional training, including medical training (first aid, TCCC basics) and survival skills. Details: what if I don't have military training.

Are civics skills really relevant?

Yes. IT, electronics, medicine, driving, logistics, construction are areas where civilian experience is needed immediately. Details: do civilian skills count in AFU.

Still Have Questions?

A recruiter from the 3rd Mechanized Battalion 160th Mechanized Brigade will answer all your questions personally — free and with no obligation.

Talk to a Recruiter About AFU Recruitment →
Have questions? Talk to a recruiter