The SBU is not just "Spiderweb". How to join the Alpha special unit: a step-by-step guide

The head of the SBU says that the special forces of the Security Service carry out top-priority operations on the battlefield and deep behind enemy lines. Vasyl Malyuk:"You've seen, besides " "Spiderwebs", how much we have done. There are specific names and specific faces behind this."

However, such special operations are not for beginners, and the bombing of the Crimean bridge is not something to start your service with, explain LIGA.net in the SBU special unit "Alpha" (Special Operations Center "A"). Initially, the candidate undergoes rigorous selection, training, and adaptation.

"Newcomers will not be allowed to participate in high-profile SBU special operations that change the course of the war," says LIGA.net SBU special forces officer. – Operations like "Spiderweb" are carried out exclusively by trained professionals. The success of the mission and the lives of people depend on this."

How to join the SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) and what selection processes you need to go through – we explain in detail.

How to get to the ACS A: a step-by-step guide

Fill out the form.

For civilians, the path to the SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) begins with filling out a candidate application, a link to which can be found on all official resources of the special service.

The application form requires you to provide your personal data and desired specialization, information about your military experience, and to indicate whether or not you have relatives in the temporarily occupied territories or in the aggressor country. You must also provide information about your mental health, any drug addiction, and any criminal convictions.

You can join the Special Operations Center "A" of the Security Service either through mobilization or by signing a contract. Current servicemen, with the necessary permits, can transfer from other units of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine.

However, there are currently restrictions on transfers for active-duty servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, and the Main Intelligence Directorate, – says LIGA.net a representative of the special service.

Next, representatives of the special service will contact the candidate.

Pass the interview and the check

The next stage is the interview. Initially, the candidate is invited to a meeting at the recruitment center to discuss motivation, experience, and skills.

If the results satisfy both parties, the procedure of studying the candidate begins. This stage can last several months. In parallel, the candidate must undergo a medical examination at a medical facility of the SBU and professional-psychological selection.

Service in the "A" Special Operations Center of the SBU is possible both in administrative positions and in operational-combat positions. The requirements for physical standards that a candidate must meet depend on the position they are interested in. For combat positions, several disciplines must be passed: running, pull-ups, squats, push-ups, abdominal exercises, and sparring.

When considering a candidate for a specific position, even in a non-combat unit, the presence of relevant skills and qualities is determined.

For those who choose combat positions, the main difference is longer training.

After the initial stages, candidates receive recruit status and remain in constant contact with the recruitment center and their direct supervisors, according to the special service. This is a helpful function if the person has questions at the territorial center for recruitment and social support.

"At the same time, as reservists, they must be registered with their territorial recruitment and social support centers," adds the SBU representative. "If necessary, the supervisors confirm to the recruitment centers that the candidate is being considered for enrollment specifically into the SBU's Special Operations Center "A" to ensure that he undergoes all the necessary procedures."

Who definitely won't get into the SBU

Candidates with serious health problems, including mental health issues, will definitely not pass the selection process. People with drug or alcohol addiction are not accepted into the unit. If a candidate tries to conceal these facts at the first stage of selection, they will definitely be revealed during the medical examination.

Candidates with a criminal record are also not considered, as well as those who have relatives in Russia and Belarus or in the temporarily occupied territories.

To complete the paperwork.

After a candidate successfully passes all checks and selections, the registration procedure begins. This is followed by a period of training and specialized preparation.

Serving in an elite special forces unit requires good physical health and basic athletic training. However, the position the candidate chooses is also important. If it's an administrative position, the physical fitness requirements are simpler.

However, if a recruit "improves" their preparation in advance, it will definitely be a big plus during the selection process and will show the instructors their motivation.

Join the SBU unit

After being enrolled in the "A" Special Operations Center of the SBU, a recruit undergoes a basic training course, special training, and coordination. Only then does he participate in planning combat missions with the commander and soldiers who already have extensive combat experience.

The basic training course for new employees lasts one month. Then there is further specialized training. This depends on the chosen specialization and can last up to six months. For some specializations, an internship abroad is also provided.

Job openings at the SBU: who is being sought for the special service

Currently, recruitment is carried out in the following fields and specializations:

• direct participation in combat operations – assault troops, marksmen, operators of strike or reconnaissance UAVs, snipers, dog handlers, engineers;
• IT and telecommunications – specialists in electronic warfare/countermeasures, programmers, communications specialists, radio technicians;
• engineering field – mechanics, aviation systems testing engineers, electricians, armorsmiths, sappers, chemists;
• medical – surgeons, paramedics;
• Logistics and supply – drivers;
• analytical – OSINT specialists, analysts.

For analytical positions, they usually look for people with relevant experience: OSINT, military analytics, cybersecurity, working with databases, the special service clarifies.

Just "reading a lot" or "spending a lot of time on social media" will not be enough," says a representative of the Special Operations Center "A". "At the same time, if a candidate has a knowledge base, is ready to learn and develop specialized skills, and learn from the experience of his comrades, he has a chance to join the unit."

The most relevant positions for the SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) are those of UAV operators, as well as combat and engineering specialists. Also in high demand are vacancies in logistics and medical support.

Instead, candidates are usually most interested in vacancies for operators of strike and reconnaissance UAVs, assault troops, IT, logistics, and engineering specialties.

Salaries in the Security Service of Ukraine

The starting salary for a new employee is 40,000 UAH. The amount will be influenced by many factors later on, starting with the chosen position. During combat operations, combat pay of 100,000 UAH per month is added to the salary. There is also a bonus system for individual achievements.

The special forces also assure that the unit values its personnel and constantly invests in their development, skills, and knowledge. "When planning and implementing special operations, we always focus as much as possible on saving the life of every soldier," says an SBU representative. "High-quality training and preparation are the foundation of our work's effectiveness. New recruits will have the opportunity to make mistakes and hone their skills during training, not in combat conditions."

"We provide our employees with 100% of what they need to do their job. The unit is one of the first to receive top global technologies and developments," adds the CSO of "A".

Special forces personnel emphasize that the unit guarantees time for recovery and rest after difficult trials and combat missions. "Our commanders create a rotation schedule that is clear to every soldier," adds a unit representative. "Additionally, up to 10 days of leave are provided for family circumstances."