Oleksandr, whose callsign is “Noir,” made a conscious decision to sign a one-year military contract last summer.

Just two weeks ago, he completed his service and returned to civilian life.

From Reserve+ to the trenches of Kharkiv region

For Oleksandr, the decision to join the military was rather spontaneous. While studying at Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI), he interrupted his education to sign a contract.

“I grew tired of civilian life. I wanted something more intense”, — he recalls.

His search for military vacancies began in the Reserve+ mobile application, where he discovered the 18–24 program. Among the available options, he chose the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade and submitted an application. He later arrived at the unit to complete the paperwork. This was followed by Basic General Military Training, specialized training, and eventually deployment to combat positions.

In the military, Noir served as a designated marksman (rifleman-sniper) and completed the corresponding professional training.

“But for the most part, I performed the duties of an infantryman. I served on the front line. In our sector in the Kharkiv region, there was practically no opportunity to operate as a sniper”, — Noir recalls.

About a week before my contract ended, I was withdrawn from the front line

The process of completing his service was straightforward and efficient. Two months before his contract expired, a personnel clerk asked whether he intended to extend his service or leave the military. Noir chose to be discharged.

“I submitted my report. About a week before my contract ended, I was withdrawn from the front line. The discharge process began while I was still in the operational area, and I received the final paperwork at the permanent deployment location. I had no issues or complaints because everything was carried out strictly in accordance with the contract terms”, — he says.

After receiving his documents, his next step was to visit the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center to arrange the guaranteed deferment provided under the contract. His Reserve+ application now displays a one-year deferment status.

Returning to civilian life

According to Oleksandr, a year of military service left many personal matters waiting in civilian life. He plans to dedicate the coming year to himself, his education, and his career.

“I plan to resume my university studies and earn my bachelor’s degree because I had to interrupt my education to sign the contract. At the same time, I’ll also be working”, — Noir says.

At the same time, he is leaving the door open to returning to the military. He says that once his deferment expires, he will consider signing another contract. With combat experience already behind him, he will be able to choose his future path within the Armed Forces.

“I don’t regret my decision”, — Noir concludes. — “If you never try, you’ll never know what it’s really like”.