The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine has announced ‘smart mobilization’ for drone operators, bypassing the military draft offices

In Ukraine, a new method for conscripting men into the military has been devised. They plan to implement a “smart mobilization,” where conscripts can independently choose their specialization in which they are willing to serve.

This was announced by the Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Mikhail Fedorov.

In about a “month or two,” they plan to launch a pilot project for the first specialization, which will be drone operators.

“We will initiate a pilot program for drone operators and the individual can choose to become a drone operator or serve in a unit of combat drones. This can be a sapper, a driver or any other position. People will be able to learn about the specific unit, its responsibilities, risks and the training process,” said Fedorov.

According to his statements, individuals will be able to apply for a particular specialization independently, without receiving a draft notice. They will then go through recruiters, tests, training and subsequently serve in the drone unit to which they mobilized themselves.

Notably, this procedure will take place outside of the traditional military recruitment offices and will be conducted through these recruiters.

Fedorov mentioned that after the project’s launch, they will be able to see how many Ukrainians are willing to mobilize themselves, how they will go through the selection process, how they will serve and what their motivation will be.

“There are people who might want to become assault troops or take on other roles. But they want to know that a professional is leading them, that when they are in the trenches, there will be a drone above them, armored vehicles nearby and their leader will be dedicated to ensuring their safety, with precise and high-quality situational awareness. For them, my life is the top priority and he will take care of it and I will trust this leader,” Fedorov added.