[1] He graduated from secondary school in Molotkovichi [ru] in 1964, and was drafted into the Soviet Army that year.

He enrolled in the Cherepovets Military School of Communications, graduating from there in 1967, and was assigned to serve in special units of the Soviet Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU).

He was also involved in the production of the 1993 film Black Shark [ru], which brought the helicopter and the work of Russian special forces to public attention.

[1][2] On 19 February 2000 he was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation, with the Gold Star medal number 578.

[1][5] In addition to his intelligence work, Kostechko had the title of Honored Military Specialist of Russia [ru], was a Doctor of military sciences, professor, and author of more than 25 scientific papers on the theory and practice of special operations and command and control.