10 countries where military service is compulsory

Mandatory military service after the end of the Cold War with the collapse of communism has become less common in some countries.

However, several countries across Europe are now considering bringing military service back after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Here is a list of 10 countries where military service is compulsory

Russia
The Russian Armed Forces are the world’s fourth largest military force, with 1.15 million active-duty personnel and close to two million reservists due to its mandatory military service which dates back to the Soviet era.

Under Russian law, able-bodied men aged 18 to 30 in Russia must go for military service for a period of 12 months or face a fine or even imprisonment except if it’s against the person’s religious beliefs.

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Koreas
The hostility between South Korea and North Korea for the past 72 years has resulted in both countries enforcing compulsory military service to increase their military numbers.

North Korea has a doctrine also known as ‘Songun,’ that the military should be the priority. That is, all resources are prioritized for the military, and school graduates are forced to join the service at the age of 17-18.

In neighboring South Korea, men are mandated to serve either in the army for 21 months, the navy for 23 months, and the air force for 24 months. The police force, coast guard, and fire service are also an alternative.

Isreal

Military service is compulsory for all Israelis who turn 18 except for the ultra-Orthodox and Arab Israelis for a minimum length of two years and eight months for men, and two years for women.

The 1949 Israeli Security Service Law made it compulsory that every Israeli citizen must establish their military status from the age of 16 and 4 months and before the age of 19.

Brazil
According to Article 143 of the Federal Republic of Brazil’s constitution, every male Brazilian citizen must have compulsory military service for a minimum of 12 months but may choose to remain as enlisted personnel for until 8 years. The recruitment happens at the age of 18 years and refusal to enlist will result in the suspension of political rights, including the right to vote or be voted for and impediments while applying for public office.

Iran
All men over 18 years old are expected to participate in the compulsory military service for a period of 14 months according to The Guardian Council of Iran excerpt if the man has a father over the age of 60. Also, the length of service depends on the conscript’s assigned mission and the location of their service.

Turkey
Turkish rule allows for compulsory military service to all male citizens from 20 to 41 years of age for a period of 6-12 months except for its citizens living abroad and paying a certain fee. Turkish parliament passed a law in 2019 which reduced the length of compulsory military service from 12 months to six months and those pursuing higher education or vocational training are allowed to delay service until they have completed their studies.

Cuba
Military service is compulsory in Cuba for men for a period of two years between the ages of 16 and 28 but voluntary for women for a two-year service period. The recruitment process begins in secondary school, with teenagers being listed as pre-recruits by te the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) military council.

Those who have completed the general military service are considered to be part of the Reserves in the military and can be called upon when required until the age of 45 and those who evade military service can face imprisonment or a fine as punishment.

Switzerland
Military service in Switzerland is compulsory for men from the age of 20 and voluntary for women for a basic period of 21 weeks and a total service period of a year.

In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, the country is now thinking of making military service compulsory for women too by 2024. Swiss citizens who live and work abroad are exempt from military service in times of peace and dual nationals who have fulfilled military obligations in their other country are also exempt.

Eritrea
Estonia never abolished mandatory military service, even though others did after the war with bordering Ethiopia, which ended in 2000.

In 2003, the government forced both boys and girls to undergo military training for at least a period of 18 months before they completed secondary school.

Sweden
Sweden reintroduced compulsory military service in 2017 due to Russia’s military drills in the region which has now escalated to a full-blown war with Ukraine. The compulsory military service is expected to last for a period of 9 to 12 months and it is compulsory for both men and women from ages 16 to 70. This obligation is called total defence service.

Vanguard