Countries with Required Military Service

Imagine waking up one day and being told that you must serve in the military. Whether you’re pursuing a career, education, or family life, your entire plan could be halted by a national call to duty. Mandatory military service—a concept still in place in many parts of the world—puts many young men and women in this exact situation. Despite its decline globally, there are still over 60 countries with some form of compulsory military service. This article delves into these nations, examining why they uphold this practice and the societal, cultural, and political reasons behind it.

The Concept of Conscription

Mandatory military service, or conscription, has been around for centuries. Historically, nations used conscription as a means of ensuring national defense, especially in times of war. But the modern reasons vary. Some countries emphasize patriotism and national unity, while others face constant security threats, making a large, trained army essential. While conscription was common in the past, today's global trend leans toward professional volunteer militaries, making the persistence of conscription even more intriguing.

Countries That Enforce Mandatory Military Service

1. South Korea: Perhaps the most famous example, South Korea mandates military service for all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28. This is largely due to the ongoing tension with North Korea. Men serve for around 18-24 months depending on the branch of the military. South Korean citizens view conscription as a rite of passage, though there’s growing debate about its necessity given the changing geopolitical landscape.

2. Israel: Israel's mandatory military service is unique because it applies to both men and women. Service is compulsory for Jewish citizens, Druze men, and Circassian men, starting at age 18. Men serve for 32 months, and women for 24 months. Due to Israel’s position in the Middle East and its history of conflict with surrounding nations, a strong defense system remains crucial to its national security.

3. Switzerland: Despite its long-standing neutrality, Switzerland still requires military service. Male citizens between the ages of 18 and 34 are required to serve for 260 days. In Switzerland, conscription is viewed as a contribution to the country’s tradition of self-defense, with a strong emphasis on maintaining readiness without engaging in aggressive foreign policy.

4. Greece: In Greece, military service is mandatory for all men aged 19 to 45. Like South Korea, Greece has a tense history with a neighboring country—Turkey. Military service lasts for about 9 months. Citizens often view it as a necessary measure to ensure national security in a region that has seen instability in the past.

5. Turkey: Men aged 20 to 41 must serve in the Turkish military, though exemptions can be made in exchange for a fee or completing alternative forms of service. Turkey’s strategic position between Europe and the Middle East, and its ongoing internal and external security challenges, make conscription an integral part of its defense policy.

6. Russia: Russia has had compulsory military service since the 19th century. Russian men between the ages of 18 and 27 must serve for a period of 12 months. Given Russia’s geopolitical ambitions and vast territory, conscription is seen as a way to maintain a significant and experienced military force.

7. Egypt: Military service is mandatory for men between the ages of 18 and 30, lasting from 1 to 3 years, depending on education. With Egypt’s central role in the Arab world and its strategic position, military readiness is deemed essential for both internal stability and regional influence.

Other Countries With Conscription

Aside from the more prominent examples above, several other countries still enforce mandatory military service:

• Norway: Both men and women are subject to conscription, though many are exempted due to the limited size of the Norwegian military.
• Brazil: Military service is mandatory for men aged 18 to 45, though many manage to avoid service due to oversubscription.
• Finland: Similar to Switzerland, Finland maintains compulsory service to ensure readiness in case of conflict, given its proximity to Russia.
• Austria: Austrian men must serve for 6 months, a remnant of the country’s Cold War-era security policies.
• Iran: Mandatory for men, military service lasts for 24 months, often used as a way for the government to instill discipline and loyalty in its youth.
• North Korea: Service is compulsory, and the military is a dominant force in North Korean society. Men serve for about 10 years, while women also face service obligations.

The Decline of Conscription

Though many nations continue to enforce mandatory military service, the global trend is toward volunteer professional armies. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan have long moved away from conscription, relying instead on professional soldiers. This shift reflects changes in military strategy, technological advancements, and evolving societal attitudes toward individual freedom and state obligation.

But why do some countries persist? In places with ongoing conflicts or security concerns, maintaining a large, trained military force is essential. Additionally, some governments view conscription as a way to strengthen national identity and solidarity, providing a unifying experience for all citizens.

Public Opinion on Mandatory Service

Public opinion on mandatory military service is deeply divided. In countries like Israel and South Korea, where national security threats are constant, conscription is largely accepted, though debates about its fairness and necessity are ongoing. In other nations, especially in Europe, conscription is seen as outdated, and citizens often push for more professional and voluntary forces.

Yet, mandatory service is not just about preparing for war. In some countries, it has become a tool for socialization, discipline, and citizenship training. Countries like Switzerland and Austria use conscription as a way to ensure that every citizen contributes to the defense of their nation, regardless of social standing or wealth.

The Future of Conscription

As global conflicts shift from large-scale wars to smaller, more localized confrontations and cyber warfare, the necessity of large conscript armies may decline further. Countries like South Korea and Israel are already exploring alternative service options and shortening service durations. Meanwhile, technological advancements in warfare mean that fewer, highly trained soldiers are more valuable than vast conscript armies.

Nevertheless, conscription is likely to remain in place for nations where the concept of a "citizen-soldier" is deeply ingrained in the national identity. Whether for reasons of tradition, national security, or political ideology, mandatory military service will continue to shape the lives of millions around the world.