Germany has unveiled a new voluntary military service programme to boost recruitment as security concerns grow across Europe. While the country has not brought back compulsory military service, the move has revived debate over conscription, which Germany suspended in 2011. Around 60 countries still require military service in some form, although the rules, duration and eligibility differ from one nation to another.&nbsp;Take a look at the list.&nbsp;South KoreaMilitary service is compulsory for most men because of the continuing threat from North Korea. Depending on the military branch, service generally lasts between 18 and 21 months, while women can join voluntarily.&nbsp;IsraelIsrael has one of the world’s best-known conscription systems. Most Jewish men and women are required to serve after turning 18, although exemptions exist based on religion, health and other special circumstances.&nbsp;UkraineUkraine currently enforces compulsory military service and wartime mobilisation as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. Recruitment rules have become stricter since the full-scale war began in 2022.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analyst-flagged-minab-school-as-civilian-site-in-2019-warning-missed-report-1782564048188">Analyst flagged Minab school as civilian site in 2019, warning missed: Report</a>&nbsp;RussiaMilitary service is mandatory for men, who usually serve for one year. The country has also relied on mobilisation drives to expand its armed forces during the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;FinlandMilitary service is compulsory for men, while women can volunteer. Finland maintains conscription to ensure it has one of Europe’s largest trained reserve forces despite its relatively small population.&nbsp;SwitzerlandSwiss men are required to complete military service and remain part of the reserve system for several years. Women are not required to serve but may join voluntarily.&nbsp;SingaporeAll male citizens and permanent residents must complete National Service after turning 18. They continue serving as reservists for several years, making it a key part of Singapore’s defence policy.&nbsp;IranMilitary service is compulsory for men, generally lasting between 18 and 24 months. Completing service is often necessary to access certain government jobs and official services.&nbsp;North KoreaNorth Korea has one of the world’s most extensive conscription systems. Both men and women are required to serve, with military service often lasting several years.&nbsp;ChinaChina’s laws allow compulsory military service, but the People’s Liberation Army is largely staffed by volunteers. Conscription is rarely enforced because recruitment targets are usually met without it.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-what-india-and-europe-can-learn-from-each-other-in-heat-preparedness-1782556349271">Analysis: What India and Europe can learn from each other in heat preparedness?</a>&nbsp;TurkeyMilitary service is compulsory for men, although some can shorten their service period through government-approved paid military service schemes.&nbsp;BrazilMilitary service is compulsory by law for men. However, only a small proportion of eligible citizens are selected to serve each year, as the military primarily relies on volunteers.&nbsp;Several other countries also continue to enforce mandatory military service. These include Austria, Belarus, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Sweden, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Algeria, Egypt, Eritrea, Morocco and Cuba. While the rules differ from country to country, most require military service for men, with a few extending it to women or operating selective or lottery-based systems.

Amid Germany’s new recruitment push, approximately sixty nations globally maintain diverse mandatory military service systems, varying by duration, gender requirements, and enforcement, to address regional security and defence needs.

Germany has unveiled a new voluntary military service programme to boost recruitment as security concerns grow across Europe. While the country has not brought back compulsory military service, the move has revived debate over conscription, which Germany suspended in 2011. Around 60 countries still require military service in some form, although the rules, duration and eligibility differ from one nation to another. Take a look at the list. South Korea Military service is compulsory for most men because of the continuing threat from North Korea. Depending on the military branch, service generally lasts between 18 and 21 months, while women can join voluntarily. Israel Israel has one of the world’s best-known conscription systems. Most Jewish men and women are required to serve after turning 18, although exemptions exist based on religion, health and other special circumstances. Ukraine Ukraine currently enforces compulsory military service and wartime mobilisation as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. Recruitment rules have become stricter since the full-scale war began in 2022. Also read: Analyst flagged Minab school as civilian site in 2019, warning missed: Report Russia Military service is mandatory for men, who usually serve for one year. The country has also relied on mobilisation drives to expand its armed forces during the war in Ukraine. Finland Military service is compulsory for men, while women can volunteer. Finland maintains conscription to ensure it has one of Europe’s largest trained reserve forces despite its relatively small population. Switzerland Swiss men are required to complete military service and remain part of the reserve system for several years. Women are not required to serve but may join voluntarily. Singapore All male citizens and permanent residents must complete National Service after turning 18. They continue serving as reservists for several years, making it a key part of Singapore’s defence policy. Iran Military service is compulsory for men, generally lasting between 18 and 24 months. Completing service is often necessary to access certain government jobs and official services. North Korea North Korea has one of the world’s most extensive conscription systems. Both men and women are required to serve, with military service often lasting several years. China China’s laws allow compulsory military service, but the People’s Liberation Army is largely staffed by volunteers. Conscription is rarely enforced because recruitment targets are usually met without it. Also read: Analysis: What India and Europe can learn from each other in heat preparedness? Turkey Military service is compulsory for men, although some can shorten their service period through government-approved paid military service schemes. Brazil Military service is compulsory by law for men. However, only a small proportion of eligible citizens are selected to serve each year, as the military primarily relies on volunteers. Several other countries also continue to enforce mandatory military service. These include Austria, Belarus, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Sweden, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Algeria, Egypt, Eritrea, Morocco and Cuba. While the rules differ from country to country, most require military service for men, with a few extending it to women or operating selective or lottery-based systems.

Amid Germany’s new recruitment push, approximately sixty nations globally maintain diverse mandatory military service systems, varying by duration, gender requirements, and enforcement, to address regional security and defence needs.

Germany joins list of nations reviving military services. These are the countries where it’s still compulsory

Russia has raised the maximum conscription age for compulsory military service to 30 from 27, but has kept the lower limit to 18. This move will now increase the number of young men who will be taking up compulsory military service of one-year. The decision comes after lawmakers dismissed a proposal to raise the starting age for military service to 21, which was at 18 before as well.&nbsp;

State Duma Defence Committee Chairman Andrey Kartapolov told media personnel on Friday that the conscription age bracket now will be from 18 to 30 years.&nbsp;"The key amendment is that the upper age ceiling [in the conscription age bracket] will be set at 30 years old, while the decision was made to leave the lower age limit at 18, as there are many young people who would like to enlist for military service at the age of 18, and that opportunity is currently available to them," the senior Russian lawmaker said during the second reading of the bill in the lower house of Russia’s parliament, reported Moscow Times.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorist-threatens-to-target-indias-foreign-minister-jaishankar-home-minister-amit-shah-618078">Terrorist threatens to target India's foreign minister Jaishankar, home minister Amit Shah</a>

During the first reading last month, the bill sought to raise the lower age limit for men to be called up for compulsory military service from 18 to 21 years old. However, it was kept to 18 years after the second reading.&nbsp;

These new rules will come into effect on 1st January 2024 if the bill is enacted into law. Media reports quoting Kartapolov&nbsp;also said that the changes will not have any impact on new troops who will be called up this fall.

<h2>Timeline of the bill&nbsp;</h2>

In March, the bill was submitted by a coalition of lawmakers led by Kartapolov. Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament&nbsp;passed the bill in the first reading at the time.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-women-paraded-naked-was-spontaneous-act-say-authorities-618069">Manipur women paraded naked was 'spontaneous act', say authorities</a>

The bill, in its original shape, had proposed a phased increase in the compulsory conscription age bracket. As per that, the bill first sought to keep the bracket at 19-30 years old in 2024, then to 20-30 years old in 2025, and then to 21-30 years old in 2026.

<h2>Duration of&nbsp;compulsory military service</h2>

Kartapolov, while speaking to media personnel, said that the time duration of compulsory military service in Russia will be kept at one year. He said there is no need for conscripts to serve for two years. "There is absolutely no need to serve for two years. Currently, in our country, a contemporary youth is capable of mastering any military specialization in six months maximum," he said.&nbsp;

At present, all men in Russia are obligated to serve in the military. Alternatively, they can undergo equivalent training while pursuing higher education.

<h2>Controversies surrounding military service</h2>

Military service has been a sensitive topic in Russia, leading many individuals to take extreme measures to evade conscription during the call-up periods.

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Concerns escalated when some conscripts were deployed to participate in Russia's war in Ukraine, despite prior assurances to the contrary.

Additionally, the unexpected mobilisation of 300,000 men for a "special military operation" last autumn further fueled public criticism and prompted numerous people to flee the country to avoid being sent to fight.

<h2>Russia's efforts to strengthen its military</h2>

To bolster its military capabilities, Russia announced plans to increase its professional and conscripted combat personnel by over 30% to reach a total of 1.5 million. However, the country faced challenges due to undisclosed casualties in the ongoing war.

In a move to make avoiding military service more difficult, legislation was passed in April allowing conscription papers to be served online. Furthermore, last Tuesday, Russian parliament extended the maximum age at which men who completed compulsory service can be mobilised. The age limit was raised to 55 for some junior ranks and up to 70 for the most senior officers.

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Russia has raised the maximum conscription age for compulsory military service to 30 from 27, but has kept the lower limit to 18. This move will now increase the number of young men who will be taking up compulsory military service of one-year.

Russia has raised the maximum conscription age for compulsory military service to 30 from 27, but has kept the lower limit to 18. This move will now increase the number of young men who will be taking up compulsory military service of one-year. The decision comes after lawmakers dismissed a proposal to raise the starting age for military service to 21, which was at 18 before as well. State Duma Defence Committee Chairman Andrey Kartapolov told media personnel on Friday that the conscription age bracket now will be from 18 to 30 years. "The key amendment is that the upper age ceiling [in the conscription age bracket] will be set at 30 years old, while the decision was made to leave the lower age limit at 18, as there are many young people who would like to enlist for military service at the age of 18, and that opportunity is currently available to them," the senior Russian lawmaker said during the second reading of the bill in the lower house of Russia’s parliament, reported Moscow Times. Also Read | Terrorist threatens to target India's foreign minister Jaishankar, home minister Amit Shah During the first reading last month, the bill sought to raise the lower age limit for men to be called up for compulsory military service from 18 to 21 years old. However, it was kept to 18 years after the second reading. These new rules will come into effect on 1st January 2024 if the bill is enacted into law. Media reports quoting Kartapolov also said that the changes will not have any impact on new troops who will be called up this fall. Timeline of the bill In March, the bill was submitted by a coalition of lawmakers led by Kartapolov. Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament passed the bill in the first reading at the time. Also Read | Manipur women paraded naked was 'spontaneous act', say authorities The bill, in its original shape, had proposed a phased increase in the compulsory conscription age bracket. As per that, the bill first sought to keep the bracket at 19-30 years old in 2024, then to 20-30 years old in 2025, and then to 21-30 years old in 2026. Duration of compulsory military service Kartapolov, while speaking to media personnel, said that the time duration of compulsory military service in Russia will be kept at one year. He said there is no need for conscripts to serve for two years. "There is absolutely no need to serve for two years. Currently, in our country, a contemporary youth is capable of mastering any military specialization in six months maximum," he said. At present, all men in Russia are obligated to serve in the military. Alternatively, they can undergo equivalent training while pursuing higher education. Controversies surrounding military service Military service has been a sensitive topic in Russia, leading many individuals to take extreme measures to evade conscription during the call-up periods. Watch | Rainfall in India and Pakistan × Concerns escalated when some conscripts were deployed to participate in Russia's war in Ukraine, despite prior assurances to the contrary. Additionally, the unexpected mobilisation of 300,000 men for a "special military operation" last autumn further fueled public criticism and prompted numerous people to flee the country to avoid being sent to fight. Russia's efforts to strengthen its military To bolster its military capabilities, Russia announced plans to increase its professional and conscripted combat personnel by over 30% to reach a total of 1.5 million. However, the country faced challenges due to undisclosed casualties in the ongoing war. In a move to make avoiding military service more difficult, legislation was passed in April allowing conscription papers to be served online. Furthermore, last Tuesday, Russian parliament extended the maximum age at which men who completed compulsory service can be mobilised. The age limit was raised to 55 for some junior ranks and up to 70 for the most senior officers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Russia raises upper conscription age to 30 from 27, keeps lower limit at 18

Fourteen months into the Russia-Ukraine war and a few months after President Vladimir Putin announced the partial military mobilisation of Russian citizens, Moscow is taking drastic steps to catch those evading the nation's compulsory military draft. As per a report by Russian state-owned news agency TASS, Moscow authorities are using the nation's vast system of facial recognition to track down young men eligible for serving in the military.

"To determine the place of residence of the conscript, video surveillance systems in the city of Moscow are being used," said Moscow's chief enlistment officer Maxim Loktev while talking to TASS.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-approves-electronic-enlistment-bill-clamps-down-on-russians-who-dodge-military-service-582599">Putin approves electronic call-up bill, clamps down on Russians who dodge military service</a>

In 2017, Moscow's Department of Information Technologies announced that more than 3,000 surveillance cameras in the city had been connected to a facial recognition system.

This comes as just last week Putin signed a law tightening restrictions on draft evaders and made it so that call-up papers can be delivered electronically instead of in-person delivery by an enlistment officer or employer.

As per Reuters, facial recognition will make life harder for thousands of 18 to 27-year-olds who every spring and autumn do their best to dodge recruitment. Alongside those called up for service in the Ukraine war, these young men try their best to dodge recruitment officers trying to force them to do their year of&nbsp;compulsory military service.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-moves-towards-electronic-system-to-crack-down-on-conscription-dodgers-581848">Russia moves towards electronic system to crack down on conscription dodgers</a>

Since the start of the Ukraine war, at least 300,000 reservists have been mobilised to fight in Ukraine.

The nation's compulsory military service exponentially expands Russia's armed forces.&nbsp;Starting in 2021, all Russian male citizens aged 18-27 are required to undergo conscription for one year of active duty military service in the country's armed forces. Recruitment campaigns for this are held twice every year; in spring and in autumn.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Fourteen months into the Russia-Ukraine war and a few months after President Vladimir Putin announced the partial military mobilisation of Russian citizens, Moscow is taking drastic steps to catch those evading the nation's compulsory military draft.

Fourteen months into the Russia-Ukraine war and a few months after President Vladimir Putin announced the partial military mobilisation of Russian citizens, Moscow is taking drastic steps to catch those evading the nation's compulsory military draft. As per a report by Russian state-owned news agency TASS, Moscow authorities are using the nation's vast system of facial recognition to track down young men eligible for serving in the military. "To determine the place of residence of the conscript, video surveillance systems in the city of Moscow are being used," said Moscow's chief enlistment officer Maxim Loktev while talking to TASS. Also read | Putin approves electronic call-up bill, clamps down on Russians who dodge military service In 2017, Moscow's Department of Information Technologies announced that more than 3,000 surveillance cameras in the city had been connected to a facial recognition system. This comes as just last week Putin signed a law tightening restrictions on draft evaders and made it so that call-up papers can be delivered electronically instead of in-person delivery by an enlistment officer or employer. As per Reuters, facial recognition will make life harder for thousands of 18 to 27-year-olds who every spring and autumn do their best to dodge recruitment. Alongside those called up for service in the Ukraine war, these young men try their best to dodge recruitment officers trying to force them to do their year of compulsory military service. Also read | Russia moves towards electronic system to crack down on conscription dodgers Since the start of the Ukraine war, at least 300,000 reservists have been mobilised to fight in Ukraine. The nation's compulsory military service exponentially expands Russia's armed forces. Starting in 2021, all Russian male citizens aged 18-27 are required to undergo conscription for one year of active duty military service in the country's armed forces. Recruitment campaigns for this are held twice every year; in spring and in autumn. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia using facial recognition to crack down on youngsters dodging compulsory military service

Days after China's military said it had conducted "strike drills" around Taiwanese sea and airspace, Taiwan announced its decision to extend the current four-month-long mandatory military service to a year. The longer service requirements will be implemented from 2024.

Taiwan to extend compulsory military service as China shows air power

Taiwan is considering extending its four-month military service requirement, the country's defence minister said Wednesday. The announcement comes amid tensions between Taiwan and China, which are further exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The war in Ukraine has stirred debate in Chinese-claimed&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;about its own readiness and tactics should Beijing ever make good on threats to take the island by force.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-with-ukraine-under-attack-taiwan-military-gears-up-461763#reservists-being-trained-461756">In pics | With Ukraine under attack, Taiwan military gears up</a>

Chiu Kuo-cheng, minister of defence, said the government would not make any changes immediately, but he pledged to release the results of its internal research regardless of what they decide.

In response to questions from lawmakers, Chiu said that proposals for extending military service were still being considered and a plan would "definitely" be presented this year.

"Currently, we are still in the research stage. This year we will definitely have results."&nbsp;

"We must consider the enemy situation and our defensive operations in terms of military strength," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-allies-talk-of-expelling-russia-from-g20-china-defends-moscow-calls-it-an-important-member-464908" hreflang="en">As US, allies talk of expelling Russia from G20, China defends Moscow, calls it an 'important member'</a>

The changes would not become effective for a year following their announcement, and any changes would be made in consultation with legislators.

There have been some calls in Taiwan to extend the four-month compulsory military service.

China has increased its military harassment of Taiwan in recent years, sending fighter jets to Taiwan almost daily.&nbsp; 
During a civil war in 1949, Taiwan and China separated.

The Taiwan-China situation has been compared to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February by many experts.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia reiterates 'nuclear threat', will use weapons if required

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Despite this, the situation does not fit a simple narrative, and experts have said so far that military action from China is unlikely.&nbsp;

An official of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party publicly stated that extending the mandatory service period is "necessary" due to the war in Ukraine.

Taiwan has shown sympathy for the war between Russia and Ukraine, having raised more than $10.6 million in five days to help Ukraine's refugee relief efforts.

There are more than 215,000 members of Taiwan's military, and the majority are volunteers. Taiwanese men over the age of 18 are required to serve in the military for four months.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan is considering extending its four-month military service requirement, the country's defence minister said Wednesday. The announcement comes amid tensions between Taiwan and China, which are further exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Taiwan is considering extending its four-month military service requirement, the country's defence minister said Wednesday. The announcement comes amid tensions between Taiwan and China, which are further exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The war in Ukraine has stirred debate in Chinese-claimed Taiwan about its own readiness and tactics should Beijing ever make good on threats to take the island by force. Also read | In pics | With Ukraine under attack, Taiwan military gears up Chiu Kuo-cheng, minister of defence, said the government would not make any changes immediately, but he pledged to release the results of its internal research regardless of what they decide. In response to questions from lawmakers, Chiu said that proposals for extending military service were still being considered and a plan would "definitely" be presented this year. "Currently, we are still in the research stage. This year we will definitely have results." "We must consider the enemy situation and our defensive operations in terms of military strength," he said. Also read | As US, allies talk of expelling Russia from G20, China defends Moscow, calls it an 'important member' The changes would not become effective for a year following their announcement, and any changes would be made in consultation with legislators. There have been some calls in Taiwan to extend the four-month compulsory military service. China has increased its military harassment of Taiwan in recent years, sending fighter jets to Taiwan almost daily. During a civil war in 1949, Taiwan and China separated. The Taiwan-China situation has been compared to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February by many experts. Watch | Russia reiterates 'nuclear threat', will use weapons if required Despite this, the situation does not fit a simple narrative, and experts have said so far that military action from China is unlikely. An official of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party publicly stated that extending the mandatory service period is "necessary" due to the war in Ukraine. Taiwan has shown sympathy for the war between Russia and Ukraine, having raised more than $10.6 million in five days to help Ukraine's refugee relief efforts. There are more than 215,000 members of Taiwan's military, and the majority are volunteers. Taiwanese men over the age of 18 are required to serve in the military for four months. (With inputs from agencies)

Eyeing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Taiwan mulls extending compulsory military service

The government is considering compulsory military service for anyone wanting a job with the government, news reports said Thursday. &nbsp;

The compulsory military service will last five years and is expected to help make up the shortfall in the forces.&nbsp;

The Indian Army is at the moment short of 7,000 officers and more than 20,000 soldiers. Likewise, the Indian Air Force and Navy are both short of some 150 officers and 15,000 men.&nbsp;

The proposal is being pondered by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which reports to the Prime Minister. The DoPT is tasked with making policy and administering government servants.&nbsp;

The proposal was first made by a Parliamentary Standing Committee, after it was moved by the Ministry of Defence as an emergency measure to make up the shortfall in the defence forces.&nbsp;

The five years of military service will have to be undergone by anybody wanting a job with either the Central government or a state government.&nbsp;

The compulsory military service will last five years and is expected to help make up the shortfall in the forces

The government is considering compulsory military service for anyone wanting a job with the government, news reports said Thursday. The compulsory military service will last five years and is expected to help make up the shortfall in the forces. The Indian Army is at the moment short of 7,000 officers and more than 20,000 soldiers. Likewise, the Indian Air Force and Navy are both short of some 150 officers and 15,000 men. The proposal is being pondered by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which reports to the Prime Minister. The DoPT is tasked with making policy and administering government servants. The proposal was first made by a Parliamentary Standing Committee, after it was moved by the Ministry of Defence as an emergency measure to make up the shortfall in the defence forces. The five years of military service will have to be undergone by anybody wanting a job with either the Central government or a state government.

Under consideration: Compulsory military service for anyone wanting a government job