Mandatory military service, also known as conscription, remains a reality in many countries. Here are the top 10 countries where military service remains compulsory for their citizen

Mandatory military service, also known as conscription, remains a reality in many countries. Here are the top 10 countries where military service remains compulsory for their citizen

Top 10 countries where every citizen must serve in the military

Jin, the oldest member of K-pop phenomenon BTS, was discharged from South Korea's army on Wednesday after 18 months of duty, the first member of the group to wrap up the mandatory national service that put their music careers on hold.

BTS member Jin officially discharged from military

BTS member Jin completes military service and is officially discharged from military

Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently approved a decree outlining the routine spring conscription campaign, which includes&nbsp;summoning 150,000 citizens for mandatory military service, as per a document published on the Kremlin's official website.

All male citizens in Russia are obligated to undergo a year-long military service or equivalent training during their higher education upon reaching the age of 18. This conscription system has been a longstanding requirement in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nonsense-putin-rubbishes-idea-of-russia-attacking-nato-countries-but-warns-that-f-16s-705166">Also read |&nbsp;'Nonsense': Putin rubbishes idea of Russia attacking NATO countries but warns that F-16s...</a>

<h2>Expansion of conscription age</h2>

In July, the lower house of Russia's parliament passed a legislation to raise the maximum conscription age for men from 27 to 30. This amendment came into effect on January 1, 2024, allowing for broader inclusion in the mandatory military service pool.

Compulsory military service remains a sensitive topic in Russia, with many men resorting to various methods to avoid conscription during the semi-annual call-up periods. The avoidance of conscription papers is a common occurrence among eligible citizens.

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Russia used new guided bomb to attack Kharkiv: Officials

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Conscripts are legally prohibited from being deployed for combat missions outside of Russia. Additionally, they were exempted from a partial mobilisation in 2022, which involved at least 300,000 men with prior military training being called up to fight in Ukraine. However, there were instances where conscripts were mistakenly sent to the front lines.

In September, President Putin authorised the call-up of 130,000 individuals for the autumn conscription campaign. Similarly, during the previous spring, Russia had planned to conscript 147,000 people.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently approved a decree outlining the routine spring conscription campaign, which includes summoning 150,000 citizens for mandatory military service, as per a document published on the Kremlin's official website.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently approved a decree outlining the routine spring conscription campaign, which includes summoning 150,000 citizens for mandatory military service, as per a document published on the Kremlin's official website. All male citizens in Russia are obligated to undergo a year-long military service or equivalent training during their higher education upon reaching the age of 18. This conscription system has been a longstanding requirement in the country. Also read | 'Nonsense': Putin rubbishes idea of Russia attacking NATO countries but warns that F-16s... Expansion of conscription age In July, the lower house of Russia's parliament passed a legislation to raise the maximum conscription age for men from 27 to 30. This amendment came into effect on January 1, 2024, allowing for broader inclusion in the mandatory military service pool. Compulsory military service remains a sensitive topic in Russia, with many men resorting to various methods to avoid conscription during the semi-annual call-up periods. The avoidance of conscription papers is a common occurrence among eligible citizens. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russia used new guided bomb to attack Kharkiv: Officials Conscripts are legally prohibited from being deployed for combat missions outside of Russia. Additionally, they were exempted from a partial mobilisation in 2022, which involved at least 300,000 men with prior military training being called up to fight in Ukraine. However, there were instances where conscripts were mistakenly sent to the front lines. In September, President Putin authorised the call-up of 130,000 individuals for the autumn conscription campaign. Similarly, during the previous spring, Russia had planned to conscript 147,000 people. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin signs decree to summon 150,000 Russian conscripts

Myanmar's military service on Saturday (Feb 10) announced the enforcement of the People's Military Service Law under which all men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 are supposed to serve a minimum of two years in the military. This decision comes as the junta faces continued resistance to its 2021 coup, which has plunged the nation into a state of unrest.&nbsp;

The move is further set to intensify junta's grip on power.

While junta's statement did not provide intricate details, it added that the junta's defence ministry would soon release essential bylaws, procedures, announcements, orders, notifications, and instructions related to the implementation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-suspends-free-movement-of-people-with-myanmar-over-demography-concerns-688170">India suspends Free Movement Regime with Myanmar over demography concerns</a>

The junta "issued the notification of the effectiveness of People's Military Service Law starting from February 10th, 2024," the junta's information team said in a statement.

<h2>What is Myanmar's conscription law?</h2>

The controversial law, originally formulated by a previous junta in 2010, was never activated until now. According to its provisions, during a state of emergency, the terms of military service can be extended up to five years, and individuals failing to comply with summons may face imprisonment for the same period.

The military junta declared a state of emergency when it seized power in 2021, a situation that has persisted, with the army recently extending it for an additional six months.

Also watch |&nbsp;India scraps free movement regime with Myanmar to secure border

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This move has drawn widespread criticism, as it not only solidifies the junta's authority but also raises concerns about the potential abuse of power and violation of human rights.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

As Myanmar grapples with ongoing turmoil, marked by pro-democracy protests evolving into armed resistance, the junta's imposition of compulsory military service adds another layer of complexity to the nation's fraught political landscape.&nbsp;

The international community closely watches these developments, expressing apprehension about the implications for the people of Myanmar and their struggle for democratic governance.

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar's military service on Saturday (Feb 10) announced the enforcement of the People's Military Service Law under which all men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 are supposed to serve a minimum of two years in the military.

Myanmar's military service on Saturday (Feb 10) announced the enforcement of the People's Military Service Law under which all men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 are supposed to serve a minimum of two years in the military. This decision comes as the junta faces continued resistance to its 2021 coup, which has plunged the nation into a state of unrest. The move is further set to intensify junta's grip on power. While junta's statement did not provide intricate details, it added that the junta's defence ministry would soon release essential bylaws, procedures, announcements, orders, notifications, and instructions related to the implementation. Also read | India suspends Free Movement Regime with Myanmar over demography concerns The junta "issued the notification of the effectiveness of People's Military Service Law starting from February 10th, 2024," the junta's information team said in a statement. What is Myanmar's conscription law? The controversial law, originally formulated by a previous junta in 2010, was never activated until now. According to its provisions, during a state of emergency, the terms of military service can be extended up to five years, and individuals failing to comply with summons may face imprisonment for the same period. The military junta declared a state of emergency when it seized power in 2021, a situation that has persisted, with the army recently extending it for an additional six months. Also watch | India scraps free movement regime with Myanmar to secure border × This move has drawn widespread criticism, as it not only solidifies the junta's authority but also raises concerns about the potential abuse of power and violation of human rights. What does it mean? As Myanmar grapples with ongoing turmoil, marked by pro-democracy protests evolving into armed resistance, the junta's imposition of compulsory military service adds another layer of complexity to the nation's fraught political landscape. The international community closely watches these developments, expressing apprehension about the implications for the people of Myanmar and their struggle for democratic governance. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar: All men and women of eligible age now required to serve in army

The remaining four members of the K-Pop super group - BTS - will begin their 18-month military service mandatory military service in South Korea. This week they will be joining three others who are already serving in the Army.

BTS Boys join military service, fans vow to wait | 4 more BTS boys begin their military services

BTS's Suga is set to join the South Korean military. The K-pop singer whose real name is Min Yoongi will be enlisting in the military on the 22nd of September. Suga will be the third member of BTS to fulfil his mandatory military service following his bandmates Jin and J-Hope.

K-pop band BTS's singer Suga to begin his mandatory military service

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday approved an electronic call-up bill which will put restrictions on people who are eligible for military service but try to dodge it by not showing up at their enlistment office.&nbsp;The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, had passed this bill earlier that would make it harder for those who avoid military service. This comes amid reports that many refuse to pick up mail at their official address to escape service. But with this bill approved now, electronic notifications will be sent too.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The legislation includes the creation of one registry for all people who are eligible to serve in the military and the implementation of electronic military summons. A copy of the legislation was posted on a government website on Friday, reported Russia's&nbsp;TASS news agency. &nbsp;

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The legislation requires that electronic copies of draft orders be delivered to those who are qualified for military duty in addition to print copies.&nbsp;

An electronic summons will be deemed delivered if it is uploaded to the recipient's account on "a relevant online service, in an information system."&nbsp;

A person will also receive notification of the summons through his or her account with the online portal for government services.&nbsp;

As per TASS, a summons shall be deemed served seven days after the day it was registered in the draft registry, if it is not delivered in writing or electronically.

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What are the restrictions in the new electronic military enlistment bill ?&nbsp;

If people&nbsp;do not report at their military enlistment office within 20 days of receiving&nbsp;the summons, without a good cause, temporary limits will be placed on them. 
 
Watch | Macron's pension reform gets constitutional green light despite raging protests

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They might not be allowed to register as entrepreneurs, register their cars and houses and other properties, have their licences cancelled, and have their loan requests denied.&nbsp;

Various regions in Russia will be free to enact their own additional regulations. It may include restricting different payments, benefits, and other forms of social support. There are two ways to challenge these restrictions, in court or outside it.

Additionally, those who are required to serve in the military will be prohibited from leaving Russia beginning from the day they get summons until they go to the recruitment office.

If they have not already done so, everybody who is eligible for military duty has two weeks from the beginning of the next conscription period to report to their enlistment office.

With this new law, the electronic call-up processes Putin aims to make military mobilisation more efficient. Over 300,000 men, according to reports, were mobilised last year to support its "special military operation" in Ukraine. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday approved an electronic call-up bill which will put restrictions on people who are eligible for military service but try to dodge it by not showing up at their enlistment office.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday approved an electronic call-up bill which will put restrictions on people who are eligible for military service but try to dodge it by not showing up at their enlistment office. The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, had passed this bill earlier that would make it harder for those who avoid military service. This comes amid reports that many refuse to pick up mail at their official address to escape service. But with this bill approved now, electronic notifications will be sent too. The legislation includes the creation of one registry for all people who are eligible to serve in the military and the implementation of electronic military summons. A copy of the legislation was posted on a government website on Friday, reported Russia's TASS news agency. Also Read | Brazil: Four killed, 13 injured in fire in children's shelter The legislation requires that electronic copies of draft orders be delivered to those who are qualified for military duty in addition to print copies. An electronic summons will be deemed delivered if it is uploaded to the recipient's account on "a relevant online service, in an information system." A person will also receive notification of the summons through his or her account with the online portal for government services. As per TASS, a summons shall be deemed served seven days after the day it was registered in the draft registry, if it is not delivered in writing or electronically. Also Read | Pentagon leak: US President Biden says investigation will examine why leaker had classified access What are the restrictions in the new electronic military enlistment bill ? If people do not report at their military enlistment office within 20 days of receiving the summons, without a good cause, temporary limits will be placed on them. Watch | Macron's pension reform gets constitutional green light despite raging protests × They might not be allowed to register as entrepreneurs, register their cars and houses and other properties, have their licences cancelled, and have their loan requests denied. Various regions in Russia will be free to enact their own additional regulations. It may include restricting different payments, benefits, and other forms of social support. There are two ways to challenge these restrictions, in court or outside it. Additionally, those who are required to serve in the military will be prohibited from leaving Russia beginning from the day they get summons until they go to the recruitment office. If they have not already done so, everybody who is eligible for military duty has two weeks from the beginning of the next conscription period to report to their enlistment office. With this new law, the electronic call-up processes Putin aims to make military mobilisation more efficient. Over 300,000 men, according to reports, were mobilised last year to support its "special military operation" in Ukraine. (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.

Putin approves electronic call-up bill, clamps down on Russians who dodge military service

Taiwan has extended the term of its compulsory military service from 4 months to a year. The announcement comes a day after China's largest incursion in Taiwan.

Gravitas: Taiwan extends compulsory military service from 4 months to a year

Jin, the oldest member of K-pop phenomenon BTS has started his military service in the South Korean military. This will be a 18 months of mandatory national service, complete with newly shaven head. Watch further to know more.

K-Pop icon Jin joins military service at Yeoncheon Army Base

Pictures of K-pop Star Jin in military fatigues are making a splash online. Jin recently became the first BTS member to enroll for mandatory military service in South Korea.

South Korea: BTS member Jin’s first military picture goes viral

The first reading of a measure to reinstate military conscription in Iraq that was scheduled to take place on Sunday, has been postponed. From 1935 until 2003, when a US-led operation deposed previous tyrant Saddam Hussein, military service in Iraq was required. The parliament's press office said that the first reading of the measure, which was originally set for Sunday, has been moved to Tuesday. The press agency did not provide a justification for the postponement.

According to MP Yasser Iskander Watout, the measure would allow for the conscription of young males between the ages of 18 and 35 for durations ranging from three to eighteen months, depending on their degree of schooling.

Their compensation would be in the range of 600,000 to 700,000 Iraqi dinars (more than $400), noted Watout, a member of the defence committee of the assembly.

Watout stated that it would take two years after the law's passage for conscription to be completely reinstated and that only-sons and breadwinners would be exempt.

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Since Saddam Hussein was removed from power, Iraq has seen sectarian strife that culminated in the Islamic State organisation taking vast tracts of land, before the jihadists were routed by Iraqi troops supported by a US-led military coalition in late 2017.

Up until last December, that anti-IS coalition fought in Iraq, but there are still about 2,500 American soldiers there to teach, advise, and support the local forces.

Under the administration of the then-prime minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi, the defence ministry first proposed the bill in August 2021.

Also WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Infra war takes its toll, blackout in Kyiv and seven other regions

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&nbsp;

After a year of political gridlock, Iraq later that year elected a new parliament, which only last month swore in a cabinet led by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

Despite the declared victory over IS, members of the group continue to stage intermittent attacks on government forces and the former paramilitary organisation Hashed al-Shaabi, now integrated into the regular forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The first reading of a measure to reinstate military conscription in Iraq that was scheduled to take place on Sunday, has been postponed. From 1935 until 2003, when a US-led operation deposed previous tyrant Saddam Hussein, military service in Iraq was required.

The first reading of a measure to reinstate military conscription in Iraq that was scheduled to take place on Sunday, has been postponed. From 1935 until 2003, when a US-led operation deposed previous tyrant Saddam Hussein, military service in Iraq was required. The parliament's press office said that the first reading of the measure, which was originally set for Sunday, has been moved to Tuesday. The press agency did not provide a justification for the postponement. According to MP Yasser Iskander Watout, the measure would allow for the conscription of young males between the ages of 18 and 35 for durations ranging from three to eighteen months, depending on their degree of schooling. Their compensation would be in the range of 600,000 to 700,000 Iraqi dinars (more than $400), noted Watout, a member of the defence committee of the assembly. Watout stated that it would take two years after the law's passage for conscription to be completely reinstated and that only-sons and breadwinners would be exempt. Also read | Somalia: al-Shabaab suicide bombing at military training camp kills five recruits, injures many Since Saddam Hussein was removed from power, Iraq has seen sectarian strife that culminated in the Islamic State organisation taking vast tracts of land, before the jihadists were routed by Iraqi troops supported by a US-led military coalition in late 2017. Up until last December, that anti-IS coalition fought in Iraq, but there are still about 2,500 American soldiers there to teach, advise, and support the local forces. Under the administration of the then-prime minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi, the defence ministry first proposed the bill in August 2021. Also WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Infra war takes its toll, blackout in Kyiv and seven other regions After a year of political gridlock, Iraq later that year elected a new parliament, which only last month swore in a cabinet led by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Despite the declared victory over IS, members of the group continue to stage intermittent attacks on government forces and the former paramilitary organisation Hashed al-Shaabi, now integrated into the regular forces. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iraq considers reinstating mandatory military service

There is some good news for BTS die hard fans known as the BTS Army just days after K-pop sensation announced that they will fulfill their mandatory military service. The band has gotten the clearance to perform at National level events during their military service as well.

South Korea: K-pop band BTS to perform at National events

South Korea’s parliament on Tuesday passed a bill to allow globally recognised K-pop artists such as BTS to postpone their mandatory military service to age 30.

All able-bodied South Korean men aged between 18 and 28 must serve in the military for about two years as part of the country’s efforts to guard against North Korea.

The amendment to the Military Service Act was designed to provide exceptions for K-pop megastars who improve the country’s cultural status and boost the economy.

South Korea allows eligible students to defer their duties up to age 28 and has granted exemptions for high-profile classical musicians and athletes who won Olympic medals or a gold at the Asian Games, including Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min.

No K-pop stars had received exemptions but the new bill will ensure entertainers recommended by the culture minister can defer their service to age 30.

The oldest member of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/bts">BTS</a>, 27-year-old Jin, is nearing enlistment at a time when the seven-member boy band is rewriting K-pop history.

Since launching in 2013, BTS has driven the global K-pop craze with catchy, upbeat music alongside lyrics and social campaigns aimed at empowering young people.

It recently notched a first ever No.1 hit single on the U.S. Billboard charts with the song “Dynamite”, and bagged an unprecedented Grammy nomination as a K-pop band.

“Pop artists tend to make their highest achievements in their 20s but many of them had to pursue a graduate degree to delay their service,” said Jeon Yong-gi, who co-authored the bill.

BTS’s management, Big Hit Entertainment, did not respond to a request for comment on the legislative change, but Jin and other band members have previously said they would fulfil their duties as required.

Military service is a contentious issue in South Korea. A poll released last month by local news outlet E-Today showed some 53% of respondents supported special treatment for BTS, while 47% opposed it.

South Korea’s parliament on Tuesday passed a bill to allow globally recognised K-pop artists such as BTS to postpone their mandatory military service to age 30. All able-bodied South Korean men aged between 18 and 28 must serve in the military for about two years as part of the country’s efforts to guard against North Korea.

South Korea’s parliament on Tuesday passed a bill to allow globally recognised K-pop artists such as BTS to postpone their mandatory military service to age 30. All able-bodied South Korean men aged between 18 and 28 must serve in the military for about two years as part of the country’s efforts to guard against North Korea. The amendment to the Military Service Act was designed to provide exceptions for K-pop megastars who improve the country’s cultural status and boost the economy. South Korea allows eligible students to defer their duties up to age 28 and has granted exemptions for high-profile classical musicians and athletes who won Olympic medals or a gold at the Asian Games, including Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min. No K-pop stars had received exemptions but the new bill will ensure entertainers recommended by the culture minister can defer their service to age 30. The oldest member of BTS, 27-year-old Jin, is nearing enlistment at a time when the seven-member boy band is rewriting K-pop history. Since launching in 2013, BTS has driven the global K-pop craze with catchy, upbeat music alongside lyrics and social campaigns aimed at empowering young people. It recently notched a first ever No.1 hit single on the U.S. Billboard charts with the song “Dynamite”, and bagged an unprecedented Grammy nomination as a K-pop band. “Pop artists tend to make their highest achievements in their 20s but many of them had to pursue a graduate degree to delay their service,” said Jeon Yong-gi, who co-authored the bill. BTS’s management, Big Hit Entertainment, did not respond to a request for comment on the legislative change, but Jin and other band members have previously said they would fulfil their duties as required. Military service is a contentious issue in South Korea. A poll released last month by local news outlet E-Today showed some 53% of respondents supported special treatment for BTS, while 47% opposed it.

South Korea passes law to allow BTS to postpone military service

aiwan Air Force Staff Sergeant Jiang Pin-shiuan's pitch to freshmen at Taipei's Tamkang University seemed compelling: join the island's armed forces and get a state-sponsored degree, 110 days of leave each year and annual savings of T$312,500 ($10,200).

But many listening students showed little interest, arguing national service was a "waste of time" and prospects of the self-ruled island standing up economically or militarily to an increasingly aggressive China were slim.

"China could simply crush Taiwan with its economic power. There's no need for a war, which wastes money," said 18-year-old Chen Fang-yi, an engineering major. "I do not have much confidence and expectation for the national army."

From lectures in universities and high schools across the island, life-size dancing dolls to a flash mob performance by a special forces unit, Taiwan's military is working hard to recruit soldiers as it moves to a fully volunteer force after decades of conscription.

Taiwan vowed in 2011 to phase out conscription to cut costs and boost the professionalism of its forces as it tries to better deter the Chinese threat through enhanced cyber warfare capabilities and other high-tech weapons.

The island's defence ministry said it will be able to reach a target of enlisting 81 percent of the estimated 188,000 volunteer troops needed to defend against any attack by Beijing by year-end. It hopes to raise that to 90 percent by 2020.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Beijing sees self-ruled Taiwan as a wayward province and has never renounced the use of force to bring it to heel.

But military experts and government auditors say recruitment is proving challenging and the growth in voluntary recruitment isn't fast enough to catch up with a worsening military imbalance across the strait.

China, whose official defence budget grew to roughly 15 times that of Taiwan's last year, has alarmed Taipei by flying bombers around the island and luring away members of its dwindling band of diplomatic allies.

In a report from December, three government auditors warned the growth of voluntary recruits had been slow, raising concerns about Taiwan's combat power.

"The government needs to think whether it's necessary to bring conscription back if they think national security matters," said Lin Yu-fang, a convener for the Taipei-based National Policy Foundation and former head of Taiwan's congressional defence and foreign committee.

"We will pay a heavy price for the move...We won't be able to find enough soldiers."

The island's defence ministry told Reuters it will continue to raise the quantity and quality of its armed forces and has made all necessary plans for possible military actions from China. It also urged the public to give "support and encouragement" to the transition.

DODGING TRAINING

Convincing more young people to join the armed forces is made more difficult by Taiwan's past as a military dictatorship. The death of a young conscript in 2013 after being punished for misconduct, which triggered large protests, also dealt a blow to the army.

The service is so unpopular that more than 1,000 reservists were charged in the last three years for dodging mandatory retraining.

"It raises a very difficult question about national morale. If there ever is a conflict, what are people going to do?" said William Stanton, professor at National Taiwan University and former head of the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei.&nbsp;

Taiwan last year spent nearly 47 percent of its defence budget of T$319.3 billion on manpower-related costs. Military experts said that squeezed the budget for weapon acquisitions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The island's goal to move to an all volunteer force by 2019 will be "costlier than anticipated", diverting funds from defence acquisition and readiness, the U.S. Defense Department said in a report to Congress in May.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Taiwan has shortened its mandatory service to a four-month training, from three years, a move analysts said was made to placate young voters who prioritise personal liberty over civil obligations.

But for some, even the reduced training is seen as an exercise in futility.

"We won't win a war with China anyway," said 20-year-old graduate Hsu Kai-wen, a reluctant conscript who was recently assigned a four-month service in the navy after drawing lots. "Why do I need to waste my time in the army?"

aiwan Air Force Staff Sergeant Jiang Pin-shiuan's pitch to freshmen at Taipei's Tamkang University seemed compelling: join the island's armed forces and get a state-sponsored degree, 110 days of leave each year and annual savings of T$312,500 ($10,200).

aiwan Air Force Staff Sergeant Jiang Pin-shiuan's pitch to freshmen at Taipei's Tamkang University seemed compelling: join the island's armed forces and get a state-sponsored degree, 110 days of leave each year and annual savings of T$312,500 ($10,200). But many listening students showed little interest, arguing national service was a "waste of time" and prospects of the self-ruled island standing up economically or militarily to an increasingly aggressive China were slim. "China could simply crush Taiwan with its economic power. There's no need for a war, which wastes money," said 18-year-old Chen Fang-yi, an engineering major. "I do not have much confidence and expectation for the national army." From lectures in universities and high schools across the island, life-size dancing dolls to a flash mob performance by a special forces unit, Taiwan's military is working hard to recruit soldiers as it moves to a fully volunteer force after decades of conscription. Taiwan vowed in 2011 to phase out conscription to cut costs and boost the professionalism of its forces as it tries to better deter the Chinese threat through enhanced cyber warfare capabilities and other high-tech weapons. The island's defence ministry said it will be able to reach a target of enlisting 81 percent of the estimated 188,000 volunteer troops needed to defend against any attack by Beijing by year-end. It hopes to raise that to 90 percent by 2020. Beijing sees self-ruled Taiwan as a wayward province and has never renounced the use of force to bring it to heel. But military experts and government auditors say recruitment is proving challenging and the growth in voluntary recruitment isn't fast enough to catch up with a worsening military imbalance across the strait. China, whose official defence budget grew to roughly 15 times that of Taiwan's last year, has alarmed Taipei by flying bombers around the island and luring away members of its dwindling band of diplomatic allies. In a report from December, three government auditors warned the growth of voluntary recruits had been slow, raising concerns about Taiwan's combat power. "The government needs to think whether it's necessary to bring conscription back if they think national security matters," said Lin Yu-fang, a convener for the Taipei-based National Policy Foundation and former head of Taiwan's congressional defence and foreign committee. "We will pay a heavy price for the move...We won't be able to find enough soldiers." The island's defence ministry told Reuters it will continue to raise the quantity and quality of its armed forces and has made all necessary plans for possible military actions from China. It also urged the public to give "support and encouragement" to the transition. DODGING TRAINING Convincing more young people to join the armed forces is made more difficult by Taiwan's past as a military dictatorship. The death of a young conscript in 2013 after being punished for misconduct, which triggered large protests, also dealt a blow to the army. The service is so unpopular that more than 1,000 reservists were charged in the last three years for dodging mandatory retraining. "It raises a very difficult question about national morale. If there ever is a conflict, what are people going to do?" said William Stanton, professor at National Taiwan University and former head of the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei. Taiwan last year spent nearly 47 percent of its defence budget of T$319.3 billion on manpower-related costs. Military experts said that squeezed the budget for weapon acquisitions. The island's goal to move to an all volunteer force by 2019 will be "costlier than anticipated", diverting funds from defence acquisition and readiness, the U.S. Defense Department said in a report to Congress in May. Taiwan has shortened its mandatory service to a four-month training, from three years, a move analysts said was made to placate young voters who prioritise personal liberty over civil obligations. But for some, even the reduced training is seen as an exercise in futility. "We won't win a war with China anyway," said 20-year-old graduate Hsu Kai-wen, a reluctant conscript who was recently assigned a four-month service in the navy after drawing lots. "Why do I need to waste my time in the army?"

For Taiwan youth, military service is a hard sell despite China tension

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