7 Countries With Compulsory Military Service 

Jun 24, 2023, 02:11 IST

Mukul Sharma

Russia 

Under the Russian law, military service for a period of 12 months is compulsory for all able-bodied men aged 18 to 27. 

North Korea

North Korea pursues a military-first policy also known as ‘Songun’, under which school graduates are made to join the service at the age of 17-18 for 10 years. 

South Korea 

In South Korea, men are supposed to serve either in army (21 months), navy (23 months), or air force (24 months). Successful sportsmen, such as those who win gold at Olympics or Asian Games, can avail an exemption from compulsory service. 

Israel

The 1949 Israeli Security Service Law makes military service compulsory for all Israelis on turning 18, except for the ultra-Orthodox and Arab Israelis. 

Brazil

Under Brazilian constitution, military service is compulsory for every male citizen for a duration between 10 to 12 months. 

Iran 

In Iran, all men over 18 years old must serve in the military for a period between 18 to 24 months. 

Sweden

In 2017, Sweden decided to re-introduce military conscription. Compulsory military service is now applicable to both men and women. The conscripts are expected to serve a period of nine to 12 months.

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