UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made a significant announcement before the upcoming general elections. He stated that if the Conservative Party comes into power, national army service will become mandatory for all youths. According to Sunak's announcement, youths aged 18 years will be required to serve for 12 months.
The UK will hold general elections on July 4th. It's believed that Sunak's declaration aims to please Conservative voters. Meanwhile, the opposing Labour Party has dismissed this as a publicity stunt.
If implemented, this will mark the revival of military service and training in the UK after 65 years. BBC reports that from 1949 to 1960, British youths aged 17 to 21 were obliged to serve in the army for 18 months, with a reserve status lasting four years.
What's the current plan?
According to the Conservative Party, youths over 18 will have two options. They can choose to undergo military training every weekend. Selecting this option provides 25 days of military training over a year.
Alternatively, youths can apply for reserve service with 30,000 vacancies available.
Nonetheless, national army service will become compulsory for youths above 18. BBC adds that refusal will not be an option, and various sanctions could be imposed on those who decline service or training.
Mandatory Military Service in Various Countries
- Russia:
Youths aged 18-27 are required to serve 12 months in the army. Refusal can result in fines and imprisonment.
- Korea:
Both North and South Korea enforce mandatory military service. In North Korea, enlistment starts at 17-18 years, mandating 10 years for men and 7 for women. South Korea requires all men to serve in one of the military branches – 21 months in the army, 23 in the navy, and 24 in the air force.
- Israel:
Jews must serve in the military for a set period: men for 2 years 8 months, women for 2 years.
Source: aajtak
- Brazil:
All men must serve at least 12 months in the military, with the option to extend service for up to eight years, beginning at age 18. Those who refuse lose voting privileges and cannot run for office. Women are exempt.
- Iran:
The law requires all men aged 18 and older to serve 18-24 months. Women are not subject to this rule. Refusers cannot secure government jobs or travel abroad.
- Turkey:
Men aged 20-41 must serve at least six months, with an option to extend for another six.
- Cuba:
Males over 16 are eligible for military service. Those aged 17-28 must serve two years. Women are exempt. Non-compliers can face imprisonment and fines.
- Switzerland:
Men over 20 must serve in the military. It's voluntary for women, requiring service for 21 weeks.
- Sweden:
Military service of 9-12 months is mandatory for both men and women. It was voluntary for women until 2010 but is now compulsory.
Source: aajtak
What's the Situation in India?
India does not have a policy for compulsory military service. In 2014, the central government conveyed to the parliament that India, being a democratic country, allows every individual the freedom to choose their profession.
There's concern that mandatory military training for all youths could militarize the nation, potentially leading unemployed trained youths to associate with anti-social elements.
In 2019 and again in 2022, two private bills related to mandatory military service were introduced in the Lok Sabha. In 2019, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal proposed a bill that made a 18-month military stint mandatory for all youths, including a 6-month training period. The 2022 bill presented by BJP MP Bhola Singh recommended a mandatory 12-month service.
In India, any eligible youth over 18 can enlist in the army under the Short Service Commission for initially 14 years, with an option to apply for a Permanent Commission thereafter.
In 2022, the government introduced the Agnipath scheme, offering 17.5 to 21-year-olds a four-year military service opportunity, with retention for 25% of these youths after four years.
