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As conflicts rage on around the world and new ones begin seemingly every day, it's unsurprising that some countries make defense a priority. Depending on the geopolitical location of a nation, they might want to make sure their population has basic military skills. Whether it's because they are situated next to a bigger, more hostile neighbor, or if the government sees military identity as an important aspect of citizenship, in this gallery we take a look at the countries where serving in the military is still a normal part of life.
Curious? Click on to discover the countries that still have military service.
It's the biggest country in the world, and in Russia, military service is compulsory. Men are conscripted twice a year, and up until 2025, they were between the age of 18 and 27. However, the maximum age has now been increased to 30.
Most Russians are drafted straight out of high school, at the age of 18. Many public service roles, such as within government, are off-limits to anyone who hasn't served.
It might surprise you to learn that, officially at least, the Netherlands has mandatory military service. However, this rule is not enforced.
Citizens receive a letter from the Ministry of Defence upon turning 17. However, they don't have to show up for conscription. Both males and females receive the letter.
Austria declared its neutrality in 1955, making it responsible for its own defense, as it would not join any military alliances.
By law, all Austrian citizens must register for military service after turning 18 years old, and before their 19th birthday.
Lying in a contentious part of the world, close to the Middle East, Caucasus, and the Balkans, Turkey has compulsory military service.
To preserve its independence, Turkey has a law in place stating all male citizens between the ages of 20 and 41 must perform mandatory military training.
The majority of soldiers in the Belarusian army are actually conscripts, who must serve an 18-month military service. In recent years, there have been more deferments and attempts to dodge conscription.
In response, the government introduced a rule that in order to pursue a master's degree or any further education higher than a bachelor's, a man must serve at least 18 months in the army or air force.
From the age of 19, all able-bodied Swiss citizens are called up to do a basic service that's at least 21 weeks long. This is supplemented by extra, annual training that has to be undertaken.
To serve in the Swiss army is a part of the national identity of the country. Refusal to serve in the military, or alternatively community service, is a criminal offense. But this rarely occurs.
All Iranian men are required to serve mandatory military service. Once males reach the age of 19 in Iran, it's time to get ready for the conscript.
Conscription was first introduced during the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi, and has continued after the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
Denmark has a long history of conscription, which was written into the first constitution, going all the way back to 1849.
Today, obligatory service is in place for men, lasting between four months to one year. It's possible for women to volunteer to serve on the same teams as men.
Considered the world's most militarized society, it's perhaps unsurprising that conscription takes place in North Korea.
Conscription takes place at the age of 17, and service lasts until the age of 30. Recruitment is on the basis of annual targets set in place by the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, and is implemented locally by schools.
All men between the ages of 18 and 60 must do military service in Finland. On completion, they are registered to the Finnish Defence Forces reserve.
The length of service depends on the type, with rank-and-file duties lasting 165 days, while special skills training lasts 255 days.
Although temporarily abolished in 2010, Sweden reinstated mandatory military conscription in 2017 due to a rising national security threat.
All citizens of conscription age receive a letter. They can refuse to serve, as it's not compulsory to do so. Those who are drafted serve a term between nine to 12 months long.
It's compulsory for 18-year-old men to serve in the army in Brazil. Military service lasts for between 10 to 12 months. Exemptions are granted for health reasons.
If you're studying at university, service can be delayed. Often the army turns away recruits, as there are more 18 year olds than the army needs.
Norway claims its culture of conscription goes all the way back to the Viking age. It's written into the original constitution drafted in 1814.
Compulsory military service for both men and women was introduced in Norway in 2015. Service can last between six and 19 months, but it's usually around one year's duration.
Military service is compulsory in Israel for both men and women. Each spends a different duration in the Israeli Defence Forces; men serve for three years, while women serve for two.
The obligation applies to all Israelis, whether at home or abroad. There are some exemptions on medical grounds, for immigrants, and those belonging to certain religious groups.
Conscription was reintroduced in Lithuania in 2015 following its abolishment in 2008. Men between the ages of 18 and 23 can be called upon to serve.
Service lasts nine months, and a national lottery takes place to decide who serves. After random selection by a computer, the candidates are contacted about their impending service.
All men in Moldova between 18 and 27 years of age are required to serve in the military.
When it comes to mandatory military service in Moldova, there are exemptions for medical or educational reasons.
There is a 12-month mandatory military service term in operation in Greece. Men between the ages of 19 and 45 are required to serve their country.
The rule applies regardless of whether the men have foreign citizenship or whether they live or were born outside of the country.
Men in Egypt are liable for military service if they're between the ages of 18 and 30. The term lasts between one to three years.
Before they're allowed to travel, marry, or seek employment, men must complete at least one year of conscription. For Egyptians living abroad, an exemption costing US$5,000 can apply.
Conscription is a national duty in Singapore. To date, nearly a million Singaporeans have served in the national conscription program.
Upon the age of 18, all citizens and second-generation permanent residents are required to serve for two years in the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force, or the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
A strict system of national military service is in place in South Korea. There are also options to serve in the police force, coast guard, fire service, and, in some special cases, government departments.
Generally, though, all able-bodied males are required to complete 21 months of national service in the army, 23 months in the navy, or 24 months in the air force.
Croatia's compulsory military service was suspended in 2008 and was functioning on a volunteer-based system. However, as of January 1, 2025, Croatian men above the age of 18 are required to enlist and complete a two-month mandatory military service.
In 2011, Serbia abolished compulsory service, and since then has relied on a professional army. Recently, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has announced a mandatory 75 days of military service for men, starting January 1, 2025.
Sources: (BBC) (Yahoo Finance) (DW)
See also:
The countries that benefit from the Russia-Ukraine war
Countries that still have military service
If you live here, you can still do your national duty
LIFESTYLE Conscription
As conflicts rage on around the world and new ones begin seemingly every day, it's unsurprising that some countries make defense a priority. Depending on the geopolitical location of a nation, they might want to make sure their population has basic military skills. Whether it's because they are situated next to a bigger, more hostile neighbor, or if the government sees military identity as an important aspect of citizenship, in this gallery we take a look at the countries where serving in the military is still a normal part of life.
Curious? Click on to discover the countries that still have military service.