Military Conscription Around the World
Which countries still require mandatory military service, how long it lasts, whether it applies to women, and what's changing right now.
The Big Picture
Note on definitions: “Conscription” means different things in different countries. Some nations have active mandatory service where you will be called up. Others have legal frameworks requiring registration but no active draft. This page distinguishes between them.
NATO Members: Conscription Status
Selected NATO members — only those with notable conscription policies or recent changes. Many NATO members (UK, Canada, France, etc.) are fully all-volunteer and are listed in the “abolished” section.
| Country | Status | Length | Gender-Neutral? | Key Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark | Active | 4–12 months | Yes (2024 expansion) | Health, sole breadwinner, conscientious objection |
| Estonia | Active | 8–11 months | Voluntary for women | Health, sole support of family |
| Finland | Active | 165–347 days | Voluntary for women | Health, conscientious objection (civilian service) |
| Germany | Suspended | N/A (suspended 2011) | N/A | N/A — reinstatement debated |
| Greece | Active | 9–12 months | Men only | Health, religious vocation, sole support |
| Latvia | Active (reinstated 2024) | 12 months | Men only initially | Health, sole support of dependents |
| Lithuania | Active (reinstated 2015) | 9–12 months | Men only | Health, higher education enrollment |
| Montenegro | Abolished | N/A (abolished 2006) | N/A | N/A |
| Norway | Active | 12–19 months | Yes (since 2016) | Health, conscientious objection |
| Poland | Active (wartime reserves) | Variable | Men only | Health |
| Sweden | Active (reinstated 2017) | 9–12 months | Yes (since 2018) | Health, conscientious objection |
| Turkey | Active | 6–12 months | Men only | Health, hardship, bedelli (buyout option) |
| United States | Selective Service registration | No active draft | Men 18–25 required to register | Active draft not in effect |
Indo-Pacific & Partner Nations
US allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region with notable conscription systems.
Army 18m, Navy 20m, Air Force 21m; women exempt but can volunteer. Applies to all male citizens.
Extended from 4 months to 12 months starting January 2024. Males only. Older cohorts served shorter terms.
National Service for male citizens and second-generation permanent residents. Includes reservist obligations to age 40/50.
Applies to most Jewish citizens and Druze/Circassian men. Ultra-Orthodox exemptions are a significant political issue.
All male citizens required. Women may serve voluntarily. Conscientious objection allows civilian service.
Male citizens only. Alternative civilian service available. Referendum in 2013 upheld conscription.
Mandatory for men at 18 but selective in practice — far more register than are called up.
Countries That Abolished Conscription
Most Western nations eliminated mandatory military service after the Cold War, moving to professional all-volunteer forces.
| Country | Year Abolished | Context |
|---|---|---|
| France | 1996 | Professionalized after Cold War review; President Chirac's decision. |
| Germany | 2011 | Suspended (not abolished in law); debate on reinstatement ongoing as of 2024. |
| United Kingdom | 1960 | National Service ended; all-volunteer force ever since. |
| Canada | 1945 | Wartime conscription ended; no peacetime draft since. |
| Australia | 1972 | Vietnam-era conscription abolished; all-volunteer force. |
| Italy | 2004 | Transitioned to all-volunteer professional force. |
| Spain | 2001 | Conscription abolished; professional force maintained. |
| Netherlands | 1996 | Suspended in 1996; debate on reinstatement ongoing. |
| Portugal | 2004 | Abolished after professionalization reforms. |
| Belgium | 1994 | Abolished post-Cold War; reinstatement discussed. |
| Hungary | 2004 | Abolished upon NATO integration reforms. |
| Czech Republic | 2004 | Abolished upon NATO accession. |
Countries Reinstating or Expanding Conscription
Since Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, several European countries have reversed their post-Cold War drawdowns.
Full wartime conscription in effect since 2022 Russian invasion. Age range and eligibility have been expanded by law.
Cabinet approved reinstatement of mandatory service starting 2024, driven by Russian threat perception. 12-month service for men.
Reinstated following Russia's annexation of Crimea. Lottery-based selection for 9-12 month service.
Gender-neutral conscription reinstated after being suspended in 2010. Now fully gender-neutral (both sexes eligible for compulsory service).
Defense agreement expands existing conscription to include women from 2027. Duration being extended for selected recruits.
Mandatory service suspended in 2011. As of 2024, Defense Ministry considering a new voluntary-mandatory model following NATO commitments.
What 12 Months of Conscription Actually Looks Like
The length is the same, but the experience differs enormously by country and context.
Rigid hierarchy, near-total separation from civilian life. Base access is highly restricted. Smartphone use is limited. Significant post-service adjustment period. Career implications for not serving are severe.
Combat-experienced military. Assignment can mean frontline service in active conflict zones. Weekend leave is the norm for most units but not guaranteed. Post-service travel ("the trip") is a cultural institution.
Extended from 4 months under pressure of cross-strait tensions. The 12-month cohort receives more substantive training than the previous short-term model.
Gender-neutral since 2016 — one of the first countries globally. Conscripts serve alongside professional soldiers. Selection-in model: top performers may be retained longer. Quality of life is notably higher than most conscript armies.
Data sourced from IISS Military Balance 2024, official ministry of defense announcements, and CIA World Factbook. Conscription policies change frequently — verify current status with official government sources before making decisions.