Some countries have conscription, also known as "the draft", and some do not.

For a list of countries that DO NOT have the draft, please see:
 • Countries Without the Draft
For a list of countries that currently have the draft, please see:
 • Countries With a Universal Draft
For a list of countries that currently have the draft but allow for exceptions to, or exemptions from, forced military service, please see:
 • Countries With a Limited Draft

What is meant by "the draft?"

Conscription, or "the draft" as it is more commonly known, is simply a forced term of military service. When we think of "the draft" in North America we tend to think of Vietnam, the last war in which Americans were forced in to combat, which makes us think that conscription only happens during times of war. This is not the case. Conscription is simply a forced term of military service imposed on all, or a select group, of citizens by a government. While many countries with a draft in place only use it during times of war, there are just as many countries that force people to serve during war or peace. Some countries make exceptions to conscripted service based on anything from compassionate grounds to religious or moral objections to war, or by way of accepting an alternative type of civil service instead of military service (think the National Guard in the Vietnam era). Some countries force you to fight no matter what you think, feel or do -- we say that these countries have "conscription with no alternative services."

Who can be drafted?

This varies based on country. Most countries draft males between the ages of 18 - 22, but this is only the average, some countries draft males and females and some countries draft people who are younger or older than the 18-22 average age range.

Can girls be drafted?

Yes, in some (but not many) countries women can be drafted. The following countries will draft women; Angola, Chile, Israel, Libyan Arab Jamahirya, and Paraguay. The following countries will draft women as non-combatants (support, humanitarian and medical roles) on an as needed basis; Croatia, Yugoslavia, and Switzerland.

What happens to people who "dodge the draft?"

Again, this varies from country to country. Most countries will imprison draft dodgers for terms of varying lengths (in some countries they are imprisoned for life). Some countries simply arrest dodgers and then force them into military service, often indefinite service, even in countries with set terms of military service for non-dodgers. Some countries will execute people who dodge the draft. In extreme cases family members will be held accountable for the draft dodger's actions being fined, sent to prison or even killed.

What are the draft policies of my country?

To find out, find your country on our one of our lists:
 • Countries Without the Draft
 • Countries With a Universal Draft
 • Countries With a Limited Draft
Any specifics surrounding gender or age will be noted underneath your country.

If I am drafted, how long will I have to serve?

Again, this differs from country to country. To find out the length of service for your country check our draft list and read the notation underneath your country.
 • Countries With a Universal Draft
Any specifics surrounding type of service and duration will be noted underneath your country.

My country doesn't have the draft, should I still worry about being forced to serve during a war?

Yes, and no. If you are lucky enough to live in a country that does not conscript the likelihood that you need to worry about being forced to fight in a war is very small. Countries that do not draft usually have legislation that makes the draft unlawful and it is no quick or easy task in most democratic nations to undo legislation, especially controversial legislation. Unless a war lags on for a very long time it is unlikely that your country will see the need to change its laws and enact conscription legislation. However, there is always the possibility that "the draft" could be reinstated in your country which means there is always some risk that someday you could be forced to fight in a war. What would cause a country that does not already draft people to suddenly start? There are a few simple reasons that your country may enact conscription legislation: drafting may happen in the event that a war is dragged out or takes longer than first expected, in the event that a nations very existence is at risk, and/or in the event that casualties in a war are much higher than expected. Under international laws and treaties there is no reason why a country cannot change its own laws and enact a draft if it feels the move is necessary for its survival or to win a war. However, it is important to note that conscription is actively discouraged by the United Nations.

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