conscription

Conscription, or the draft, is a system by which individuals are legally obligated to serve in the armed forces for a defined period. In some countries, conscription also covers civilian national service for those who refuse military duty on conscientious or religious grounds. The policy is usually enacted by statute and administered by a government agency, with the details, such as minimum age, length of service, and exemptions, varying by country and era.

Throughout the 20th century conscription was widely used to mobilize large militaries during wars and to deter aggression in peacetime. Many nations moved to professional volunteer forces in the late 20th or early 21st century, but some retain compulsory service for certain cohorts or have a framework for a wartime draft. Universal conscription remains in effect in a few countries (for example, Switzerland and South Korea), while others maintain selective systems or keep a registration requirement that could be activated if needed (as in the United States, where men 18–25 must register with the Selective Service System but no active draft is in place).

Common exemptions include medical or educational deferments, sole-breadwinner status, and religious or moral objections that lead to alternative civilian service. Service terms typically range from several months to two years, and the burden of service often falls unevenly across socioeconomic groups, leading to ongoing policy debates.

Advocates argue conscription can ensure national security, promote equality of sacrifice, and strengthen civic identity. Critics contend it infringes individual liberty, risks unnecessary military deployment, and imposes costs on the economy and marginalized populations. In many countries, the trend has been to rely on professional volunteers, with ongoing political discussion about the need for any form of mandatory service.