Mandatory Conscription: Outdated Concept or Future Need?

Military compulsory conscription has not only served as a means for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to replenish the mobilization reserve but has also sparked intense political and social debates.

Before each election, numerous political candidates advocate for the abolishment of mandatory enlistment in favor of transitioning to a ‘professional army.’ These calls have persisted even during the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war, and the Ministry of Defense has initiated steps in this direction.

The new Concept of Military Personnel Policy-2028 outlines a shift in the Armed Forces of Ukraine toward contract service, with compulsory enlistment being replaced by rigorous military training for citizens of military age.

Simultaneously, as European NATO member states analyze the experience of conducting large-scale wars, they are either considering the reinstatement of military conscription in various forms or extending the service terms.

We have chosen to delve into the study of European countries that employ mandatory conscription for both men and women, and to gain deeper insights into the challenges of such a system in Ukraine and its future prospects.

Military conscription in Ukraine

Military conscription in Ukraine is compulsory for men aged 18 to 25 who do not qualify for exemption or deferral.

Certain categories of citizens are exempt from the draft, including those pursuing higher education, individuals who attain an officer rank after graduation, those facing health issues, individuals with close relatives who died or suffered disabilities while serving in the army, those who have served sentences for crimes, those who have already completed service in the Armed Forces, or those who have served in foreign armed forces.

Young people subject to the draft may be assigned to the Armed Forces, the National Guard, or the State Border Service.

The law stipulates the following terms of military service:

• Up to 18 months for soldiers and sergeants drafted into the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other branches.
• Up to 18 months for sailors and petty officers drafted into military service on ships, vessels, and coastal units of combat support for the Naval Forces of Ukraine, as well as marine units of other military formations.
• Up to 12 months for drafted graduates and postgraduates holding at least a specialist or master’s degree.
• 3 years for privates who have signed a contract.
• 5 years for contracted sergeants and senior staff.
• 5 years for contracted officers.
• For cadets pursuing higher education in military colleges, universities, and academies with military training units, the term of military service is determined by the duration of their education.

Military conscription is governed by the Constitution and other laws. Part 2 of Article 65 of the Constitution of Ukraine establishes that the protection of the motherland, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as respect for its state symbols, are the responsibilities of its citizens.

Article 35 of the Constitution emphasizes that no one can evade their duties to the state or refuse to implement laws due to religious beliefs.

If the performance of a military duty conflicts with the religious beliefs of a citizen, they may be given the opportunity to replace it with alternative service.

The Law of Ukraine ‘On Military Duty and Military Service’ governs general military duty and military service to fulfill the obligation of citizens of Ukraine to protect the motherland.

The overall legal framework also encompasses laws on National Defense, Armed Forces, Mobilization Training and Mobilization, along with other regulatory acts aimed at ensuring the defense of the state.

The terms of conscription for military service are determined by the Decree of the President of Ukraine.

Mandatory conscription during a full-scale war

During the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war, conscription or mobilization by the President of Ukraine was not announced, and the demobilization of conscripts did not take place.

Military personnel drafted in 2021-2022 have been on duty for more than 2 years, with some serving for up to 3 years.

The presence of a large number of men with basic military training, retaining at least some skills, has significantly contributed to the increase in defense capability.

Since these individuals already possessed a basic level of military training, the time required to attain full combat capability was significantly reduced compared to those who had not served at all.

It is thus evident that conscripts, particularly those who served after the commencement of the war with Russia in 2014, formally known as the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) and later rebranded as the Joint Forces Operation (JFO), have played a crucial role in supporting the Armed Forces and other security forces in repelling Russian aggression.

Problems of military conscription in Ukraine

In 2021, 27,821 individuals were drafted for service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service. Notably, 13,000 of them joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, accounting for 5.3% of the total 245,000 conscripts.

One of the challenges with military conscription in the Armed Forces was its inefficiency. It is important to highlight that some brigades were genuinely committed to training conscripts.

For instance, in the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, conscripts underwent mandatory training, and the level of preparation was nearly equivalent to that of a contracted soldier. The curriculum even included parachute and rope (adapter) landing exercises.

However, the majority of conscripts did not receive an adequate level of training. Instead of engaging in tactical, firearms, and medical training, they were assigned auxiliary or even idle tasks.

Consequently, in the eyes of society and the conscripts themselves, mandatory service was perceived as a waste of time that could have been used for work, career development, or personal life. Drafted conscripts felt detached from friends, families, hobbies, and society at large.

At the same time, the state incurred significant expenses on the training and maintenance of conscripts.

Another challenge was the low level of salaries, ranging from UAH 352 to UAH 700 per month. This figure remained unchanged until September 2023, when it increased to UAH 6,000 after the outbreak of a full-scale war.

The notion of ‘hazing’ in the Army had also become ingrained in society, with a perception that conscripted servicemen engaged in non-statutory relations and that a specific ‘hierarchy’ existed in the Army. Such perceptions could potentially pose significant problems.

News reports occasionally featured stories about conscripts being subjected to beatings, theft, and abuse in the Army. The fact that some officers turned a blind eye to these incidents and even used them to maintain order represented a second serious problem.

However, in Ukraine, according to official statements, efforts were made to overcome this phenomenon, especially with the outbreak of a full-scale war.

Moreover, mandatory service was tightly entangled with corruption, such as the bribery of military commissars and medical personnel who issued certificates of ill health and unsuitability.

European experience

The notion that European countries lack mandatory military service is incorrect.

For instance, in Finland, conscripts play a crucial role in the state’s defense capability, with reports suggesting that around 80% of the male population has undergone military service, and individuals up to 30 years old can be drafted. Due to the small population, even men with health issues may be subject to conscription.

Finland offers an alternative service that can be chosen at the time of conscription based on religious beliefs. However, refusal to perform alternative military service can result in imprisonment. In Finland, approximately 10 individuals are imprisoned annually for refusing such service.

The service terms in the Finnish army vary from 165 to 347 days. Given the country’s small population and the perceived threat from Russia, the authorities are unlikely to hastily abolish military conscription, even after joining NATO.

The Austrian armed forces comprise nearly half conscripts, serving up to 6 months, with an alternative service available for those with religious beliefs. A complete refusal to serve in the army is not permitted.

Interestingly, in the 2013 referendum, 60% of voters (with a turnout of 52.4%) favored maintaining military conscription.

In Switzerland, individuals in their 20s undergo conscription for up to 300 days. Since 1996, there has been the option of an alternative service. Conscription has become a tradition in the country, and in a September 22, 2013, referendum, 73% of the population opposed its abolition. The country offers a means of avoiding military service by paying a ‘war tax.’

Estonia has military conscription lasting from 8 to 11 months. Amid the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war, Lithuania and Latvia have also reintroduced conscription.

Denmark has an interesting conscription system: the process involves writing tests, a medical examination, and a lottery that determines whether the conscript will serve in the army or the reserve. The possibility of introducing military duty for women is under consideration.

Conscription is also present in Sweden and Norway. In Norway, 13% of young people are subject to the draft, while in Sweden, it’s 4%. Both men and women are mobilized in these countries.

Greece also conscripts women, and conscription has survived there due to strained relations with Turkey.

Generally, the tendency to maintain conscription is observed in European countries with small populations. To preserve defense capabilities, they need a large mobilization reserve that can be promptly involved in the defense of the state in case of war.

After the Cold War, many European countries didn’t require large armies and a vast mobilization resource. Consequently, conscription was discontinued in several countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, etc.

However, after the outbreak of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war, conscription has started to return to Europe. For instance, Germany, which abolished conscription in 2011, is considering its reintroduction.

The Federal German Minister of Defense, Boris Pistorius, recently noted that he is studying conscription models. According to him, the abolition of conscription in Germany was a mistake.

In France, from 2024, mandatory monthly training will start for men and women of draft age, at which point they will undergo basic training.

Poland, neighboring Ukraine, has launched a campaign advocating for voluntary conscription. The new type of service aims to be an effective mechanism for increasing the number of Polish troops, building up reserves, and providing individuals with training in handling weapons.

Given the growing Russian-Belarusian threat, Poland might consider introducing mandatory conscription.

It’s crucial to note that the draft mechanism in most NATO countries has been maintained, allowing for a quick declaration of the draft if necessary, without lengthy legal procedures.

What should be the military conscription in Ukraine?

Analyzing the experiences of European countries with relatively small populations, it can be concluded that, to counter states with much larger mobilization resources, a sizable combat-ready reserve is necessary, inclusive of both men and women.

In general, these conclusions can be drawn from the experiences of the Russian-Ukrainian war. While Ukraine’s population is relatively large within Europe, the mobilization resources may be adequate for defense but insufficient for extensive offensive operations.

Therefore, the preservation and fundamental reforms of mandatory military service have become a necessity.

The foundation of this reform should be an enhancement in the effectiveness of military training, accompanied by mandatory regular military exercises after demobilization.

Training should be comprehensive, covering mandatory fire, tactical, and medical courses, enabling conscripts to master various weapons, equipment, and their military specialties.

Taking inspiration from the successful Finnish model and adapting it to specific conditions can serve as an example. Encouraging youth to join the military can be facilitated through training grants, a social package, and other incentives provided by the state.

Ukrainian society should seriously consider the possibility of conscripting women into military service, offering them opportunities to occupy both combat and auxiliary positions if desired.

Moreover, only a limited number of suitable individuals should have the chance to serve in positions that do not require excellent health. Such roles could involve accounting, document management, equipment maintenance, or inventory management.