Overview

In Turkey, compulsory military service applies to all male citizens from twenty to forty one years of age (with some exceptions). Those who are engaged in higher education or vocational training programs prior to their military drafting are allowed to delay service until they have completed the programs or reach a certain age (29 for university degree, 33 for Masters' Degree, 37 for Doctorate). The duration of the basic military service varies. As of July 2003, the reduced durations are as follows: fifteen months for privates (previously eighteen months), twelve months for reserve officers (previously sixteen months) and six months for short-term privates, which denotes those who have earned a university degree and not have been enlisted as reserve officers (previously eight months). 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

For Turkish citizens who have lived or worked abroad of Turkey for at least three years, on condition that they pay a certain fee in foreign currencies, a basic military training of one month is offered instead of the full-term military service. Also, by law if and when the General Staff assesses that the military reserve exceeds the required amount, paid military service of one-month's basic training is established. This option has never been practised, and this option is deemed to exist as a way to avoid legal issues, as there is no way to learn what the required manpower amount is.

Although women have are not required to serve, they are allowed to become officers.

Turkish Armed Forces constitute of around 690,000 conscripts and 220,000 career officials. There is frequent public debate on the necessity of maintaining such a large and expensive force in this day and age, but the General Staff is very powerful and active politically and quick to quash such discussions.

Role of Turkish Armed Forces in Turkish Society

It is a punishable offence to speak publicly against the army or conscription, as it's a crime to "undermine Turkish people's zeal towards military" and a separate crime to "insult the spirit of the Armed Forces".

Attitude towards conscription, the army and conscripts (draftees)

Turkish Armed Forces has a special meaning for Turkish people. Almost all analysts agree that it is currently the most trustworthy institution in the country. The Armed Forces is also considered as the defender of the secular and democratic Turkey against domestic and foreign threats. Despite the dismay with which mandatory military service is viewed in many countries, Turks have a tradition of honoring this activity. When families bid farewell to their children as he leaves home for the army, festivities are held to emphasize the almost sacred role of serving one's nation.

Draft evaders and citizens living abroad

It is estimated there are around 400,000 draft evaders currently present. Main reason for such a large number of draft evaders is economical.

Conscientious objection

Refusing the obligatory military service due to conscientious objection is illegal in Turkey, and punishable with imprisonment by law. Such acts are deemed "insubordination to military officers" and carry up to 2 years of military inprisonment for each offence (in Turkey, civillians can be tried at military courts). Should a conscientious objector refuse to serve in the military, this can effectively mean a lifelong sentence.