Military service traditions in various countries

Almost every country in the world has some sort of military where the citizens of this certain country (and sometimes foreigners) are allowed or required to serve. In this article we will discuss several things that relate to military service. We will mention different types of military, different military service requirements, different benefits and specifics of military service in some countries.

Military service could be a required or an optional service. Some countries will have an obligatory military service requirement for male citizens of the certain age range. The age range is usually from 18 year old to 25 – 35 years old. The required term is different for different countries. For example, many countries of the former Soviet Union have a 2 year required service term. Other countries may have a larger or smaller term.

Some countries are moving to the fully contractual military service and are gradually reducing the service terms while they are building the fully contractual military units. Let’s take Russian Federation, for example. The required military service term is going to be reduced from two years to one year in 2008. The contractual military service opportunity is being offered and such units as Special Forces and units dislocated in combat zones are formed with contractors. As the number of military contractors increases, the required military service term is expected to reduce even more until completely eliminated.

Some countries already moved to completely contractual military service. The example here would be United States. The military service here is based on recruitment of military personnel contractors by offering them valuable compensation packages. These compensation packages could include university study compensation, loan repayment and salary compensation. Countries that have similar military structure will usually have an option to require the service in the military during war times.

Different countries will have different structures of military. Many countries will have a Navy division for naval forces and Army division for ground forces. Different Special Forces are usually present in different countries and may report to different military divisions. The examples would include Delta in United States and Spetsnaz in Russian Federation.

There will be other units for quick reaction and special operations. For example, United States marines division belongs to this category. In Russian Federation you will find VDV (also know as Desant) – a sort of Airborne Troops, the most mobile combat forces. Many countries will have defense division. Those countries that have nuclear weapons will usually have a special division responsible for this area. For example, in Russia this division is called Strategic Rocket Forces.

The defense department or similar agency is usually the largest purchaser of military equipment. Some countries (like United States, Russian Federation, France and others) produce their own military equipment (like “MIG” and “SU” type airplanes in Russia and “F” type airplanes in United Sates. Other countries mainly purchase military equipment (like India). There are many different types of equipment that is designed specifically for military like tanks, airplanes, ships, missiles, etc.

Most of the time only the citizens or permanent residents of certain country will be able to serve in this country’s military. However, there are many exceptions. For example, French military has a French Foreign Legion that consists of foreign citizens serving in French military. There is a similar Spanish Foreign Legion in the Spanish military.

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