Conscription in Turkey
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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: for those without 4 year university degrees fifteen months as privates (previously eighteen months); for those with 4 year university degrees or higher either twelve months as reserve officers (previously sixteen months) or six months as short-term privates. Those with medical degrees always serve as reserve officers for twelve months. Choice of the rest of draftee reserve officers are believed to be determined by the needs of the armed forces, but there is no public document available clarifying the process.
For Turkish citizens who have worked outside Turkey for at least three consecutive years, on condition that they pay a certain fee (currently 5112 EUR), a basic military training option of twenty-one days (previously twenty-eight days) is offered instead of the full-term military service of 15 months. 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 practiced, 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 are not conscripted, they are allowed to become officers.
Turkish Armed Forces constitute of around 730,000 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. Usually these discussions are met with the argument that Turkey's geopolitical position requires a large army that is always ready to resist a possible attack from all fronts.
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[edit] Attitude towards conscription, the army and conscripts (draftees)
Voicing opinions against the draft is generally considered a social stigma in Turkey.
By law, it is a punishable offense 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".
Most companies require men to have completed their military service before their job candidacies can be accepted, and traditionally families do not consent to their daughters marrying men who have not served their terms. The reason behind this requirement is irregular loss of workforce; the companies are legally bound to discharge draft evaders or face legal consequences, however valuable an asset these people are.
It is common opinion that having completed military service carries a symbolic value to the majority of Turks. On the other hand, it is held to be one of the main reasons behind the brain drain prevalent among the well-educated young professionals.
An argument used for the defense of conscription is that it serves to intermingle the rich and the poor, the educated and the less fortunate, the brawler and the meek, the criminal and the upright; although, though whether this justifies its existence is open to discussion.
[edit] Draft evaders
It is estimated there are around 400,000 draft evaders currently present. The exact number is known to Turkish National Conscription Board (Asker Alma Dairesi Başkanlığı, a branch of Ministry of National Defense), but has never been disclosed publicly. The main reason for such a large number of draft evaders is mainly economical in nature.
There are reasons this number is not even higher: Evading the draft is an offence punishable with imprisonment and loss of other rights; for example a draft evader by law cannot get married, issued with a passport, leave the country, stay in a hotel without getting arrested and summarily sent to join the army. A random id check by police officers is also liable to get him arrested. The trial for draft evasion is held at military courts and does not grant reprieve from being forcefully drafted.
[edit] Conscientious objection
Refusing the obligatory military service due to conscientious objection is illegal in Turkey, and punishable with imprisonment by law as upon reaching the legal age, a citizen automatically becomes enlisted and subject to military law. Such acts are deemed "insubordination to military officers" and carry up to 2 years of military imprisonment for each offence (in Turkey, civilians can be tried at military courts). Should a conscientious objector continue refusing to serve in the military, this can effectively mean a lifelong sentence.
Notable objectors: Mehmet Tarhan, Osman Murat Ülke.
[edit] Further reading
- United Nations HCR report on military service in Turkey
- WRI summary on conscientious objection in Turkey
- Documentation: Conscientious objection in Turkey
- Turkish writer faces jail after incurring wrath of military
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