An 18-year-old, Samuel Sampedro, has died during mandatory military service at Combinado del Este in Havana. His family has not received official details regarding his death and is demanding transparency and justice amidst growing criticism of Cuba's military service.
Germany has experienced a significant rise in applications for conscientious objection to military service, with numbers nearly quintupling since 2021. This increase, affecting active soldiers, reservists, and civilians, is largely attributed to heightened geopolitical tensions following the Ukraine conflict, posing challenges for the Bundeswehr's recruitment efforts.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced strong support for a general compulsory year of service in Germany, encompassing both military and community options. He suggests that current voluntary recruitment efforts may not suffice to meet the Bundeswehr's personnel needs, particularly in light of evolving security challenges and NATO targets. The proposal has ignited debate within the governing coalition and across the political spectrum.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has decreed the conscription of 135,000 men for military service this fall, marking the largest autumn draft since 2016. The call-up, for men aged 18 to 30, runs from October 1 to December 31, 2025, and is part of Russia's routine biannual draft, distinct from wartime mobilization.
Indonesia's Army Chief of Staff, General Maruli Simanjuntak, has declared that the recruitment process for Army personnel is now transparent, inclusive, and free of charge. This initiative aims to eliminate the need for connections or payments, with public complaint channels established to ensure fair selection.
Two Indonesian army soldiers, including a Kopassus member, and 13 civilian suspects have been implicated in the fatal abduction and murder of state bank manager Mohamad Ilham Pradipta. The victim was kidnapped on August 20 in East Jakarta, and his body was found the next day in Bekasi, West Java. The motive is linked to exploiting dormant bank accounts.
Israel is grappling with a debate over mandatory military service for the ultra-Orthodox community, intensified by the ongoing Gaza offensive and the strain on reservists. The core issue revolves around balancing religious exemptions with the need for universal conscription, a challenge complicated by political divisions and demographic shifts.
Chinese soldiers honored the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War with a parade in Tian'anmen Square. Young soldiers like Cao Wenbing and Tang Lei showcased their dedication, patriotism, and discipline, reflecting their commitment to their country and the sacrifices of their ancestors.
The British Army is potentially facing increased demands due to global tensions and discussions about security guarantees for Ukraine, which could lead to troop deployments. While UK citizens, Commonwealth citizens, and those from the Republic of Ireland are eligible to join, specific visa and immigration requirements apply, and soldiers can apply for UK citizenship during their service.
In the lead-up to World War II, the UK initially conscripted men aged 20-22, expanding to include men aged 18-41 and eventually women, with exemptions for essential workers. Recent concerns about global instability have prompted discussions about preparedness, while a survey reveals potential resistance to conscription among younger generations.
Itamar Greenberg, a young Israeli, faced imprisonment and social ostracism for refusing military service due to the war in Gaza, and now supports others who defy conscription. This movement, though on the fringes, reflects growing dissent and moral complexities within Israeli society, particularly as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens.
As the war in Ukraine drags on, Russian President Vladimir Putin has sought unconventional recruits, including criminals and football hooligans, to replenish his depleted forces after significant frontline casualties.
Cambodians face mixed emotions regarding the impending implementation of military conscription, particularly among young citizens who express both anxiety and pride. Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced plans to reactivate a long-standing law that will require military service for those aged 18 to 30, citing tensions with Thailand as a motivating factor.
The ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism has resigned from Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition due to disputes over a bill that would exempt yeshiva students from military service. This departure leaves Netanyahu with a precarious majority in the Knesset and raises concerns over potential further exits by allied parties.
Denmark has initiated military conscription for women turning 18 as part of its efforts to bolster the armed forces in light of potential threats from Russia and NATO demands. Previously voluntariness for women in military service, this change allows for women to be included in the lottery for compulsory military service if volunteer numbers fall short.
Beginning Wednesday, Danish women who turn 18 will be required to enter the military draft lottery, reflecting a growing emphasis on national defense amid geopolitical tensions, particularly due to the war in Ukraine. The new regulations aim to increase Denmark's military personnel from 4,700 to 6,500 by 2033, in response to changing security dynamics in Europe.
In light of rising global tensions, there is a discussion around the potential for women to be conscripted into the UK's military if a third world war were to occur. Historically, during World War 2, women were drafted under different circumstances, and recent surveys indicate that a significant portion of the public supports the idea of conscripting women alongside men.
BTS member Suga has completed his alternative military service, marking the final member's return from mandatory service and paving the way for the group's reunion in 2025. This follows the recent discharges of other members and the group's decision to fulfill their service obligations despite prior debate over potential exemptions.
Russia has repatriated the bodies of over 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers to Kiev, as agreed upon during negotiations facilitated by Türkiye, while receiving the remains of 78 Russian soldiers in return.
K-pop stars RM and V of the group BTS have been discharged from their mandatory military service in South Korea, marking a significant step towards the group's reunion planned for 2025. The members' service was initially delayed due to a revision in the Military Service Act, but ultimately, all seven members fulfilled their military obligations, contributing to the nation's conscription system.
