Iraq’s conscription bill sets service at up to 18 months depending on education level

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s parliamentary Security and Defense Committee outlined key provisions of a draft compulsory military service law Sunday ahead of its first parliamentary reading, with proposed service durations ranging from three months to 18 months depending on education level.

Committee member Khaled al-Obaidi told the Iraqi News Agency that the law is “a necessity of the highest national level” and would help compensate for shortages in human resources within the army. Under the draft, those without academic qualifications would serve 18 months, high school and bachelor’s degree holders one year, master’s degree holders six months and PhD holders three months. Al-Obaidi stressed the durations are not final and may be adjusted based on Defense Ministry requirements.

The eligible age range is proposed at 18 to 45 years, with discussions underway to lower the upper limit to 30 or 35 to attract younger recruits. Salaries would be set according to the Defense Ministry’s budget, with conscripts receiving less than volunteers, who receive additional allowances. Al-Obaidi said the law also aims to address unemployment and strengthen social cohesion among young people.

The draft law has been in parliament for years and was previously introduced and withdrawn due to disagreements. Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi announced Wednesday he is adopting the proposal following a visit to the Defense Ministry. Military conscription was abolished in Iraq in 2003 when the U.S.-led coalition disbanded the army.