Tajikistan has completed 78% of its autumn military conscription plan within the first 10 days of the campaign, according to the country’s Ministry of Defense.
Between October 1 and 10, 30 cities and districts across the country had already met their full draft quotas.
In the territorial cross section the percentage the target reached was: GBAO – 100 percent; Khatlon Province – 91 percent; Districts Subordinate to the Center – 72 percent, Dushanbe City – 71 percent; and Sughd Province – 64 percent.
The autumn conscription campaign is carried out from October 1 through November. The draft affects able-bodied male citizens in the age bracket of 18 years old to 27 years old, who are not members of the armed forces reserve. The same decree provides for the retirement from active duty of soldiers and sergeants whose service under conscription is over.
Some sources say the usual annual conscription target in Tajikistan is some 15,000-16,000.
The two-month-long effort seeking to enlist young men aged 18-27 for the two-year compulsory military service takes place twice a year, in the spring and in the autumn.
Young Tajiks can avoid or postpone military service if they are ill, studying at university, an only son, or if they have two children.
Recall, amendments have been made to the country’s law on military service in early 2021. The amendments came into effect on February 4, 2021 and young men in Tajikistan who wish to forgo the military service may now do so by paying a fee to the government. A one-month basic reserve service is organized for those who did not perform conscript service for a fee. At the end of basic reserve service they receive military cards.
Besides, under the law on the universal military duty in new edition, graduates of universities having military department will also be drafted into the army for one year.
Only people who have done military service will be permitted to obtain employment with the government or join the army in a professional capacity.
Tajikistan’s armed forces consist of Ground Forces, Mobile Forces (paratroopers of the armed forces of Tajikistan), Air Force and Air Defense Force.
What’s behind the early success?
Tajik authorities attribute the rapid fulfillment of quotas in some regions to an increase in volunteer enlistment, incentive programs for conscripts, and effective public awareness campaigns. However, independent experts suggest other factors are at play.
Legal expert Dilrabo Samadova from the Office of Civil Liberties notes that local draft offices often begin preparations a month in advance, and those conducting proactive outreach tend to meet their targets faster. She also points to a 2020 legal amendment requiring university graduates to complete military service before taking positions in law enforcement or security agencies as a contributing factor.
Ongoing controversies around conscription
Despite the numbers, conscription remains a sensitive issue in Tajik society. Citizens frequently report coercion and pressure from military recruitment offices targeting conscripts and their families.
Analysts say reluctance to serve in the army stems from concerns over poor living conditions in military units, instances of hazing, and reported deaths among conscripts.
