The Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) and Khatlon province reportedly fulfilled theirs spring conscription targets on April 1, the same day when the spring conscription campaign was launched in Tajikistan. This information was confirmed by the press services of the respective regional administrations.
The Tojikobod district (district subordinate to the center – RRP) in the Rasht Valley also joined these regions in successfully meeting its conscription targets, according to a statement from the district administration.
On this occasion, a solemn ceremony for seeing off recruits to the ranks of the Armed Forces took place in Khatlon’s capital, Bokhtar.
Speaking at the ceremony, Khatlon governor Davlatali Sayeed, in particular, noted: “As a result of outreach efforts, we were able to fulfill the conscription plan on the very first day.”
Similar solemn ceremonies took place GBAO’s capital, Khorog, and in the administrative center of the Tojikobod district as well.
The spring conscription campaign begins on April and lasts through May. 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 this year. 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.
Many young men in Tajikistan try to avoid conscription. One reason is that, as in many former Soviet countries, the Tajik Army is known for the brutal hazing of new recruits. There are also overwhelming claims that the rich and powerful use their clout to get their sons out of military service — leading to beliefs that conscription is only for the poor. To avoid the army, many conscript-aged men move to Russia during the twice-a-year drafts in the spring and fall. Some bribe doctors and enlistment officials secure an exemption on medical grounds.
