News item | 03-04-2025 | 13:50
For Dutch young people who are or turn for 17 years this year, the so -called commencement of service can fall on the mat any time. They read that they are registered for military service. People under the age of 35 who have been registered as new as a Dutchman also receive the letter.
Military service applies to everyone between 17 and 45 years old. The attendance obligation has been suspended since 1 May 1997. Conscripts are therefore no longer called up. In exceptional situations, the government can still decide to do so. For example if a war breaks out.
The letter contains the military registration number and further explanation of conscription.
Juicer
The young people are also alerted to the Defense in the letter. That is different from the military service. Young people voluntarily choose this. They then become military for a year. Even if they already have work experience, they are welcome for a day. They receive a training, workplace and salary. In that year the young people learn a lot. Moreover, they contribute to a strong armed forces. In this way they contribute to the safety of all Dutch people. Afterwards it is possible to continue to work at Defense as a professional soldier, civilian employee or reservist.
To further increase the voluntary inflow of soldiers, Defense will use a survey among this group in the coming year. This is already announced in the service letter. The goal is to wrist whether the young people are interested in working for defense.