News item | 11-04-2023 | 14:37
All Dutch men and women who turn 17 this year or have just turned 17 are now registered for military service. All those young people will receive this notification by letter today or tomorrow. This annual registration is required by law and is done on behalf of the Minister of Defence.
Many people think that military service no longer exists, but that is the case. This applies to everyone between the ages of 17 and 35. Compulsory attendance has been suspended since 1 May 1997. This means that conscripts have not been called up since then.
In exceptional situations, such as an imminent war, the government may decide to reinstate compulsory voting. However, that is not the case now.
Defense year
People (young and older) who would still like to get acquainted with the Ministry of Defense can now voluntarily serve for a year, for example after secondary school, after further education or during a sabbatical in their professional career. As fully-fledged colleagues, they are given the opportunity to develop personally and professionally. They contribute to our safety and receive a suitable salary. The so-called Defense Year starts this year in September for the first time.