To put it in perspective: the USA has it (but dormant as it was last used in the 60s) now, instead part of an automatic register. I’ve heard that last year Germany for example proposed to impose a mandatory, volunteer-focused military service model on boosting defense against threats like Russia but would you really enlist in the German Army (Bundeswehr) or refuse instead of adhereing to politicians interests?

I’ve heard a similar thing in France with them introducing a new voluntary 10-month military service program for 18-19 year olds starting this summer 2026, but would guys there be willing to enlist or outright refuse? What ever the case is, would guys in Europe either accept voluntary military service imposed by their nation or refuse to enlist as they know that politicians are the ones who instigate wars in the first place?

For EU nations that still have the draft enforced (mandatory conscription): what happens if guys refuse it? Do they end up in jail? In that case, would you rather be imprisoned for refusing or comply? I know that some countries have alternative service (civic) rather than conventional military service, but what happens if the individual refuses either? I mean, is it a criminal offense for simply refusing conscription?

  • SilentStriker@piefed.socialOPEnglish
    1·
    21 hours ago

    What’s the public opinion regarding Greek politicians? Is it worth fighting for the government? Speaking of that, I’ve heard that Americans who refused the draft back in the 60s crossed the Canadian border. I mean, can people in Greece just enter and hide in neighboring countries to avoid conscription?

    • rose56@lemmy.zipEnglish
      1·
      19 hours ago

      Of course it’s not worth fighting for a government that can’t stop scandals going on and on IMO. I forgot to mention that we where used to get paid 8.50 euros per month, which a year after was raised, but still, what they expect us to do with 8.50??
      You can leave the country, but after a while they call you deserter, and coming to Greece will be limited, I think max 3 months of stay.
      Greek politicians have a bad reflection.

      • SilentStriker@piefed.socialOPEnglish
        1·
        18 hours ago

        8.50 euros
        Is that after taxes? WTF? Might as well consider it a “slave” wage. For perspective: a private in the US army gets paid $28,886 (~24,957€) per annum or about $2,407.20 (~2,079.80€) per month.

        • rose56@lemmy.zipEnglish
          1·
          18 hours ago

          It’s reality. There were people who couldn’t afford to serve in another town, let alone the transport tickets.

          • SilentStriker@piefed.socialOPEnglish
            1·
            18 hours ago

            What can you buy with 2,079.80€ (or 24,957€ for an entire 12 months) in Greece? Is it because their salary is being deprived (using the excuse, “taxes”) but instead put into politicians pockets? I wonder…