Turkey to shorten compulsory military service

ANKARA - The Turkish army agreed on Saturday with the government on a legislation that will shorten the compulsory military service from 15 to 12 months, a military statement said.

The statement released by the general staff of the Turkish armed forces came only two days after Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that a study was ongoing on shortening military service during an interview on private broadcaster ATV channel.

The statement said the duration of the short-term military service, for which university students can apply, will remain six months.

Currently, conscription in Turkey is compulsory for every man with Turkish nationality over 18. Men serve between six and 15 months in the army, according to the level of their studies and the military post they apply.