The reflection on military conscription is gaining new momentum in Italy, influenced by the tensions on the international scene and the recent decisions of some NATO member states. Denmark has decided to extend compulsory military conscription to women and to increase the duration of this service from 4 to 11 months for all genders, Greece in 2021 extended it from 9 to 12 months, countries such as Lithuania and Latvia still maintain military conscription, while the Ukraine crisis has rekindled interest in this practice in other states, also as a response to the recruitment problems afflicting western armies.
History and legislation in Italy
Established in the unified Italian State with the birth of the Kingdom of Italy and confirmed with the birth of the Italian Republic, it was in operation from 1861 to 2004, for 143 years. The compulsory service, provided for by the Constitution of the Italian Republic in the manner and within the limits established by law, has been inactive since 1 January 2005, as established by Law 226 of 23 August 2004.
During the post-war period, the duration of compulsory service was progressively reduced through various legislative decrees:
- Until 1975: 15 months for the Army and Air Force, 24 months for the Navy.
- Since 1976: 12 months for the Army and Air Force, 18 months for the Navy, with 15/18 months for complementary officers.
- Since 1987: 12 months uniform for all forces, except for complementary officers at 15 months.
- Since 1997: 10 months for Army, Air Force and Navy, 12 months for auxiliary Carabinieri and 14 months for complementary officers.
The process of overcoming compulsory conscription began on 3 September 1999, when the Council of Ministers, at the proposal of Defence Minister Carlo Scognamiglio, approved a bill to this effect. In parallel, Law no. 380 of 20 October 1999 gave the government the power to introduce women's voluntary military service, a measure subsequently implemented by Legislative Decree no. 24 of 31 January 2000 and Prime Ministerial Decree no. 112 of 16 March 2000.
Article 52 of the Italian Constitution establishes the principle of compulsory military service in the manner and within the limits defined by law. The latter is specified in the Code of Military Order, issued by Legislative Decree No. 66 of 15 March 2010, while Presidential Decree No. 90 of 15 March 2010 regulates its practical applications, including details on 'conscription lists'. Consequently, enlistment in the Italian armed forces can be either 'compulsory' or 'voluntary', as regulated by the aforementioned code.
The debate in Italy and Europe on reintroduction
Compulsory conscription, a practice suspended by many NATO countries following the fall of the Berlin Wall when the Soviet threat disappeared, is now at a critical crossroads.
In Italy, like other European countries, the discussion on the potential reintroduction of military conscription is intensifying. Some prominent Italian political figures have pointed out in recent years how compulsory service could reinforce civic and patriotic values and offer civic education. Denmark, by extending conscription to both sexes and lengthening its duration, demonstrates how a proactive approach to defence can effectively integrate military preparedness and the promotion of gender equality.
This makes it the third European nation, after Norway and Sweden, to apply military conscription to both sexes. In parallel, Germany contemplates a return to semi-compulsory conscription, mirroring Sweden's experience.
Germany is considering the reintroduction of a semi-compulsory draft, inspired by the Swedish model, after having abolished the draft in 2011. Minister Pistorius intends to prepare a proposal for rapid mobilisation. France, on the other hand, aims to raise the age limit for military reservists, targeting a long-term contingent of 300,000 soldiers with 100,000 reservists.
All the advantages of compulsory conscription in Italy
The strategies adopted by Denmark and other European countries could certainly offer valuable food for thought for Italy, where reintroducing military conscription would help solve the problems of recruitment in the first place, problems, as mentioned, common to all western armies, and would allow professional forces to dedicate themselves to more specialised tasks. Consider, for example, Operation Safe Streets, which does not necessarily require the participation of professional soldiers and which could be entrusted precisely to conscripts. This would also allow professionals to devote themselves more continuously to training, the raison d'être of the peacetime soldier.
In addition, conscription could play a crucial role in national cohesion, helping to integrate young people into society and the economy (conscripts would still have a salary and rights on par with today's professional soldiers) while also reinforcing a sense of civic responsibility and patriotism, at a time when many perceive a decline in such values.
Conclusions
In sum, the debate on military conscription in Italy is part of a broader European framework, reflecting on how nations can balance national security needs with the social and civic benefits of military service. Inspired by cases like the Danish one, Italy could consider the reintroduction of conscription as a tool to strengthen national defence, promote gender equality and improve military recruitment and training, while helping to forge more responsible and united citizens.
