Some people work in the army. 
Some people join the army for a job. They choose to be there. Other people must join. This is called a draft. 
Some lands ask men and women to serve. Other lands only ask men. In some places, both men and women serve as equals.
Some people can choose to do other work instead. They might help in a different way. This is a choice for some.
Many lands do not have a draft. People there choose to join. Some small lands have no army at all. They may only have a police force. 
Rules for service change over time. Some places used to have a draft. Now, they let people choose their jobs.
Military service means working in an army. People can join in two ways. Some choose it as a job. These people are volunteers. Others must join because of a law. This is called a draft or conscription.
Rules for service are different in each country. Some lands require service from all citizens. Israel is one example. Most places only draft men. But a few lands draft both men and women. Norway and Sweden have systems where both genders serve as equals. 
In some places, people can choose other work. They can do civilian service instead of fighting. This lets them help in a different way.
Many rules have changed over time. Many countries used to have a draft. Now, many let people choose to join. For example, Argentina stopped its draft in 1995. Australia also stopped its draft in 1972. Some small nations have no army at all. They may only have a police force or a coast guard to keep people safe.
Military service is when people work for an army or other groups. These groups include air forces and naval forces. There are two main ways people join these groups. Some people choose to join as a job. These people are called volunteers. Other people must join because of a law. This is called a draft or conscription.
Rules for service depend on the laws of each country. Some nations require service from almost every citizen. Israel is one example of this. Most countries that use a draft only pick men. However, a few countries like North Korea and Eritrea draft both men and women. Norway and Sweden are special because they use gender-neutral systems. In these lands, men and women serve on equal terms. 
Some countries give people a different way to serve. If a person does not want to fight, they might choose civilian service. This is often called non-combatant service. This allows people to help their country in other ways. Some places offer different lengths of time for these choices. For example, one place offers nine months of civilian work. Another place offers 22 months of service that includes two months of training.
Many countries have changed their rules over many years. In 1995, Argentina stopped using the draft. They replaced it with voluntary service instead. Before that, people called the draft "la colimba." This name came from words for running, cleaning, and sweeping. In Australia, the government stopped all forms of conscription in 1972. Canada used a militia system as early as 1669. They did not use full-time conscription after the Second World War ended in 1945.
Today, the world looks very different than it did in the past. Many nations now rely on professional soldiers who choose the job. Most states in the European Union do not use a draft. They promote military careers to find new recruits. Some smaller nations do not have an army at all. These countries might only have a police force or a coast guard. They use these groups to keep their people safe and secure.
{ "text": "Military service involves individuals or
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