Morocco resumes mandatory military service after halt due to COVID-19

Morocco is resuming mandatory military service, which was previously suspended for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The resumption of the military service starting in 2022 was announced to the house of representatives committee of the interior by Abdellatif Loudiyi, Junior Minister in charge of the National Defense Administration.

In his presentation before the committee, Loudiyi stated that “the Royal Armed Forces attach great importance to military service, in order to improve the conditions of many young people.” Military service “will enable youth to contribute to the service of their country and to obtain training that allows for great opportunities to integrate the professional sector,” he said.

The minister explained that the armed forces worked to provide all the necessary and appropriate capabilities to form the 37th Regiment of conscripts.

It also ensured that the plan to organize the process of receiving the regiments of new recruits for military service is under development.

Facilities have been prepared to receive the newcomers, in addition to those intended for training and equipping the units with all the necessary means to receive the conscripts.

According to the minister, 4 new training centers are established, with a reception capacity of 20,000 recruits, in Benslimane, Sidi Yahya al-Gharb, and Tantan.

The training facilities are added to 4 existing centers that accommodated the previous regiment, in addition to several units in the southern region that will be prepared and equipped for the participants’ specialization training.

A special committee is tracking the process of establishing and equipping new centers, maintenance work of old centers, and the update of training programs.

The Ministry of the Interior will soon start working on launching the census, to issue conscripts for individuals that will make up the 37th regiment.

Abdellatif Loudiyi assured the committee that the armed forces are fully prepared to receive the 37th regiment for military service, as Morocco resumes “a return to normal life,” following the improvement of the sanitary conditions across the country.

The 12-month compulsory military service for young people aged between 19 and 25 years has been reinstated in 2019, after it had been abandoned since 2006.

King Mohammed VI had stressed when announcing the initiative in 2018 the importance of military service for young people, deeming the conscription enhances the sense of belonging to the homeland.

The Sovereign made it clear that it will concern all Moroccans, without distinction.

“It must be emphasized that all the Moroccan citizens concerned – without exception – are equal, regardless of social background, diploma or education”, he had said, adding that the draft also “gives access to training which opens up opportunities for the professional and social integration of qualified conscripts who demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment”.

According to the provisions of the bill on military service, young recruits will have the possibility to sit for recruitment exams organized by the Royal Armed Forces (FAR). The text also provides for granting disability pensions to young people who would be victim of accidents during their military service.

At the end of the 12-month training period, young people who complete the service would receive payment according to the Bill, which promises to reward conscripts with grades according to the Royal Armed Forces’ current hierarchy standards.

The draftees with technical and professional skills may be called to fulfill specific missions within the military administration after completing their training.