Dominican Bill Proposes Mandatory Military Service for Ages 18–35

A proposal before the Dominican Republic’s Chamber of Deputies would establish mandatory military service for Dominican citizens of both sexes between the ages of 18 and 35. The initiative was submitted in May by lawmaker Elías Wessin Chávez through the chamber’s legislative secretariat.

The bill defines military service as a period of education, training and instruction that would begin with basic preparation before conscripts are assigned to different military areas. Its stated purpose is to prepare participants for service in the reserves and for potential responses to internal or external threats.

Service Would Begin at 18

Under the proposal, the obligation would begin when a person reaches the age of majority and continue until the age of 35. The legislation would also require families receiving direct or indirect assistance from the state to send children who fall within the specified age range.

During their training, conscripts would receive a minimum salary intended to cover their basic needs. They would also become beneficiaries of the subsidized health insurance system administered through SeNaSa, the Dominican Republic’s government-backed national health insurance provider.

Military Training Would Include Technical Education

The proposal goes beyond conventional military instruction. Its provisions envision training that would include technical careers, civic and patriotic values, physical activity and discipline, rather than focusing solely on weapons handling.

The bill’s supporting arguments point to changes in social customs, values and principles such as respect, honesty and patriotism. It presents military service as one potential mechanism for addressing those concerns while providing young people with structured education and training.

The initiative also links military service to employment opportunities after training. Its proponents argue that technical preparation and discipline could contribute to the subsequent integration of participants into the workforce.

Proposal Also Cites Public Security and National Defense

The legislation connects the proposed system to broader national defense and security objectives. Increasing the number of people available in the military reserves could, according to the proposal, strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to emergencies, public disasters and potential armed conflicts.

The bill also presents the program as a possible tool for addressing youth crime. Its stated rationale includes using education, discipline and technical training to reduce what it describes as “unproductive idleness” among part of the country’s younger population.

Health is another element cited in support of the initiative. The proposal references studies indicating that 33.6% of young Dominicans are overweight and argues that physical activity associated with military training could help address sedentary lifestyles.

The measure remains a legislative proposal before the Chamber of Deputies. Its provisions, including the proposed age range, compulsory nature, compensation, health coverage and training requirements, would form part of the legislative debate if the initiative advances through the Dominican Congress.