Citizens of Azerbaijan who have reached the age of 18 are conscripted for fixed-term active military service in accordance with the Law "On Military Duty and Military Service".
In certain cases (for example, education, health condition, etc.), conscription to military service may be deferred on legal grounds. In several countries, there are types of alternative military service or paid service.
For instance, in brotherly Turkey, there is a type of paid military service. Currently, the amount for paid military service there is 417 thousand TL, and the total duration of military service is 32 days. Worldwide, paid military service or alternative service is in effect in countries such as Turkey, Austria, Finland, and Switzerland, using different methods.
In Azerbaijan, although discussions have been held in this regard, no new decision has yet been approved. Generally, can paid military service be implemented in Azerbaijan?
Medianews.az reports that related to this matter, military expert Uzeyir Jafarov told Cebheinfo.az that there should be and will be alternative military service in Azerbaijan:
"Simply put, they do not want to pay attention to this issue yet. The Law on 'Alternative Military Service' must be adopted in our country. Although this issue was on the agenda as early as 1990, it has not been resolved. Since 2020, the Karabakh issue has been resolved.
Even though our deputies discuss various documents, they do not express opinions about the Law on 'Alternative Military Service.' If alternative military service is available, paid service can also be considered.
For example, if I am receiving higher education, they conscript me for gatherings, but if my beliefs do not permit, I pay and undergo alternative military service. It’s just that they do not want to discuss the issue in this direction.
There is experience in some countries, such as Georgia and brotherly Turkey, where a certain payment is made related to military service, and those funds meet the needs of their army or security structure. It just needs to be implemented.
However, for some reason, the legislative body or the heads of the relevant security structures do not want to bother themselves." The expert said that a law on this will definitely exist in Azerbaijan as well:
"But the sooner, the better. Personally, I am in favor of it.”