Baku: Azerbaijan is set to implement a significant change in its military service regulations, as the Milli Majlis discussed proposed amendments to the ‘Regulations on Military Service’ and the ‘Law on Military Duty and Military Service’ during its latest session. The changes will see the reduction of the active military service term for officers called up from the reserve in peacetime by six months.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the current legislation mandates a period of active military service of 1 year and 6 months for those called up from the reserve or those voluntarily joining under a contract, while officers joining under a contract could serve up to 3 years. The proposed amendments will shorten this term to just 1 year for reservists and contract volunteers, after which they may transition to the cadre officer staff with mutual agreement.

For foreign nationals and stateless individuals who voluntarily sign up for active military service under a contract, the period remains up to 3 years, with the possibility of renewing the contract upon mutual consent. The draft law, which aims to streamline the service commitments and potentially attract more volunteers, was put to a vote and successfully passed its first reading.