Government Scheme to Ease Conscription

The government has introduced a scheme under which those undergoing compulsory military service can apply for work and training (as part of the conscription period) at knowledge-based companies.

The scheme is part of an agreement between the Office of the Vice President for Science and Technology and General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the office reported.

As per law, all Iranian males reaching the age of 18 must serve in the armed forces for 21 months to be eligible for employment or leave the country.

Implementation date of the new scheme that has been okayed by the military authorities has not been announced.

Sorena Sattari, vice president for science and technology says, “As per the agreement, the draftees will be able to spend the last 6-12 months of their service doing an internship course or work at knowledge-based firms.”

“A list of companies will be drawn up which will include firms based in technoparks and other entities approved by the Ministry of Industries,” he added.

A special website will be launched for the scheme through which conscripts can upload their resume for work in the most relevant fields.

University professor and former lawmaker, Hassan Sobhani, says, “Men think they miss out on opportunities by spending two years of their youth in military service.”

He added that many view the draft as a period during which they suffer financially and lose job opportunities.

Chairman of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri is of the opinion that the scheme can be turned into opportunity for the youth to hone their skills and acquire new ones.

“Annually 400,000 people come up for military service. In the initial phase of the new scheme, 1,000 men with higher education degrees will be employed in knowledge-based firms,” the general said.

“Over time the number will be increased. We expect it to reach over 200,000.”