EVALUATION OF PAID MILITARY SERVICE IN TURKEY USING A POPULATION REPRESENTATION MODEL

Abstract

This research examines paid military service in Turkey utilizing the Population Representation Model introduced originally by M. J. Eitelberg in 1979. Despite the worldwide trend toward professional militaries, Turkey is one of few countries that relies on a universal draft for its military manpower. Every year, thousands of young men are enlisted for six to twelve months; however, eligible men have the option to purchase a paid exemption from compulsory military service. The most recent paid military service exemption law was introduced in August 2018 and requires a fee of $2,700. Because many diverse governments in Turkey have introduced military buy-out laws, it can be argued that this exemption practice is seen as legitimate in the country. On the other hand, in terms of social equity, the exemption laws may be changing the composition of the Turkish military by underrepresenting certain segments of Turkish society within the force. While paid exemption laws can help to increase the proportion of professional members and ultimately strengthen the effectiveness of the Turkish military, recent exemption laws have created a historically large gap in the draftee corps. Therefore, it might be better if Turkey stops offering the option of paid exemption based on temporary laws. If there is an excess of young men in the population, the exemption laws could be revised and applied permanently to uphold the principle of “equality before the law.”