My nephew is a dual citizen and has to serve in the German army at 18..

[Swede]

My brother hopes he renounces his German citizenship rather than serve the mandatory military service. I think the world is too messed up right now too.

[salvorhardin]

1. I have a German friend

and I believe they can find a civil service type job in lieu of military service. I think it's a tough scramble for those civil service sector positions though, I know my friend was really worried about it.

[Jackpine Radical]

2. Is that Canadian/German citizenship?

If so, he'd be in a lot better position than if it were US/German. At least Canuckistan isn't likely to have a draft in the next 6 months.

[Swede]

3. Yes Canadian/German.

This world is scary these days so never say never. God I hope you guys in States don't get the draft,but I can see no alternative with Bush in office after the election. Please get Kerry into the WH.

[Andy_Stephenson]

9. Bush or Kerry

there will be a draft.

[stavka]

4. Military Service in Germany is now 9 Months!

The alternative is 10 months volunteer service (and that, was being reduced to nine months as well the last time I looked)

The USA would be a lot better if it compelled that level of service and its alternatives.

[krkaufman]

7. Agreed.

> The USA would be a lot better if it compelled that level
> of service and its alternatives.

You'd see a lot of Rethuglican drones quickly coming out of their awareness comas, paying a LOT more attention to what's going on in the world and considerably less Toby Keith CD purchasing.

[Kellanved]

5. It is not that bad

The German army won't send draftees abroad and the service term is "just" nine months. The Government has eased the service a lot, hazing (like scrubbing the washroom with a toothbrush) is outlawed.

Also usually one does not have to serve at 18, but after High School. If he manages to hold them off by a few years, the draft will probably be abolished completely by then.

Also one can do civil service instead, with the new legislation the Civil service term got lowered to nine months as well. Maybe he can find a program in a Canadian charity recognized by the German Bundesamt für Zivildienst - that should be possible. For example my youngest brother has applied to do his civil service in Japan.

As to the German Citizenship: I'd keep it: free entry in all EU states, work permit in all EU states, and the German Embassies offer a lot more services than their American counterparts. I have no idea how he got double citizenship, but in most situations the double citizenship has an age limit. If that is the case, renouncing the German one might be the right thing to do.

On Edit: Has the German Army sent him any letters? There is always the chance that he'll be spared, if he isn't in their database.

[Eurobabe]

6. My hubby did his compulsory two yrs. in 84-86

in the German military. Quite frankly I am GLAD that we have that German passport to get us the frig out of here, should phuknut Boosh get in for 4 more yrs. I think if it were me I would do the time, and keep the dual citizenship, it's an awesome option - but comes with a price.

I have rather mixed feelings about kids having to serve (re: US draft) On the one hand I think it is more fair to make service compulsory, rather than relying on those who HAVE to serve for economic reasons. BUT, I worry that with a Wingnut like Bu$h in there, it's another piece of the trifecta, and this guy has no conscience about sending others to die in the name of NEOCON domination. (FYI I have 20 & 22 yr. old girls. It pains me terribly to think about these kids dying, I cry everytime I see a dead service member that was born in '81 & '84. It REALLY hits home)

[krkaufman]

8. Compulsory service would lessen public support for "wars of choice"

On the one hand I think it is more fair to make service compulsory, rather than relying on those who HAVE to serve for economic reasons. BUT, I worry that with a Wingnut like Bu$h in there,

Yes, agreed. Except with compulsory public service for *ALL*, the odds of a Bush getting in again would be greatly lessened -- assuming people would start paying a lot more attention to our international affairs.

[GalleryGod]

10. Well Michelle Malkin only has to serve in the Bend Over Brigade

:smoke: :spank: :smoke:

[Kellanved]

11. I did some reading

Does he live in Canada, and do his parents?

This is really important; if he has his "center of living" in Canada, he is probably exempt from the draft. He should avoid Germany until his 25th birthday though.

Also, the civil service in place of military service does not have to be in Germany. The civil service lasts nine months, just as the military.

I have to state again: With allergies etc. there is a good chance of avoiding the draft and not everybody is drafted anyway. Unless he has received mail from the German army, it is uncertain whatever or not he'll be drafted at all.

[Nordic]

12. I was born with dual citizenship Germany/USA

and my mother had my German citizenship renounced while I was still a baby just so I wouldn't have to do that.

I hear German army service is pretty easy, though, or at least it used to be. They don't really do anything, don't even have to cut their hair, etc.