The national imperative for mandatory military service

On the sidelines of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Marathon held under the slogan “Together, We Continue,” LAF Commander General Rodolphe Haykal said in a televised interview: “God willing, we will bring back mandatory military service, even though there are some people who will not like it, because it strengthens cohesion and unity among the Lebanese.”

This statement has since revived a long-forgotten debate about the possibility of implementation military conscription in Lebanon once more, including its potential benefits for both Lebanese and the country as a whole.

The national benefits of military service

In an interview with The Beiruter, retired Lebanese General Georges Nader expressed his support for the return of mandatory military service, highlighting its potential role in strengthening national unity, reducing sectarian divisions, and supporting the LAF. He explained that bringing together young Lebanese from different religious, political, and sectarian backgrounds would create opportunities for interaction and help overcome existing prejudices.

“When he sits with the other person, he realizes that this person is a human being just like him,” Nader said, explaining that despite differences in culture and religion, young Lebanese share “the same aspirations, the same morals, and the same upbringing.” According to him, military service could serve as a space where citizens from diverse backgrounds develop a stronger sense of common identity and national belonging.

Bringing young Lebanese from different religious, political, and sectarian backgrounds together allows them to interact and overcome prejudices.

Nader also highlighted the economic advantages of mandatory service, arguing that conscripts would cost the state significantly less than full-time soldiers. Unlike permanent military personnel, who receive salaries, promotions, and family benefits, conscripts would receive modest salaries and benefits limited to their period of service. He added that recruiting between 2,000 and 3,000 young men annually would provide the army with “new blood” on a continuous basis, helping maintain a steady influx of personnel.

However, Nader warned that any return of mandatory service must avoid the political interference that affected the previous system, when personal connections and political influence played a role in determining where conscripts were assigned.

There must be a complete prohibition on interference by any politician, regardless of how important or powerful they are, in army affairs, the assignments of conscripts, and their training.

Discipline, independence, and personal development

Aside from its national role, Nader explained that mandatory military service could contribute to the personal development of young people by strengthening discipline, independence, responsibility, and healthier daily habits. He described how military life teaches conscripts to manage their own responsibilities and develop greater self-reliance.

“He organizes his own locker, he makes his own bed, he shaves his beard every day, he cleans his room, he cleans his bathroom,” Nader said, explaining that these daily routines encourage individuals to become more organized and independent.

He relies on himself for everything and becomes more responsible.

Nader also highlighted the physical benefits of military training, noting that conscripts would be required to engage in regular physical activity. “There is physical effort required from him every day. There is exercise, there is movement,” he said, considering these elements beneficial to their health and overall well-being.

Addressing concerns that mandatory military service could interrupt education or employment, Nader explained that students pursuing higher education could potentially be allowed to complete their studies. He also noted that under the previous law, the year spent in military service counted toward an employee’s years of service and career progression. “In principle, they do not lose anything financially,” he explained, adding that the main difference would be receiving a lower salary during the year of service.

Nader further expressed his personal support for the experience of national service, stating: “I had wished that both of them would enter national military service,” referring to his two sons, who were unable to serve because the system was abolished before they reached the age of 18.

Lebanon’s military conscription experience

Military conscription has long formed part of Lebanon’s modern history. It was first introduced in 1953 before being suspended during the Lebanese War (1975-1990). The system was reactivated in 1993 following the restoration of state institutions after the war and remained in force until its suspension under Law No. 665 in 2007, under the term of former Lebanese President Emile Lahoud.

During that 14-year period, approximately 250,000 young Lebanese completed compulsory military service, while nearly 12,000 later volunteered for permanent service in the LAF; according to the latter’s website. Recruits underwent military instruction, physical conditioning, civic education, and national awareness programs designed to strengthen discipline and encourage integration among citizens from diverse backgrounds.

Despite recurring discussions, proposals to revive compulsory military service have repeatedly stalled before reaching the implementation stage. A notable attempt emerged in 2020, when then- Minister of Defense Zeina Akar floated a revised national service model intended to be more flexible than the previous system. The proposal envisaged multiple service durations, ranging from three months to one year, and expanded the concept beyond traditional military training to include community service, administrative assignments, educational programs, and other public-sector responsibilities. Although the initiative generated considerable public debate, it was never formally adopted.

The issue returned to the political agenda in 2025, when Member of Parliament (MP) Adib Abdel Massih introduced a legislative proposal titled “Service to the Nation.” Instead of reinstating mandatory enlistment, the draft sought to establish a voluntary national service program, allowing young Lebanese to contribute 180 non-consecutive days of unpaid service within military or civilian state institutions. The proposal reflected a shift toward a more flexible and civic-oriented model of national service. Nevertheless, like earlier initiatives, it did not advance to implementation, leaving the future of national service in Lebanon dependent on broader political consensus and state capacity.

In the end, until the required conditions emerge, the discussion is likely to remain an important, but largely theoretical, component of Lebanon’s ongoing debate over state-building and national security.