DUSHANBE, October 1, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- An autumn conscription campaign was launched in Tajikistan today.

A decree on drafting young Tajiks into the country’s armed forces from October through November 2010 was signed by the president on September 13.

The draft affects able-bodied male citizens in the age bracket of 18 years old to 27 years old, who are not members of the armed forces reserve.  The same decree provides for the retirement from active duty of soldiers and sergeants whose service under conscription is over.

According to the Ministry of Defense (MoD), some military registration and enlistment offices will be able to fulfill their conscription targets in several days, because, “there are many volunteers fro military service in the country.”

According to the MoD data, every year some 15,000-16,000 young Tajiks are drafted for two-year military serviced.

There are more than 600,000 people of conscription age in Tajikistan.  Some 150,000 of them reportedly have deferment right and some 100,000 others are outside the country seeking better employment opportunities.