6. Turkey
Military budget in 2015 in USD billions: 15.2
Compulsory Service Length
Men: 6 – 12 months, depending on education
Women: None
The recent failed coup has left the Turkish army reeling and in a state of deep panic. The bloody clashes between various fractions of armed forces resulted in many dead and injured soldiers, many of whom were conscripted. The lack of public trust created by the coup will be a central issue in army’s efforts in the years to come, but in the meantime, it also has to address its primary mission, defense of the country. The situation in the region has rarely been as complex and dangerous as it is today. With Syrian civil war still raging, Kurdish movements in both Syria and Turkey are gaining strength and territory and forcing Ankara to more radical moves. Hopefully, they won’t lead to more dead conscripts.
