The Conscription Ordinance required all male at the age of 20 to be selected by lottery and to serve in the army for three years (standing army) and to serve in reserve after finishing the service at standing army.
徴兵令では、満20歳の男子から抽選で3年の兵役（常備軍）とすることを定め、常備軍終了後は後備軍とした。