In Turkey, compulsory military service applies to all male citizens from twenty to forty-one years of age. Those who are engaged in higher education or vocational training programmes prior to their military drafting are allowed to defer service until they have completed the programmes or reach a certain age. The duration of the basic military service varies: for those without 4-year university degrees, twelve months as privates; for those with 4-year university degrees or higher, either twelve months as reserve officers or six months as short-term privates.