12 hours ago
Jordan reactivates Military Service Program with new conscription format
Minister of Government Communication and official government spokesperson Mohammad Momani, along with Brig. Gen. Mustafa Hiyari, spokesperson for the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, announced at a press conference at the Government Office the new format of the National Service Program (conscription).
Momani said the program reflects the Crown Prince's vision to strengthen national identity. He noted that nearly a year ago, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan issued instructions to start planning and implementing the program.
He added that in next Wednesday's cabinet meeting, the government will present the reasons for approval to the National Assembly.
'The program aims to reinforce Jordanian national identity, shape the character of our youth, and familiarize them with the values of the army, including dedication and discipline,' Momani said.
The new program will consist of two tracks: a military track, which forms the majority of the program, and a knowledge-based theoretical track.
Momani emphasized that the necessary resources to implement the program will be allocated from this year's emergency expenditure fund to prepare for the National Service Program.
He also announced that the program will begin for individuals born in 2007 and for those who turn 18 by January 1, 2026. The first phase will include 6,000 participants: 1,500 from Amman, 900 from Zarqa, 900 from Irbid, and 300 from other governorates.
'The selection mechanism will be electronic, using a neutral statistical lottery method based on clear scientific criteria to ensure fairness,' Momani said. 'This methodology will randomly select participants from a single database containing all Jordanian males born in 2007.'
He added that the 6,000 participants for next year will be divided into three phases, with each phase including 2,000 young men. 'The program will begin with these 6,000 participants to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the training and to meet its objectives at the highest standards,' Momani explained.
Momani also said the number of conscripts will increase to 10,000 as soon as possible, following a gradual plan to cover the majority of eligible participants in the coming years.
He confirmed that the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army will directly oversee the National Service Program, and the upcoming conscription batch will be numbered 54.
'There will be no exceptions for those selected, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has been firm on the importance of ensuring transparency,' Momani added.
Momani also noted that the program will consider exemptions as stipulated by law, such as for only sons or individuals who are medically unfit.
Brig. Gen. Mustafa Hiyari explained that individuals not called from the 2007 cohort or previous years must defer their National Service. He added that the first cycle of the program will begin on February 1, 2026, and that each year there will be three cycles, each lasting three months.
The military media director clarified that each participant will receive a monthly stipend of 100 Jordanian dinars and that mobile phones or direct communication with participants will not be allowed.
