Jordan drafts 6,000 18-year-olds to serve in military service program

• Jordan selected 6,000 individuals from the 2007 birth year for the 2026 National Service program via “electronic lottery”.
• The first batch of draftees will begin enlistment procedures on Jan. 11, 2026, and start the three-month training course on Feb. 1, 2026.

Jordan’s government has brought back its military conscription program, in in cooperation withthe Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF), and held a lottery to select the individuals obligated for the 2026 service from the 2007 birth year.

This measure is in fulfillment of the Royal Vision announced by Crown Prince Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II and affirms the program's launch in early February 2026.

Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Minister Sami Sumairat announced that 6,000 individuals from the 2007 birth year are being selected through a "precise and secure electronic lottery."

These draftees will be called up in three batches throughout 2026, with 2,000 individuals in each batch.

Transparency and Legal Framework

Government Spokesman Mohammad Momani said that the lottery was conducted with the highest degree of transparency, and was broadcast "live on local television stations."

A platform was launched immediately after the lottery to enable draftees to know their status.

The Cabinet previously set the service duration at three months.

Momani stressed that the program is compulsory for all who meet the conditions, exempting only the only child of their parents or those deemed medically unfit.

The program is based on a new law that introduced key amendments: it allows JAF training to count toward university study requirements and preserves the university seats of draftees.

Crucially, the new law abolishes previous provisions that granted those who completed the service priority in government or private sector employment.

Timeline for the First Batch (February 2026)

Col. Ziad Khawaldeh, Head of the National Service and Reserve Service Division, provided a detailed timeline for the first batch of 2026 draftees:

Enlistment and Training Dates

• Enlistment Procedures: Will be carried out at the Military Recruitment Center in "Khaw" from Jan. 11 to Jan. 22, 2026.
• Joining Training Centers: Draftees will be transported via military buses and join the training centers on Jan. 31, 2026.
• Start of Course: The first training course will officially open on the morning of Feb. 1, 2026.

Training Center Rules and Deferment

Khawaldeh detailed the training center provisions, noting that facilities are equipped with medical centers, 24/7 surveillance, and control rooms. Draftees will receive a medical treatment card from the Royal Medical Services covering the duration of service.

• Communication: Personal mobile phones will not be allowed in the camps, but draftees will be enabled to call their families regularly via phones available in the training centers.
• Leave: Draftees will be allowed to leave after the first four weeks, followed by 48-hour leave at the end of every week, requiring them to return by Saturday evening.

The official deferment platform will be available 24 hours after the lottery results for those selected who meet the specific deferment criteria: full-time students in annual study systems (e.g., medicine, pharmacy), regular school students, and residents abroad (provided they enlist once the reason for deferment ends).