PARENTS of conscripts serving in the National Guard yesterday warned parliament that immediate measures were needed to tackle draft dodging, which was constantly worsening.
It is said that one in five conscripts are draft dodgers, most exploiting an apparently weak screening system by citing psychological problems.
Christos Theodorou, a representative of a group of parents, said they were barely constraining member parents from taking their sons out of the army by using the same methods.
The group yesterday discussed the issue with parliament’s defence committee.
“We warned members of the committee that the phenomenon is getting worse as time passes and the legislature has to immediately undertake specific actions,” Theodorou told reporters. “We need actions, and need actions soon.”
The group says there is discrimination between citizens since draft dodgers are allowed to avoid doing their national service without any consequences or obligations.
The group tabled several measures which they believe will work towards curbing the phenomenon.
The main suggestion is to cut the current 24-month service immediately although the government has said that was off the cards, at least for the foreseeable future.
The group also suggested giving those completing their service a diploma that would be a necessary qualification for getting a job in the government and semi-government sectors.
The diploma should also be viewed as an additional qualification for promotion purposes and be necessary for student scholarships given by the government.
The years of service in the army should also be taken into consideration when getting a raise, the group said.
The parents also suggested giving conscripts who do their service bonuses – using the money saved from the draft dodgers.
Temporary discharges should only be for a month and not the current six, with an obligation for a weekly examination, the group added.
And permanent discharge should come after three years.
After that, those ruled able but unwilling should carry out social work for two years under the army’s supervision.
The group also suggested banning those discharged with psychological disorders from driving or holding a hunting permit.
The group said it has the support of over 5,000 people, with most being families of conscripts.
