Freedom of religion in Russia
There is a universal military draft for men, but the Constitution provides for alternative service for those who refuse to bear arms for reasons of conscience. The length of alternative service is longer than the standard military service. The standard length of military service is 18 months, alternative service in a Ministry of Defense agency is 27 months, and alternative service in a nondefense agency is 31.5 months. Some human rights groups have complained that the extended length of service for draftees requesting alternative assignments acts as a punishment for those who exercise their convictions.
Conscription in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has mandatory military service in the Azerbaijani Armed Forces for all able-bodied male civilians. Conscription is at the age of 18. According to Article 76.2 of the Constitution of Azerbaijan, if a citizen's conscience prevents them from serving, alternative service to serving in the military is permitted under the law. Women between the ages of 19 and 40 are also accepted into the armed forces on a voluntary basis. There are four call-up periods per year. The length of military service is 18 months, the compulsory service period is reduced from 18 to 12 months for university graduates.