Bringing Italy into line with most of the rest of Europe, the Italian parliament Thursday approved plans to make the armed services all-volunteer from January 1, ending universal military conscription.However, anyone wanting to join the police, the para-military carabinieri, the customs service or the fire service will still have first to serve a year in the army for a monthly salary of up to 980 euros (1,178 dollars).
Those born in 1985 will be the last to be called up, unless they have obtained student or other exemptions.
The chamber of deputies voted overwhelmingly by 433 votes to 17 in favor of abolishing conscripted service, which lasts 10 months, or 12 months for those opting for specializations or civilian service.
Defense Minister Antonio Martino said the abolition would be advantageous both to young people, who would be able to start their careers earlier and to the military, which is unable to send conscripts on foreign assignments.
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