acupxpa wrote:I am concerned about this for my children should I obtain Italian citizenship for them....
I understand that the military is voluntary at this point and there is no mandatory service with citizenship. However if there is a draft instated due to a war, is there anything similar to CO status in the US? Are there non-combatant options? I am a pacifist, although my children may not be when they get older, just in case they are...
Thanks,
Gina
From Wikipedia (just for reference):
"Italy had mandatory military service, for men only, until December 31, 2004. The right to conscientious objection was legally recognized in 1972 so that a "non armed military service", or a community service, could be authorised as an alternative to those who required it.[15]
The Italian Parliament approved the suspension of the mandatory military service in 2004, with effect starting from January 1, 2005, and the Italian armed forces will now be entirely composed of professional volunteer troops, both male and female,[16] except in case of war or serious international military crisis, when conscription can be implemented."
While I have not researched this topic, I would think if your children are living in the US at a time of war in Italy, they would not be drafted for military service (but again, I have not researched this, and can't be sure). Also, you have the right to renounce your citizenship by doing so in an Italian Embassy or Consulate.