Would a son have to serve in the military?

[DeFilippis78]

This is a hypothetical question concerning a child and if Im granted citizenship. Im still young and might have more children. Right now I have all girls. But If I should have a son someday and he becomes a citizen under me, would he be obligated to serve in the Italian military?

Alicia

[johnnyonthespot]

Italy ended compulsory military service effective December 31, 2004.

There is, of course, no way to predict the future laws of Italy or any other country.

In the past, it was argued that so long as the dual citizen did not actually enter Italy, it was unlikely that he would be "drafted". In the future, should worst come to worst, your sons could simply remounce their Italian citizenship.

Another option is for you to not register your sons as citizens immediately but to hold that in reserve for a time when they have reached an age where conscription is unlikely, or until such time as they really need citizenship (to be able to live/work in an EU country, for example).

Of course that option carries the risk that jure sanguinis citizenship laws might change at some future date.

[DeFilippis78]

What if he joined the US military first? Its not too far fetched because my husband was a Marine and a son might want to do that also. So is there a law then pertaining to dual citizenship and serving only 1 military?

Alicia

[mler]

No.