German parliament abolishes military conscription

Germany's parliament on Thursday finalized the abolition of military conscription, DPA reports.

The move suspends the draft effective July 1, 55 years after it was introduced at the height of the Cold War.

The last intake of young males are already halfway through their six months of training. The three armed forces will in future comprise a mix of long-service professionals and short-service volunteers on stints of 12 to 23 months.

Compulsory military service was part of life for centuries in Germany, with only two gaps, 1919-35 and 1945-55. It helped drive emigration to the United States in the 19th century, when many youths sneaked out of the country to avoid army life.

Germany has never conscripted women. Conscientious objectors were allowed in recent decades to do welfare work instead.