La mili: an enduring debate that still shapes policy talk
In Spain, the idea of reintroducing compulsory military service for young people has long been a topic of discussion. It existed until more than twenty years ago, but today there is no official proposal to bring it back. Those who completed mili in the past can still access certain benefits, including potential retirement advantages if they meet specific requirements.
La mili: a historic institution with lasting impact
La mili, the mandatory period of military training for men over 18, varied in length from nine to twelve months depending on assignment and specialty. This institution operated in Spain for nearly two centuries, from the late eighteenth century until December 2001, when the government under Jose Maria Aznar ended the program.
Participants gained both gains and drawbacks. The principal positives included the development of values such as discipline, camaraderie, responsibility, and patriotism; the acquisition of practical technical skills useful for future careers; and opportunities for social integration, bringing together youths from diverse regions and backgrounds.
Since its abolition, the Spanish armed forces have faced recruitment challenges for professional personnel, especially during peacetime. Today, there are no formal plans to reinstate mili as a compulsory duty. Still, some politicians and military leaders have advocated for a voluntary service model, similar to arrangements in other countries. Even if the policy remains in the past, those who completed mili can still reap notable benefits today.
Advance retirement eligibility tied to mili completion
The length of compulsory military service changed over time: two years up to 1968, eighteen months until 1984, one year until 1991, and finally nine months until its cessation. During those periods, participants could not work while in training, meaning their Social Security contributions were paused. As a result, many of these individuals are now adults who could have accrued credit toward pension calculations for those service years.
Although those years were not counted when the program ended, the Social Security administration has clarified how credits are applied. Officials from the Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social indicate that periods of military service or substitute social service are counted toward the required contribution period for early retirement, either voluntary or involuntary, with a maximum equivalent to one year. In practical terms, mili can be credited as a single year of work, which translates into an additional year of pension contributions.
The key condition remains proving that the individual fulfilled compulsory military service when due and did not miss it due to a valid exemption. Another important point is that, thanks to mili, some individuals may choose to retire one year earlier than the current mandatory retirement age, which stands at 66 and a half.