President Gustavo Petro unexpectedly announced that military service in Colombia will undergo a radical change.
Through his X account, the head of state announced to the country a measure in which he assured that military service could be voluntarily extended.
"Any young man who completes his military service can voluntarily extend it. We are no longer in the days when military trucks chased young men to recruit them; now it's the other way around," the Colombian president stated on the digital platform.
Any young person who does their military service can voluntarily extend it.
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) October 16, 2025
We are no longer in the times where military trucks chased young people to recruit them, now it is the other way around
In that message, he shared a decree detailing the implications it will have on military service.
"Voluntary extensions of military service will be granted only once, for a minimum period of six months and a maximum of 12 additional months, depending on institutional needs, provided there is available personnel in the respective Force," states Decree 1075, issued on October 15.
The document details: "The extended military service period will be served in the respective force in which the military service is being performed. Article 2.3.1.4.19.4."
In addition, the decree details the requirements for voluntary extension of military service.
1. Submit the application for an extension, at least four months before the discharge date, to the commander of the unit where you are performing your military service.
2. Have a favorable performance certificate issued by the commander of the unit where he or she is performing military service.
3. He should not have been sanctioned criminally, disciplinarily or for administrative responsibility.
This measure, announced by President Gustavo Petro, unleashed a wave of comments on social networks.
“We are living in a time when young people are once again being recruited by guerrillas. We are living in a time when young people are being murdered. We are living in the time of @petrogustavo,” said Bogotá councilman Papo Amín.
We are in a time when young people are once again being recruited by guerrillas.
— Papo Amin | Bogotá Councillor (@papoaminCD) October 16, 2025
In a time when young people are being murdered.
We are in the time of @petrogustavo.
Finally, another X user noted: “The truth is, the incorporation of young people changed years ago and due to a ruling by the Constitutional Court, it wasn’t you, sir. What’s more, no young person wants to do military service because in this government they pay criminals.”
— Mafe (@mfer2011) October 16, 2025
