Zyt National Guard

The Zyt National Guard was first founded in SY 2,166, a year after Zyt managed to win back its independence from the Nafvanka Republic (which had occupied an annexed Zyt from SY 2,152-2,165). The idea behind the formation of the National Guard was to better defend Zyt from any future invasions from the North. Throughout much of its history it has more-or-less filled the same role. When someone reaches age 22 (18 Earth) they are required to serve three years in the National Guard. After their three years they are required to report back for a three and a half month term every year (the eighth month of Ppinqqmon-Mi is considered a holiday and all members of the National Guard are given leave). They are require to serve their terms until they reach the age of 72 (57 Earth), then they are no longer obligated to serve. The National Guard train new members much like any military force would. If war breaks out and the Zyt Defense Force is sort handed, the National Guard randomly select a third of its members to be transferred to the Defense Force. Refusal to join the NG is considered a national crime in Zyt punishable by 15 (12) years corrective labor (Zyt has no national prisons; all convicts serve time through labor, either by community service for lesser offenders or mining in the more remote regions of Zyt for the worst offenders). The only way to escape joining the NG is to either be medically excused (which one will still be required to service once they recover), join the Defense Force (which they would still have to serve the annual 3.5 months with the NG after their term with the DF is finished), or emigrate (though once they return to Zyt they will still be required to serve).