AMMAN — The national service programme will expand its second cohort by 50 per cent, increasing the number of draftees from 6,000 in the first cohort to 9,000, Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani announced on Thursday.

 

Speaking at a press briefing at the Prime Ministry alongside Director of Military Media Brigadier General Mohammad Ali Mehaidat, Momani, who is also the Official Government Spokesperson, said that the expansion follows directives from HRH Crown Prince Hussein to develop the programme incrementally following the success of its initial batch, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

The second cohort will be enrolled in three annual training cycles, each comprising 3,000 draftees, under plans approved by the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), Momani said.

 

He added that the electronic draw for the 55th batch, marking the second cohort since the programme's reactivation in August 2025, is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2026, at noon at the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship.

 

“The draw will be broadcast live on Jordan TV,” he said.

 

Momani said that the draw will cover male Jordanian citizens born in 2008 who are aged 18. “A computerised random selection system will be used to ensure balanced representation across the Kingdom's governorates.”

 

“Those selected will be notified through SMS messages, the Sanad application and the national service platform, khidmetalam.gov.jo.”

 

Mehaidat affirmed JAF's readiness to implement the programme, outlining a three-month training period combining military field instruction with educational modules covering citizenship, discipline and labour market awareness.

 

He said that draftees will undergo training at the National Service Training Centre, where they will receive full medical care.

 

They will remain at the centre during the first four weeks before being granted 48-hour weekend leave, Mehaidat said.

 

“Participants will receive a monthly allowance of JD100 while retaining their employment and academic places. Upon completing the programme, they will be subject to a five-year reserve service commitment or until reaching the age of 45.”

 

Mehaidat also outlined the conditions governing postponements and exemptions.

 

“Temporary postponements apply to regular school students, university students enrolled in annual academic systems, individuals with verified overseas residence and those facing temporary medical conditions. Applications can be submitted electronically through the national service platform.”

 

Permanent exemptions, meanwhile, apply to sole sons and individuals deemed medically unfit, he said.

 

Mehaidat added that draftees are prohibited from travelling during the 45 days preceding the start of training without obtaining military authorisation.

 

He said that individuals who fail to report for service without a valid excuse face imprisonment ranging from six months to one year under National Service and Reserve Service of 1986.