Conscription in Rhodesia

Conscription played a significant role in the history of Rhodesia, including during the Rhodesian Bush War. A national service scheme was implemented in 1957 and the relatively large size of the Rhodesian Security Forces, most of whom were conscripts, contributed to the government having the confidence to illegally declare independence in November 1965. Throughout the Bush War, the Security Forces relied on conscripts from the country's small white population as well as the Coloured and Indian populations. The great majority of the population, who were black, were exempt from conscription until shortly before the end of the war.

Young men who were eligible for conscription were required to undertake a period of full-time national service in the Security Forces. At the conclusion of this period, they remained liable for call up as members of the part-time reserves. This made conscription a major element in the lives of white Rhodesian men, though some evaded their obligations. Coloured and Indian conscripts received lower pay than whites for most of the war and undertook duties white personnel did not want to do. The government was reluctant to extend conscription to black men due to its racial views, the availability of sufficient black volunteers and concerns that such conscripts would be unreliable. Many of the black men who were called up during 1979 did not report.

As the Bush War continued and Rhodesia's situation deteriorated, requirements on conscripts were increased. This included longer periods of mandatory national service as well as more frequent and lengthy call ups of reservists. Men from older age groups also became liable for service, with 60 year olds being required to serve in the Security Forces from early 1979. This placed a considerable burden on the white minority and contributed to high rates of emigration. It also harmed the Rhodesian economy. The declining white population undermined Rhodesia's war effort and contributed to the transition to majority rule as Zimbabwe.