Service in the army or civil protection usually begins at the age of 20, but recruitment may commence as early as 16 for those interested in preparatory courses, which are a precondition for gaining access to some sectors of the armed forces [REF].
After the first written communications, all the male conscripts (for which attendance is mandatory)[REF] and female volunteers are convoked for an information day (; ; ), usually taking place near the municipality of residence of the attendants.