Civilian service
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Civilian service is service to a government made as a civilian, particularly such service as an option for conscripted persons who are conscientious objectors and object to military service. Examples of countries with thriving civilian service programmes are Switzerland (Swiss Civilian Service), Finland (siviilipalvelus/civiltjänstgöring), Germany, Austria (Zivildienst) and Norway (Siviltjenesten i Norge).
Civilian service is usually performed in the service of non-profit governmental bodies or other institutions. For example, in Germany they work extensively in healthcare facilities and retirement homes, while other countries have a wider variety of possible placements.
Common synonyms for the term are alternative service, non-military service and substitute service.
