In Kazakhstan, autumn brings the return of mandatory military conscription, with the government aiming to recruit 23,000 men aged 18 to 25 by the end of December. While some young men see military service as a civic duty, others actively seek ways to avoid it. In the capital, Astana, reports of forced recruitment in public spaces and incidents of violence in military barracks have contributed to a lasting distrust of the armed forces. The conscription system, which dates back to the Soviet era, requires all young men to serve for one year, undergoing both physical and theoretical training. However, many attempt to avoid it by using legal exemptions or engaging in corrupt practices. Those deemed unfit during medical exams and university students are often exempt. Some students enroll in universities solely to avoid conscription, while others pursue higher education to gain temporary relief through a 40-day military training program. In recent years, forced recruitment methods have become more aggressive, with accounts of police and military personnel conducting "raids" or "kidnappings" in public spaces. Locals have developed ways to avoid these encounters, using apps like 2GIS to warn each other about potential recruitment hotspots. Meanwhile, reports of violence and controversy within the military have raised concerns. The case of Moukhtar Yerebatan, an 18-year-old who suffered a brain injury during service and later died, sparked nationwide outrage. His family disputes the official explanation that the injury was accidental. Recently, the deaths of a dozen conscripts during a military exercise in the Caspian Sea further intensified public anxiety. Some young men share negative experiences, describing physical abuse, harassment, and even suicide. Jordan, a 23-year-old IT professional, described the military as "hyper violent," noting that many return injured or die. Others, like Timur, a 22-year-old who avoided conscription, argue that the risks are too high, preferring to focus on personal goals. Despite these concerns, some individuals who have served in the military defend its value. Alikhan, a 31-year-old entrepreneur, claims that his time in the military improved his discipline, physical fitness, and mental strength. He describes the military as a place of solidarity and equality, where hierarchy and external distractions are absent. However, others, like Rouslan, a 26-year-old content creator, highlight the challenges faced by conscripts, including extortion and abuse. His older brother, who served in the national guard, reportedly faced frequent demands for money and endured physical violence. The debate over conscription continues, with calls for professionalization and reform. Some argue that military service should be a voluntary choice rather than an obligation, while others emphasize the importance of defending the country. The military's role in shaping national identity remains a complex and contentious issue.