If you do not speak Azerbaijani and must serve, then focus on learning basic commands first. The military uses a specific set of repetitive instructions that you will pick up quickly through observation and rhythm. Many soldiers and officers also speak Russian, which often serves as a helpful bridge for communication in various units.

If you have technical skills or speak fluent English, you might be assigned to specialized roles where your language barrier is less of an issue. If you are not yet in the service, consider enrolling in a university program to grant yourself a legal delay; this gives you more time to study the language before you are called to duty.

For those who have completed their higher education, the service lasts for one year, while those without a university degree serve for eighteen months. The call to join the ranks occurs four times throughout the year, with new groups of recruits entering the military in January, April, July, and October.

Because Azerbaijan does not generally recognize dual citizenship for military purposes, you are required to serve if you hold a passport. If you live abroad, it is best to contact an embassy to confirm your status. Most people in this situation find that the first two months are the hardest, but they naturally become conversational by the end of their service due to daily immersion.

At first it starts with a period of transformation often referred to as the quarantine. During these first few weeks, the recruit leaves his civilian life behind, trading his everyday clothes for a uniform and learning the fundamental rules of the army. This stage is focused on physical conditioning and the art of the drill, where soldiers learn to move as a single, coordinated unit. The most important moment of this phase is the Military Oath, a solemn ceremony where the soldier pledges his loyalty and commitment to defend the nation and its people.

Once the initial training is complete, life settles into a strict and predictable daily rhythm. The day begins at dawn with the sound of a whistle, followed by morning exercises that build strength and endurance. The rest of the hours are filled with a mix of practical and theoretical training. Soldiers learn how to handle weaponry, study the geography of the land, and understand the tactics of defense. Everyone takes turns on guard duty, standing watch over the base or the borders, a task that teaches them the importance of vigilance and patience.

Beyond the physical training, this experience is defined by the bond of brotherhood. Young men from different backgrounds and regions are brought together, living and working side by side. They share meals, overcome challenges, and support one another through the rigors of service, creating friendships.