noun
universal conscription
Refers to a system in which all citizens are required to serve in the military; often used in historical or political contexts.
国民皆兵制度は、多くの国で戦時中に導入された。
Universal conscription was introduced in many countries during wartime.
Compound of 国民 (kokumin, 'citizen') and 皆兵 (kaihei, 'all soldiers'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is conventionally associated with the concept of universal military service.