Civilian service

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Civilian service is service to a government made as a civilian, particularly such service as an option for anti-militarists and pacifists who 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.