Military service in the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus is mandatory for males born of a Cypriot father, members of the Greek Cypriot community. Its duration is 25 months. Until 2007, conscription was optional for members of the three religious groups, i.e. Armenians, Roman Catholics (the Latins), and Maronites. Members of the Turkish Cypriot community are not conscripted into the National Guard. The obligatory service is usually 25 months, however it can be reduced accordingly, up to 6 months.