The Soviet government first introduced conscription for the Red Army during the Civil War on 29th May, 1918. The Act of Compulsory Military Service became law in August, 1930, and stated that conscription should start at the age of twenty-one. This was reduced to nineteen in 1936 and the length of service was increased to four years. On the outbreak of the Second World War the age of military conscription was lowered to eighteen for youths without secondary education.