I get it for countries where their self-preservation is on the line (Taiwan) or where it's simply been national policy since the dawn of time (Switzerland), but it's definitely different when it's for a dictatorial, unpopular, or corrupt government.
In the US, you're still required to register with the government agency in charge of conscription when you turn 18 if you were born male. Just in case it might be needed in the future.
That law is so unpopular they stopped charging people for failing to register 40 years ago, and instead made proving you did prerequisite for various things (again, if born male). If you fail to register, you are simply banned from a bunch of jobs and educational options.