Geographical mobility as a bridge to opportunity: Evidence from the Spanish Military Service

Abstract

We investigate the impact of a temporary mobility shock on individuals’ future migration decisions and labor market achievements. Our strategy exploits the random assignment of conscripts to various geographic locations within the Spanish military service. Utilizing data gathered from a nationally representative survey, we find that conscripts stationed in regions distinct from their own exhibit a notably increased likelihood of undertaking future migration. Additionally, we observe that those who were deployed outside their native region were more likely to secure employment and work longer hours per week. Our findings indicate that a transient mobility experience during early adulthood can have a favorable influence on future migration patterns and labor market outcomes.