Sweden Considers New Ways Of Reintroducing Conscription (Partially)

Peter Hultqvist, Swedish Minister of Defence, announced that Sweden is reconsidering options of partial introduction of conscription. The above stance is a result of the detrimental changes for the security situation in the Baltic Sea region. In the eyes of the Swedish politician, the primary goal should be to create a more effective and efficient way to provide the human resources for the Armed Forces.

No comments were made as to the shape of the refined system. However, we do know that the new method of recruitment is going to constitute a complementary measure for the current drafting methodology used by the Army. The system will probably be based on an option of sending anybody who is 18, to the recruitment organs. The young people then would get a proposal of taking part in military training, lasting from eight to ten months. The training activities would constitute a pass to army. What is more, in December last year the government decided to organize refresher trainings for the ex-recruits. The programme is going to begin in the autumn, this year.

Last year, the Swedish press disclosed the fact that Hultqvist resigned from military service back in 1987, due to his beliefs. As Peter Hultqvist stated, making this decision, after 57 days in service, was caused by a conflict with his superior.

General conscription in Sweden was being organized annually since 1901, however the procedure was abolished 5 years ago.

Andrzej Hładij