Europe eyes Sweden’s conscription model amid military shortages

European defense officials are closely examining Sweden’s mandatory conscription model as a solution to address military personnel shortages, according to U.S. news website Politico. The conscription testing centers in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo are set to screen 110,000 teenagers this year.

Approximately one-quarter of these candidates will undergo physical and mental exams, with the top third selected for military service lasting between nine to 15 months, regardless of their initial preference.

Originally designed to bolster Sweden’s military following the Cold War’s end, this system gained renewed relevance after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, prompting a strategic reevaluation across Europe.

Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson has emphasized conscription as vital for sustaining military growth, doubling conscript numbers to around 8,000 annually since 2017, with plans to increase to 10,000. This initiative complements Sweden’s existing 14,850 full-time military personnel.

The reintroduction of conscription has sparked societal debate in Sweden, a nation without war for over 200 years, and underscores a broader shift in national defense strategy following Sweden’s recent NATO accession.

Foreign defense ministers, including Germany’s Boris Pistorius, have visited these centers, with Pistorius proposing a selective military service model for volunteers in Germany.

Sweden’s conscription process begins with an extensive questionnaire for all 18-year-olds, assessing health, education, and attitudes toward military service. Successful candidates progress through rigorous mental and physical assessments, culminating in potential deployment considerations across various military roles. This approach not only aims to address immediate personnel needs but also promotes a broader societal defense strategy, positioning conscripts as integral to safeguarding national interests and democratic values.