[Ruatha]

In sweden we have a conscript army. Everyone (males so far) go through the draft procedure, to check health, physics and mental tests.
So far those who have optioned not to participate go to prision, unless they do so out of religous or moral reasons, in wich case they have to serve in hospitals or kidnergartens etc with the same economic benefits as those in the military (Pretty lousy pay) or go to prison.
For women it's volountary to draft for the military but all able persons in the age 18-65 have a total-defence duty and if called into some branch must participate (civil defence etc).

So far it has worked well, but now we don't need such a big army, it costs to much and we can't see any enemies around us. So fewer and fewer are picked for military service.
The result of this seems to be that there are more "rich" and well educated that are picked as the military is changing to a high tech operation, needing computer programmers, engineers etc.
The prince and the crown-princess has done their military service too.

There is talk of switching to a regular salary based military.

[ May 19, 2003, 17:38: Message edited by: Ruatha ]