Exactly how conscripts will be affected by NATO membership is still unclear.
According to Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M), they will not be sent to war during their training. But there is an ongoing investigation into whether fully trained conscripts who have been assigned to war should be able to be part of NATO’s collective defence. The investigation must be completed by the end of the year.
Swedish conscription
NATO requires member states to adapt their military training to NATO standards and rules to facilitate cooperation across borders. In Finland, for example, English will be used more in basic education, the Finnish Armed Forces says Sweden’s Radio Echo.
As it stands now, Sweden will not have to change the content of conscription, according to the Service and Probation Office. And a NATO official writes to SVT:
“As a close NATO partner for many years, Sweden has an excellent position, with good knowledge of NATO’s military exercise and training processes.”
18-year-old Jack Welin and 19-year-old Bruno Björneheim will soon begin their basic education with conscription. In the clip above, they talk about their thoughts about making a mess when Sweden approaches NATO.