Posted on 07/01/2010 6:55:47 PM PDT by mylife
STOCKHOLM - A 100-year tradition of military conscription, also known as the draft, was abolished today according to the Associated Press.
Sweden, population approximately 9 million with well over 1.5 million in greater Stockholm, has adopted a new policy which means that 'required military service' will only be enacted if the country feels threatened. In peacetime, a voluntary system will be in place with more stringent requirements that must be met in order to join the military. The new system applies to both men and women.
Defense Minister Sten Tolgfors is quoted as saying "Sweden's defense capacity is strengthened by the increased professionalism"
In the last few decades, the percentage of conscripts entering Sweden's military from the population of 18 year-old males has dropped as the government adopted more lenient policies and allowed eligible males to opt out. The compulsory service ranged from 80 to 450 days and was adopted in 1901. The currently active conscripts, numbering approximately 1,700 will be allowed to choose whether to stay in the military or not.
On March 19, 2009 Sweden's government voted to end conscription, setting forth a 'mid-2010' target date to shelve the policy for compulsory military service.
Sweden is a monarchy, Kind Carl XVI Gustaf acceded to the throne in 1973. He is a member of the Bernadotte dynasty which has ruled Sweden since 1818.
I dont know **** about them, They apparently lag the MIGs and our Birds but its impressive engineering all the same.
I wouldn’t mind having one of those Swedish Mausers.
http://www.allans-armory.com/aapictures.php?ItemId=171307SW
Interesting sighting system
Fascinating actually.
Sweden also defends vigorously the idea of free speech, considering that all other freedoms (such as a free political life) depend upon free speech.
There are very few restrictions (except, perhaps, for telling the truth about Islam...)
perfectly intuitive Lol!
It's only been dropped once.
Got the grenade laucher and all.
Gnight Frog.
It's only been dropped once.
Got the grenade laucher and all.
Gnight Frog.
Most beautiful women! I know because I’ve been married for 55 years to one!
Most beautiful women! I know because I’ve been married for 55 years to one!
Thank you for catching my mistake. Boy, do I feel dumb.
Not to worry, it looks like this thread has evolved into a discussion of geography, guns, beautiful women, and pastry. Not enough pictures of beautiful women, though.
Israel has 2 million fewer peeps, many who are ‘rabs.
I had the opposite take. Serving with many folks who are there for the college plan or stay because the military is a great place to breed children out of wedlock wasn’t conducive to a real defense.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.