A defence based on voluntary participation
The transition to a more functional, available and flexible defence means that all units will be manned by personnel who have voluntarily sought employment in the Swedish Armed Forces.
Sweden must have a defence with functional units - here and now. This requires soldiers and sailors who have already decided during their training on a career in the Swedish Armed Forces, and who, after training, are available for operations in Sweden and abroad.
The inquiry on the national total defence service has proposed that voluntary military basic training is to replace today's compulsory military service training. The advantages include more effective training, joint exercises and personnel planning.
Voluntary training will be preceded by tests and controls concerning suitability. But this does not mean that the compulsory total defence service will disappear. The Total Defence Service Act remains and can be applied if required by military preparedness. In that case, compulsory military service will be gender-neutral.
