Sweden brings back military draft amid regional security worries and soldier shortage

Source: The Age

Stockholm: Sweden is to reintroduce military conscription next year due to difficulties filling the ranks on a voluntary basis at a time of increased security concerns, the defence minister said on Thursday.

Non-aligned Sweden ended compulsory military service in 2010 but military activity in the Baltic region has increased since then, prompting Sweden to step up its military preparedness.

The reintroduction of the draft will cover men and women born in 1999 or later, though only a small minority will be selected to serve.

"We have a Russian annexation of Crimea, we have the aggression in Ukraine, we have more exercise activities in our neighbourhood. So we have decided to build a stronger national defence," Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist told Reuters.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/world/sweden-brings-back-military-draft-amid-regional-security-worries-and-soldier-shortage-20170302-gupl2b.html