Every fourth person could imagine contributing with risk to life in a combat role in the event of war or war threat in Sweden. 51 percent can imagine contributing with risk to life in a non-combat role, according to a new survey from the Swedish Armed Forces about Swedes' understanding of preparedness and duty.
81 percent state that they could take a role without risk to life in a non-combat role to defend Sweden.
Nearly nine out of ten think it is important that everyone between 16-70 years old participates in defending Sweden in the event of war or war threat.
The defense will in the country is high, but the knowledge of how private individuals should contribute is too low, says Michael Malm at the Swedish Armed Forces.
"Basic knowledge"
Only four out of ten Swedes know what is expected of them as private individuals in the event of war or war threat.
This is basic knowledge that everyone should have, thinks Michael Malm.
Only 34 percent of the general public know what heightened preparedness means, and the understanding of supply during war or war threat is also low. Only 38 percent know how long they are expected to fend for themselves during war or war threat, according to the survey.
It is very important to be mentally prepared and have a plan, says Michael Malm.
Expectations on private individuals
If the government decides on heightened preparedness, the general service duty is activated, which means that as a private individual, you can be commissioned to perform tasks to ensure that vital parts of society function.
This could mean that a person studying healthcare at high school is placed to support the healthcare system.
Supporting where you are told is an obligation you have as a Swedish citizen or resident in Sweden. When it comes to general service duty, it is difficult to say beforehand where all individuals will potentially be placed.
It can vary depending on the situation, the important thing is that you are mentally prepared to be expected to step up, says Michael Malm.
Total defense duty applies to all between 16 and 70 years old living in Sweden. All of these must participate in preparing Sweden for war, if needed. This also applies to those who are not Swedish citizens but are residents in Sweden.
Total defense duty has three parts – military service, civil service, and general service duty.
Military service only applies to Swedish citizens from the year they turn 19 to the year they turn 47 and have completed basic training with military service.
Civil service is the civilian equivalent of military service. It aims to ensure that vital parts of society function during heightened preparedness or war.
General service duty can only be activated if the government has decided on heightened preparedness. For those who are not war-placed, it may mean continuing to go to work as usual. But you can also be assigned to perform work such as driving a bus or helping in rescue services. Some employers have agreements with a voluntary organization, which means that as an employee, you may be required to assist the organization in case of need.
Source: The Swedish Armed Forces
