[…] Military alliance has not been seen to critically affect general conscription as Finland’s defence solution. Alliance does not eliminate the need for comprehensive national defence, which can only be achieved through broad conscription and a large reserve. Training the reserve, in turn, requires skilled training personnel. Maintaining conscription as part of Finland’s defence solution even as a NATO member supports the view that a credible national defence capability is required from a military alliance member.
Before NATO membership, its opponents argued that military alliance would dismantle the conscription system leading to a professional army. Many NATO member states have abolished conscription and transitioned to professional armies, resulting in negative impacts for both preparedness and society. Partially or entirely abandoning conscription in Europe, for instance, in Sweden, has led to reduced defensive capabilities due to cuts made for savings and a belief in peace. The tightening security situation now requires many countries to rebuild their defence systems, which takes time and money. The topic has been covered in various media.2 For example, Germany is considering reinstating conscription as a corrective move, and last year Latvia passed a law reinstating men’s conscription. Läs artikel