Sweden brings back conscription amid security worries and soldier shortageTT NEWS AGENCY/REUTERS Sweden defence minister Peter Hultqvist (right): "We have a Russian annexation of Crimea, we have the aggression in Ukraine, we have more exercise activities in our neighbourhood. 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. 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 on Thursday (Friday NZ Time). So we have decided to build a stronger national defence," Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist told Reuters. "This buffer is now exhausted and that leaves great challenges in recruiting," said Johan Osterberg, a researcher in staffing at the Swedish Defence University.

Source: Stuff March 02, 2017 15:45 UTC