Recruits make themselves heard at the National Congress of Conscripts

On Monday 19 April, the military service congress for 2021 was held. The congress is the highest decision-making body of the conscription authority and has representatives from military units from all over the country. This year, it will be possible to watch parts of the congress on Youtube.

värnpliktskongress 2019
värnpliktskongress 2019
Image from the National Congress of Conscripts 2019. Photo: Mikael Wallentin Åström/Swedish Armed Forces
värnpliktskongress 2019
Image from the National Congress of Conscripts in 2019. Photo: Mikael Wallentin Åström/Swedish Armed Forces

“Last year, the congress was postponed and later cancelled due to the pandemic. This year it was finally held. The congress is a forum for Swedish conscripts, at which they are able to discuss how to improve their training, says Malin Eidmann, communications official at Pliktrådet, the Council of Conscripts.

“Some of the matters that were discussed are materiel, information on enrolment as well as covid restrictions”, says Malin Eidmann.

Some 100 representatives took part at the National Congress of Conscripts, which was held 19-21 April. 4-6 conscripts from each military unit communicated by means of a digital platform at the garrisons.

Both the Supreme Commander and the Minister of Defence spoke at the conference. There was also a debate, organised by the organisation Folk och Försvar, (Society and Defence). As a final measure, a new council was appointed, i.e. five new conscripts who will work on enhancing influence for conscripts until the next congress.

Parts of the congress was live-streamed on Youtube on the following hyperlink: Värnpliktskongressen