Society needs your input!
Did you know that you are subject to compulsory national defense from the calendar year you turn 16 until the end of the calendar year you turn 70? According to Swedish law, compulsory national defense means that every citizen and resident of Sweden has an obligation to contribute to the country's defense and crisis management. The compulsory national defense covers both military and civilian defense, which means that you may be called upon to contribute in different ways, depending on the needs of society.
The total defense obligation includes:
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Conscription: basic military training and service.
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Civilian duty: work in critical civilian activities.
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Public service obligation: ensures important societal functions in times of crisis.
Even if you are covered by the total defense obligation, you can contribute today by joining a voluntary defense organization.
The voluntary defense organizations play a central role in Sweden's preparedness, regulated by the so-called voluntary regulation. The Swedish government has defined a number of non-profit, member-controlled organizations that have particularly important missions to strengthen the country's preparedness. These organizations are important resources for training and recruiting reinforcements for authorities, regions and municipalities.
Through their efforts, voluntary defense organizations train individuals and gather the expertise needed to meet society's demands in major crises. They thereby contribute both to increasing society's resilience and to anchoring the public's will to defend itself.
A significant part of the activities take place at the local level through the Volunteer Resource Group (FRG). This group consists of trained members from various voluntary defense organizations who are ready to support the municipality when needed, for example during serious social disturbances.
Joining a voluntary defense organization means actively contributing to the safety of society and creating a strong common preparedness. It is an opportunity for individuals to use their knowledge and skills to help others in crisis situations.
Voluntary defense organizations to consider:
- The Swedish Automobile Association National Federation of Automobile Associations
- FAK , Volunteers automobile corps
- FFK , Volunteer Air Corps
- FMCK , Volunteers motorcycle corps
- FPF , Swedish Defence Personnel Service Federation
- FRO , Volunteers the radio organization
- FVRF , Air Force Volunteers
- IIR , the Incident Engineers
- SBK , Swedish Working Dog Club
- SBS , Swedish Blue Star
- SCF , Civil Defence Federation
- SFF , Swedish The Parachute Association
- SLK , National Confederation of Swedish Lottery teams
- SPSF , Swedish Pistol Shooting Federation
- SRK , Swedish Red Cross
- Defence Educators , Swedish Defence Training Association
- ENGLISH RF , Naval Guard Corps national federation
- SvSF , Swedish Shooting Sports Federation
By joining one of these organizations, you can be part of a larger community that works to protect and support society during crises and other emergencies.
Good luck!