A piece in Filipstads Tidning argues that Sweden’s expanding defence system rests on conscripts, yet some units still fail to respect the rights that should protect them during compulsory service. Citing a fresh Pliktrådet report, the editorial warns that informal punishments, especially collective punishment, violate the legal rules governing military discipline.

The editorial highlights collective punishment as the most common unlawful sanction, citing the case at Göta trängregemente where whole platoons were punished for individual mistakes. It argues that such measures are especially serious because conscripts cannot resign or end their training voluntarily without risking criminal penalties. Pliktrådet proposes a whistleblower function for conscripts, while the paper says the deeper problem is a command culture that must learn to treat conscripts as adults with legal rights.

“Such punishments are serious. Not only because informal disciplinary measures break the law, but also because recruits cannot resign or voluntarily interrupt their training without risking imprisonment. Conscription is a coercive measure that restricts the individual’s right to self-determination. (…) It is highly problematic that commanders either lack knowledge of, or completely ignore, the regulations that exist to ensure legal security during basic military training. Swedish law also applies during military service. Conscripts must be treated as adults, not as people commanders can handle however they like. (…) The old saying ‘do your duty, demand your right’ captures the whole situation well. Conscripts endure the heaviest of duties: to fight for Sweden with their lives at stake. It is therefore nothing less than disrespectful not to safeguard their legal security.”

Read the entire piece in Filipstads Tidning.