Military Build-Up: Sweden reintroduces conscription amid regional tensions

World
Europe

02:59

Sweden has re-introduced conscription, the compulsory enlistment into the military. The country has a long history of neutrality, but politicians are re-thinking that approach due to heightened tensions with Russia. CGTN's Guy Henderson reports from the Swedish island of Gotland.

These recruits didn't choose the Swedish army. The army has started choosing them. Twelve weeks into their training, they're ready to fire live ammunition.

They're 19-years old. And still undecided as to how long they'll remain in the military.

EBBA OHLEN SWEDISH CONSCRIPT "I understand why it's important to build up the forces of the army – so I feel like I'm doing an important thing for my country."

LIV WEDQUEST SWEDISH CONSCRIPT "Killing another person is still in a conflict whether I can do it or whether I'm not the right person to do it."

Some 50-thousand teenagers applied to join up. Only about four thousand have made it this far.

That number will be gradually increased: part of a long-term shift in thinking by Swedish politicians, that places particular importance on Sweden's largest island.

GUY HENDERSON GOTLAND "Sweden is not a NATO member but it does conduct joint military exercises with the alliance. It's also bolstering its defenses in important strategic locations like Gotland. And now it's bringing back conscription. This is the very first batch."

The island will be a focal point for training new recruits.

As the Swedish government re-vamps an old military base here: and re-instates a full time regiment that was disbanded in 2005.

In any war with Russia, military planners see Gotland as an early target across the Baltic Sea.

COL. MATTIAS ARDIN COMMANDER, GOTLAND REGIMENT "The one who has Gotland has the ability to control the sea and airways around Gotland and the Baltic region. So that's why Gotland has strategic importance for this region."

The neighbors aren't happy about it.

Robert Hall is a former aid worker who now runs this eco-village.

Hall sees the community he's built as in-line with the island's outlook.

ROBERT HALL SUDERBYN ECO-VILLAGE "We sort of see this place as another one of those international meeting places on Gotland where people from all over the world can meet in a peaceful community where nationality is not a big aspect."

And he fears re-militarization could undermine the Swedish tradition of neutrality.

ROBERT HALL SUDERBYN ECO-VILLAGE "I really think we need to emphasize more the peaceful inter-cultural dialogue between the peoples of the Baltic Sea instead of preparing to train our young people to go to war with their young people."

That is what Sweden is preparing for though. And Gotland is seen as the frontline. Guy Henderson, CGTN, Sweden.