Swedish Compulsory National Service Act - Effect On Students

Effect On Students

The modified act was implemented during 1941, although preparations had been made during 1940 to train teachers at grammar schools for the exercises. The exercises which were enacted during 1941 were entirely of a military nature; shooting practise, although optional, was performed by most male grammar-school students. Other exercises (compulsory for male students) included grenade throwing, training in military units and camping. Training of the female students had a different focus; their training included reconnaissance, medical treatment, orienteering and swimming. These compulsory National Service exercises were carried out in secondary schools, while variations (with less military emphasis) were carried out in primary schools. Of the average 11.1 outdoor recreation days in 1941-42, 9.3 were used for compulsory national service training. Of the 7,258 male secondary-school students eligible for National Service training, 6,932 participated; the number of participating female secondary-school students was 3,471 of 3,728. The training continued until the end of the Second World War, and was discontinued by an act of Parliament in the spring of 1945.