Swedish conscripts face collective punishment in half of the nation's military training units, a new report reveals. The findings from the Conscript Ombudsman detail a system where young Swedes like 20-year-old Lucas Terfelt are losing significant weight and facing questionable disciplinary tactics. This report lands on the desk of Defense Minister PÃ¥l Jonson as the government pushes for a stronger national defense.
Lucas Terfelt stands in the cold of Boden, five to seven kilograms lighter than when he arrived for his compulsory service. The 20-year-old conscript at the I 19 regiment attributes his weight loss directly to the food provided by the Swedish Armed Forces. "I was physically active even before I came here," Terfelt states, pointing to systemic issues within the mess hall that extend beyond his personal experience. His story is not an isolated case but a documented symptom of broader failures in conscript welfare.
A Systemic Problem Across the Country
The Conscript Ombudsman's semi-annual report presents a damning picture. Fourteen of Sweden's twenty-eight training battalions have employed collective punishment, a practice banned under Swedish military regulations. At the I 19 regiment in Boden, this has included ordering entire groups to run penalty laps in rain gear because one conscript was late. Unreasonable room inspections have followed minor infractions like a soldier sitting without headgear in their barracks. Threats of revoked leave permissions have also been used as a disciplinary tool.
Per Juhlin, commander of the armored battalion in Boden, acknowledges the problem. "We have had reviews about it not being acceptable," Juhlin said. This admission confirms the practices are known within the chain of command. The report demands an immediate end to all collective and physical punishments. It also calls for mandatory training for both officers and conscripts on the legal rights and obligations of those performing national service.
Government Scrutiny and Policy Implications
Defense Minister PÃ¥l Jonson, operating from the Rosenbad government offices, has responded to the criticism. "These are serious reports and I also know that the Armed Forces takes this seriously," Jonson stated. "We have a continuous dialogue with the Conscript Ombudsman and it is important, naturally for the sake of the conscripts and for attractiveness, that conditions are good and fair." His statement links conscript treatment directly to the long-term viability of Sweden's conscription model, a cornerstone of the government's defense policy.
The Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) has consistently voted to strengthen conscription since its reintroduction. These Riksdag decisions aim to bolster national security. However, this report suggests a gap between political intent in Stockholm and practical implementation in regimental barracks. The government's policy for a robust, volunteer-attractive defense force is undermined by practices that erode morale and physical health. The findings force a critical question: can Sweden build a larger, more capable defense with a system that fails its youngest recruits?
Health and Welfare Under the Microscope
The Swedish Defense Health Agency has corroborated the weight loss phenomenon, noting several conscripts have lost weight since enlistment. The Ombudsman's report directly links this to problems in regimental dining facilities. Inadequate nutrition for young adults undergoing intense physical and mental training presents a clear health risk. It also impacts operational readiness, a key metric for the Armed Forces and the government ministers who fund them.
This is not merely about food quality. It reflects a welfare and duty-of-care standard for individuals who are legally obligated to serve. The state assumes responsibility for their well-being. Systemic weight loss and punitive group punishments suggest a failure in that fundamental contract. For families across Sweden considering their children's service, such reports are deeply concerning and could affect public support for conscription.
Historical Context and Modern Challenges
Sweden's relationship with conscription is complex. The model was phased out in 2010, only to be reinstated in 2017 amid a deteriorating security environment in Europe. The current system calls both men and women, though numbers remain limited compared to the Cold War era. The intent is to create a trained, mobilizable reserve. This modern incarnation was meant to be more professional, attractive, and rights-based than its predecessor.
The Ombudsman's findings indicate the military's institutional culture has not fully adapted. Old practices of collective discipline, perhaps inherited from a different era, persist. Changing this culture is a bureaucratic and leadership challenge that reaches from unit commanders in Boden to the highest levels of the Armed Forces' headquarters in Stockholm. It requires more than directives; it needs sustained training, oversight, and a shift in mindset among non-commissioned officers.
Analysis: A Threat to Strategic Goals
From an analytical perspective, this crisis touches every pillar of Sweden's defense strategy. First, it threatens manpower. An unattractive conscript experience will deter volunteers and undermine the "total defense" concept that relies on public engagement. Second, it wastes resources. Training a conscript requires significant state investment. That investment is compromised if the individual leaves service weaker, disillusioned, or unhealthy.
Third, and most critically, it questions institutional effectiveness. A force that relies on unfair punishment rather than professional leadership may struggle with discipline, initiative, and trust in real crises. The government's policy for a stronger Sweden depends on a military that is not only larger but also more competent and ethically sound. The Riksdag allocates billions for defense; taxpayers should expect those funds to foster a professional environment, not an abusive one.
The Path Forward for Stockholm
The solution requires action on multiple fronts. The Conscript Ombudsman has provided a clear roadmap: cease illegal punishments and implement rights education. The Armed Forces must now execute this with transparent accountability. Minister Jonson's ongoing dialogue must turn into concrete reform and public reporting on progress. Parliamentary defense committees should schedule hearings to scrutinize the response.
Furthermore, the issue of conscript nutrition and health requires immediate logistical attention. The weight loss documented is a glaring red flag that cannot be explained away. It suggests failures in procurement, catering contracts, or meal planning that must be rectified. The health of conscripts is a non-negotiable element of their service.
Lucas Terfelt's lost kilograms are a physical measure of a systemic shortfall. As Sweden embarks on its most significant military buildup in decades, the treatment of its conscripts will define the character of its future defense. The government in Stockholm has staked its security policy on a strong, willing populace. That populace deserves a system that strengthens them, not one that diminishes them. The coming months will show whether the Riksdag's decisions and the government's policies can translate into dignified and effective service for every young Swede in uniform.