Sweden’s upper secondary school students will begin “total defense” courses this autumn as the country prepares to invest in education for comprehensive national defense knowledge.
Mass Defense Education Program
Approximately 400,000 students across Sweden will undergo this defense education that covers everything from crisis management to wartime necessities. This forms part of the government’s strategy to prepare the country’s young people for the challenges ahead.
Current Preparedness Deficiencies
Recent studies have revealed that only 4 out of 10 Swedes possess adequate knowledge about handling crisis situations or wartime challenges. This initiative aims to address this gap by providing necessary training to students.
Schedule and Curriculum
The program involves interactive lessons that can be completed individually in two hours or with a teacher in four hours. Alongside defense education, students will learn about international law and the role of foreign policy in government relations, including NATO’s role.
Universal Military Service in Sweden
Sweden currently enforces universal military service for individuals aged 16 to 70, affecting around 7-8 million people, according to statistics.
