Fredriksson_Urban_NOK@kista.relay.nokia.fi (06/27/91)
From: Fredriksson_Urban_NOK@kista.relay.nokia.fi In 1980, the Air Force was the first service to accept female officers, in 'non-combat' professions. (None were accepted as pilots, since transport and helicopter positions as customarily filled by ex-fighter pilots.) Shortly after, the Navy and Army followed suit. Gradually, more and more military professions have been opened to women, and since last year that applies to all of them. Since the late 1970's, to become an officer in the Swedish Defence Forces, you have to do your (compulsory) military service in a profession that makes you an NCO. Women can, if they want, do the same military service as men, without signing up to become an officer. Some people expressed concerns about physical fitness, but since these females selected themselves there hasn't really been problems in that regard. Very few have any trouble with getting conscripts to respect them, but many who have quit their jobs have done so because of pressure from fellow officers, and not just the 'old conservative' ones. (And this in a country that perceives itself as very equalitarian!) In Sweden, every resident between ages 16 and 65, is required to participate in 'the total defence effort', male citizens between 18 and 47 in the military part. Years ago, before money became scarce, women reaching the age of 25 without having children, were usually called in for a few days of 'civil defence' training. -- Urban Fredriksson, Stockholm, Sweden (who ONLY speaks for himself!) urban@kista.relay.nokia.fi Famous last words #511: "Of _course_ I'm sure!"