Conscript Armies

[Mohoender]

I don't recall that we ever discussed this except for US. Then, most US members saw draft (extended one at least) as almost impossible under the condition of T2K. I don't doubt what they say and I'm sure they are right.

However, things would be entirely different for European armies fighting in the twilight war as most were using conscription (Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland and Austria still rely on it).

For UK, I don't remember and let our well active UK members do the talking. I'll do the same for people from the Norsern countries.

For several more countries I don't know (or I'm not very accurate) and I would like to see your insight (Many among us might know) before I try to find out.

Then, I have more than a clue for at least three countries: France, Belgium and Portugal.

Portugal had military service until the mid-1990's but several portuguese could avoid it (paying someone to replace them). A well educated portuguese man in his 20's and 30's would have had a good chance to have avoided military training. However, many portuguese in their mid-30's and 40's would add active military training as many among them had fought in Colonial wars up to 1975.

France and Belgium also had military training up to the mid-1990's: 1996 for France (with an official end of conscription in 2001) and slightly earlier for Belgium. Both countries had similar systems and, therefore, you'll find similar skills within their population. Military service was to be done between 18 and 25. It certainly concerned 2/3 of the population.

Young people (18-30) would have gone through more limited training (generally 10 month) and would know more of the basics (learn driving, to use an assault rifle and grenades). Then, several among them would have chosen long term service (10-15%). Those would have received full training in two ways: two terms of full military training or one term of training and one term of active duty (in UN mission, or in petty wars abroad). Those who had undergone long term service would have had two experiences: 1 term in home service and 1 abraod (French Dom-Tom or Brazil).

Older people (30-40) would have received better training (12 month) and would now more. However, they would have had forgotten part of it. Among them, several would have chosen long term military service as well.

Then the oldest people drafted (40+) would now even more as they would have undergone at least 16 month of military service that were much more pushy.

In addition, several people would have done officer training (also long term) and these guys were pretty good, serving in the reserve.

A consequences of this, is that most men in Europe are not simple civilians as described in the game. Most went through some kind of military training and many had fighting experiences. Of course, they would not be as good as professional soliders but they were far from being wild turkeys. In addition (at least in the West), you find a fair amount of weapons in the various villages.

I know we can go much deeper into this but I have not enough time at the moment. Give us your opinion.