From A – RAPPORT NR 24 (REPORT NR 24), JUNE 1974. Militärpsykologiska institutet (The Swedish Military Psychological Institute).
APPLICANTS FOR NON-COMBAT SERVICEAND TOTAL OBJECTORS1966 – 1973:
a statistical – psychological description. Jan Agrell.
Description of the presumptive applicants for non-combat military service 1972/73.
The ranking for the different variables with a discrepancy ratio above 500 is shown in chart 7. After a straightforward reading, an image regarding the characteristics of probable applicants emerges. A simple systematisation clarifies this image.
- The applicants have certain negative expectations to military service (ranking number 3,5 and 8), which is completely natural in consideration to their despondent fundamental attitudes. Within this context, it can be mentioned that the equivalent category 1969/70, showed the lowest average values on the questions asked regarding the will to defend one’s country, this was only exceeded by prospective total objectors. The reluctance to be forced to kill during wartime was thus already projected upon peacetime military service, specifically the attributes that constituted preparing for behaviour needed during wartimes: namely to be forced to kill.
- The applicants consistently have more passive, gentle and introvert interests (ranking number 6,9,10,12,15 and 20), as in more art and music and less club activities, less dancing, less cars etc. less sports and fishing (hunting). The profiling is non-masculine and lacks robust and aggressive traits. The person in question is most likely rather peaceful.
- The prospective applicants for non-combat service have a more passive and hesitant approach to their surroundings (ranking number 1,7,11,16,17 and 22). In such, he engages less with club activities, yet he still has commissions of trust, but above all dislikes independent assignments and is often teased by friends. The fact that he has taken on assignments at school and in local associations, even though disliking such activities, must be a sign of his sense of responsibility to take on such tasks, as he feels it is required. The average higher school level, to which he belongs (1969/70 is already at 52% secondary school in comparison to 29% for others), and his higher intellectual abilities (Q = 808) most likely contribute to the fact that he comes in question for commissions of trust above others. No contradictions should therefore be found on this point in the material. Neither has he been involved with the police or child-welfare services.
- There appears to be some negative tendencies with the prospective non-combat applicant (rank number 18,19 and 21). They often feel low, more sensitive and they feel more insecure than others. Seemingly, they are of a more sensitive nature.
- Finally, there are very apparent discrepancies to other conscripts when it comes to drinking habits (ranking number 2,4 and 13). He drinks less lager, less spirits and less wine and in such he is more sober than others. Most likely, this is the reason for his tendency to be better behaved. In the material 1969/70, the same image of more soberness had already surfaced. However, it was then measured in a more uncertain manner. In this context it can be mentioned that the non-combat applicants in regards to drug abuse (according to a scale on the predisposition for drug abuse) 1969/70 showed less applicants that took a direct stance against alcohol and drugs (61,3 against 75,2% for others) and some more that were uncertain (9,7% against 6,9%). They had higher values of cannabis abuse 2 – 10 times, 11 – 50 times and over 50 times (9,2% against 4%, 58%, 2,6% against 1,4% respective 5,4% against 1,4%). Overall, apart from this, they did not digress from this pattern. These numbers – by all means not completely fresh – could show that in this category – more articulated for some – there was a compensatory tendency to in some extent replace alcohol with cannabis. * - This investigation 1969/70 also revealed that the presumptive non-combatants had skived more often than others.
The presumptive non-combat applicant appears to be a youngster that tends to have more passive, non-masculine and quiet interests. He maintains negative expectations upon military service and unwillingly takes on independent assignments. At the same time, he is of a more sensitive character, but also more sober than many others.
*For the drug examination, se Agrell, J: Missbruk av narkotika, thinner och läkemedel bland inskrivningsskyldiga 1970/71 – 1972/70 Stockholm, 1974 och där anförd litteratur (Abuse of narcotics, thinner, and medications amongst beholden conscripts 1970/71 – 1972/70 Stockholm, 1974 and above mentioned literature).
