Fra sesjonsplikt til verneplikt for kvinner - motivasjon og seleksjon på sesjon del 1 årskullene 1992-1997

One of the main tasks of the FFI-project Cohort Research is to identify measures which motivate men and women to serve in the Norwegian Armed Forces. One activity is to analyze data from the selection process to the compulsory military service. Since 2010 the selection process to the military service is divided into two parts. The first part, sesjon del 1, is an online form that all 17-year olds have to complete. A selection of candidates then have to attend the second part, sesjon del 2, which involves medical and other tests and an interview with an officer. It is compulsory for both men and women to take part in the selection process, but up until 2015 only men have been subject to a conscription duty. In this report we analyze the answers to sesjon del 1 and the selection to sesjon del 2. The analysis period is the first six years with a two-part selection process and compulsory participation of women. The last year in the period includes the annual age cohort 1997, in which both men and women are subject to a conscription duty. The analysis shows an increase in the percentage of women motivated for the military service after the conscription duty was introduced. While 17 % of the women born in 1996 were motivated for the military service, the percentage was 24 among women born in 1997. The analysis also shows a slight increase in motivation among men, from 43 % for men born in 1996 to 47 % for men born in 1997. Men and women who are motivated for the basic military service have a higher level of physical activity than other men and women, and this correlation has been strengthened throughout the period. They also have slightly better grades. A higher percentage of men than women are selected to sesjon del 2, but the difference has decreased throughout the period. For those born in 1997, 22 % of men and 27 % of women were selected for sesjon del 2 the first year. In addition, 8 % of men and 22 % of women are required to repeat sesjon del 1 the following year. Those selected for sesjon del 2 have many of the same characteristics as those who are motivated for the military service, with a higher level of physical activity and better grades compared to their peers. Sesjon del 1 for those born in 1997 is the first opportunity to assess possible effects of conscription duty for women. We expect a somewhat higher percentage of women completing the basic military service, now that it is not possible for women to refuse the basic military service or to withdraw from the basic military service once they have accepted the offer.