Magazine | Ministry of Defence targeting young people: how problematic is that?

In addition to the letter, the Ministry of Defence is collaborating with influencers and attending UvA events such as open days. Last year, the ministry was also present at Intreeweek, although it won’t be taking part this year. This so-called ‘militarisation’ has also attracted criticism. But the fact that the Ministry of Defence is targeting students makes sense, says Floribert Baudet, Professor of Military History at the UvA and a lecturer at the Netherlands Defence Academy: “They are physically the fittest, although you might not notice that when you’re fully immersed in the party atmosphere.”

At the same time, 18-year-olds are not good at assessing consequences and are susceptible to risks. Is it therefore responsible to recruit young people for a job where there is a risk of not returning home in one piece? Helle Larsen is a behavioural scientist at the UvA and her research focuses, among other things, on young people and risk-taking behaviour. Larsen is a pacifist herself and would “prefer there to be no war”, but she does understand the added value of, for example, a military gap year. Seeking out risks is simply part of being young, she explains: “It’s a part of one’s personality, but also just something natural.”

It can actually be a good way for young people to test their limits safely, she says, under the supervision of people who know what they’re doing.” That does not apply to actual deployment: “A military deployment to a conflict zone is very different from speeding or taking drugs, for example.”

Together we stand strong

And yet: anyone looking at the Ministry of Defence’s marketing will mainly see smart, attractive people emphasizing the importance of teamwork and adventure. The risks of military service are nowhere to be seen. Baudet acknowledges this one-sidedness and calls it “very complicated”. But he doesn’t find it surprising that the focus is on cooperation and solidarity. “Brotherhood is also very important in the armed forces. Slogans like “together we stand strong”, they really believe in that.

Bierens agrees – although she was a bit surprised by it herself. “You do special things together that others might not quite understand, but I’ve been doing this for two years now and have made real friends for life.”

Baudet also believes the Armed Forces can play a role in this. “Cooperation and a sense of belonging are things that are currently sorely lacking in society,” he says. “That sense of purpose – I can well understand why the Ministry of Defence wants to focus on that.”

Behavioural scientist Larsen also recognises young people’s search for meaning in uncertain times. Joining armed forces doesn’t remove that uncertainty, she says, but it does offer a safe space to figure things out. “A year of service is also a mental and physical challenge. Many young people are looking for that sort of challenge. This way, it can take place in a controlled environment, where young people are given the time and space to develop.”

So is it all sunshine and roses in the armed forces? Jasper Fico – also student at the UvA – of the UvA Committee for Peace sees it differently. He describes finding meaning in the armed forces as “the world turned upside down”. He too sees the rise of individualisation and loneliness among young people as a problem, but believes that the armed forces are actually exploiting this issue. “Young people are looking for stability in uncertain times, and they are lured into the army with the idea of brotherhood. The army thus promotes itself as a solution to that loneliness.”

In addition, the Ministry of Defence promises social security, he says, “For example, by giving students a decent internship allowance, whereas they wouldn’t get that elsewhere.” “The production of knowledge is thus increasingly measured in terms of geopolitical importance,” he says. “But ultimately, it is young people who, on orders from higher up, are shooting at other young people.”

Working student Bierens disputes this: “Young people aren’t recruited as cannon fodder, but as a breath of fresh air in the organisation.” There is therefore plenty of scope to be critical, she says. “That is precisely why they want young people.”

Militarisation

What, then, about the militarisation of universities and society? A thorny issue for the Committee for Peace: “This militarisation serves the interests of monopolies and geopolitics, not the interests of people,” says Fico. He points out that the money going to Defence comes at the expense of social services and investment in education. “Yet such things are precisely the solution to loneliness among young people.”

According to Baudet, there is “absolutely no question” of a militarising society. “The feeling that Defence has a strong presence in society can cause tension, but institutions remain independent and choose to cooperate of their own accord. The idea is to keep the enemy at bay, and to defend democracy. Certain means are sometimes necessary.” And furthermore: “It’s not as though the defence forces are going to turn everyone into cannon fodder, but there is a threat, and that concerns everyone.”

Bierens agrees: “None of us wants to use violence. But we are, after all, a force that uses force. We want to guarantee peace and security, and that simply cannot be achieved by just talking things through.”