It always makes me shiver to think of how many European countries still have mandatory service. If I had had to spend one or two of the best years of my life in the army during peacetime I would have not been a happy bunny.

I think by the time Putin is done in the Ukraine, SWE/FIN will be in NATO. I don't think he will attack them, but if he did they're both strong enough to fight a delaying action while we mobilize to kick his botox ass.

I also heard that one of the problems with Russia's armed forces is that despite having a humongous defense budget, so much of it is skimmed off by corruption that it's not all that well-equipped.