Just out of curiousity.

[AverageNinja]

Hi guys and girls!
So today I received a letter from the government, telling me that I don't need to serve for the army because we have a paid army and thus I wouldn't need to come.
My question is: then why the hell would they send me a letter anyway?! I know we don't need to serve for the army here in the Netherlands...
Anyway, what do you guys think of this?
-AverageNinja

 

[hmmblah]

Did it have any information on how to sign up if you want to? The US does the same type of thing. When I turned 17 I was getting calls weekly from recruiters trying to get me to sign up before I was through with high school. I would also get mailings along the lines of, "You don't have to join, but here are the reasons you should."

 

[AverageNinja]

^^ It said I was automatically signed up because I'm "almost" 17 (yeah, about 6 months left eh?), but I wouldn't have to come, because we already have an army. :/

 

[SeekaX]

i was rather lucky that germany dropped compulsory military service a few years ago and i haven't gotten any letters either. i guess the reason is that nobody wants to enlist to getting forced to crawl through mud while getting screamed at by some douchebag who happens to be in a superior position even though he's got the IQ of a rock.

 

[NeverBackDown]

Maybe just advertisement? Just gets the military career thought in your head so you can start thinking about it now and maybe join later.

 

[AverageNinja]

^^ don't think so.
They also said if there would be war, I would have to come.
Don't think that's gonna happen though. I hope.

 

[Feronix]

I got that too when I was 16. It's basically from an old rule where any male 18 years of age needed to join the army for at least 2 years I think. The Netherlands now have an army of soldiers that do this as their job (not being forced) but the rule still applies in case of emergencies (think along the lines of a WW III).

Every guy gets them. They need to send it because the rule still applies and you have the right to now what you're being signed up for.