Conscript Unionism in the Dutch Army

Samenvatting

Conscript dissatisfaction is a widespread phenomenon in western mass armies. In the late 1960s a Dutch conscript union was founded. At first it held a nonpolitical role & directed its actions entirely at obtaining material gains. Later, the whole military way of life in the barracks & the position of the military in society gradually became the focus of attention. The sources, patterns, & consequences of this intraorganizational conflict, & of the changes within the union are discussed. The more radical stand resulted from opposition to the mild 'bread & butter' concessions that had been granted by the higher level authorities. As a result the union's campaign aimed at the public at large. Conscientious objectors & pacificists joined the union. Tensions emerged between the more radical & the more conservative wings of the union. A right-wing counterunion was created; it has little influence but contributes to the polarization of the Dutch military. A gulf has progressively developed between the rank-&-file of the union & the centralized leadership. Because the union must deal with a continuously revolving membership, it is at a serious disadvantage in its struggle with the hierarchy, which has its advantage of continuity. The military cadres must come to terms with the union to ward off trouble with the conscripts. Modified HA.