Article by Annalisa Cangemi \u2013 Journalist, Fanpage.it<\/p>\n
This is what emerges from a survey by Skuola.net, published the day after the entry into force of the \u20ac150 billion SAFE instrument, provided for by the rearmament plan approved by the EU Commission, to provide long-term loans to member states for the purchase of armaments and defense systems.<\/p>\n
The debate over increased defense spending in Europe also involves young Italians. A survey published today shows that increased military spending in Europe is viewed favorably by nearly 1 in 4 young people. This data comes from the new edition of the \u201cProfessions in Uniform\u201d Observatory, conducted by Skuola.net in collaboration with Nissolino Corsi\u2014a company specializing in preparing for uniform competitions\u2014on a sample of 2,700 young men and women aged 11 to 25 and over 300 parents. Increased military spending in particular is seen as a potential source of new career opportunities in the sector.<\/p>\n
In addition to the topic of defense investments, young people also expressed their opinion on the topic of careers in uniform\u2014whether in the Armed Forces or the Police\u2014which, despite the backdrop of strong international instability due to open war fronts, continues to appeal.<\/p>\n
Nearly 1 in 4\u201426%\u2014is seriously considering a career in the military. This is far from a marginal number, and it also demonstrates a high level of conviction. According to Skuola.net, for a quarter of them\u201424%, with peaks of 28% among men\u2014it\u2019s not just a mere possibility, but already represents their primary career option. This would also explain why the annual selection competitions are sold out.<\/p>\n
For those interested in a career in uniform, current war scenarios have no impact whatsoever (35%), often even reinforcing their convictions (22%) or, at the very least (24%), leading them to consider repositioning themselves from their initial plans, perhaps imagining moving to administrations less active on the international stage. Or even doing the opposite, moving from the office to the \u201cfield.\u201d<\/p>\n
These views are linked to the increase in military spending in Europe, which 23% of the sample viewed favorably. Only a minority (19%) said that wars had dampened their interest. But among girls, the percentage rises to 29%, compared to 13% of boys, highlighting a different sensitivity towards the international context and the potential risks associated with a military career.<\/p>\n
Differences between male and female careers in uniform
\nAlthough motivated, girls tend to gravitate toward the police force, perceived as less exposed to the war front. Likewise, girls show a preference for less operational roles\u2014often with organizational, logistical, or administrative functions\u2014but more stable and structured over time. Among males, for example, a marked propensity toward action-related tasks is noted: 61% of males report this, compared to 53% of females.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, girls, despite being numerically less interested in careers in uniform\u201419% versus 28% of boys\u2014show a greater aspiration for managerial roles: 32% of young women interested in entering this world aim for the rank of officer, versus 26% of boys.<\/p>\n
But, ultimately, which forces do young people most want to join today? In first place, we find a triad: Carabinieri, State Police, and Army, each with 16% of the vote. With a further push from men toward the Army (20%), while women could swell the ranks of the other two forces (Carabinieri and Police rose to 18% of the vote).<\/p>\n
Just this week, on Tuesday, May 27, the Council of the European Union gave final approval to the regulation allocating \u20ac150 billion in loans<\/a> guaranteed by the EU budget to increase defense spending<\/a> . The regulation establishes the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, one of the pillars of the rearmament plan<\/a> (later renamed Readiness 2030) launched by the European Commission on March 19.<\/p>\n