Making military conscription count? Converting competencies between the civilian and military spheres in a neoliberal Estonia.

This article examines the concept of convertibility—the ability to transfer competencies and symbolic rewards between military and civilian spheres—as a key mechanism addressing tensions in contemporary conscription systems amid rising individualization and neoliberal values. Using Estonia as a case study, where mandatory military service remains constitutionally required, the research highlights how both societal expectations and individual agency shape perceptions of what skills and experiences are convertible. The study finds that convertibility operates as a two-way process: civilian competencies can facilitate military service, and military-acquired skills and personal attributes (such as discipline and leadership) can enhance employability, though employers often view conscription primarily as an obligatory interruption rather than a direct advantage. The authors argue that recognizing convertibility alongside individual motivation and societal attitudes can increase the perceived value of conscription for recruits, supporting a model of "pragmatic conscription" that blends institutional duty with utilitarian personal development.