[uhtred]

> someone would casually remark that they're just spending time concentrating on keeping fit (aerobic and weight lifting) because "the next war is coming."

I don't understand this mentality. Are those people young enough that they expect to get drafted, or do they think their CrossFit Bod will help them take down a professional soldier armed to the teeth.

[btbuildem]

Lol have a little read of Polish history. Statistically, they're expecting to fight a drawn out urban guerilla resistance campaign that eventually devolves into long periods of "camping" in the countryside. You'd wanna be fit for that.

[vbezhenar]

They expect to be recruited to army and good physical training will make them better soldier and increase their chances to survive. If full-scale war will happen, it's likely that every man of appropriate age will be recruited except for very important workers. That's why many countries have mandatory military training for its citizens.

[samus]

Depends on the country. Some countries have (similar to the US or Germany) just suspended the draft. Undoing this is not tricky at all.

Some countries (like Austria) draft their citizen and reserve the option to mobilize them in case of crisis. In Switzerland, every draftee remains part of the armed forces up to retirement and participates in yearly exercises.

Even if you don't get drafted, you might want to be able to protect your loved ones or simply be able to flee to safer areas. During a war, enemy soldiers are not the only threat. Societal collapse in the face of supply shortages or the frontlines closing in will make many people desperate and willing to take advantage of the situation.

Some countries let their citizens keep weapons. Sure, they won't be able to prevail in open battle against a professional army, but they might be able to wage asymmetric warfare. There is always the option of yielding to the attacker, but there are clear risks to that as well!