Conscription is often associated with the idea that it does not only strengthen national defence, but also helps shape responsible citizens, and fosters social cohesion across social class lines. But what does the research actually show? Can military conscription affect young people's social attitudes and behaviours in the long run? This report addresses this question through a systematic review of Nordic studies. The review demonstrates that the scientific evidence for many commonly held beliefs about the social benefits of conscription is weak. Some studies indicate a reduction in the risk of substance misuse. However, there is no clear evidence of causal effects in areas often highlighted as central, such as civic engagement, prosocial attitudes, and criminal behaviour. Rather than promoting social integration and civic outcomes, modern selective conscription appears to be characterized by the absence of clear effects in these respects. Given the current state of knowledge, conscription should therefore not be justified on the basis of expected broad social benefits. At the same time, important gaps remain. Research has primarily focused on young men, and little is known about effects on women or how gender-neutral conscription shapes views on gender roles and equality. Questions related to social cohesion and trust in increasingly diverse societies also remain largely unexplored.