"And most countries are now reducing the number of conscripts and increasing the professionals that are available because they're available on short notice"

This quote by Lord Robertson recommends that numerous nations are transitioning away from conscription and towards a more professional armed force. Conscription is the practice of needing citizens to serve in the military, typically for a set time period. By contrast, expert soldiers are those who have picked to make a career out of the military. This shift far from conscription is most likely due to the truth that expert soldiers are quicker available and can be deployed on brief notice. This enables nations to respond quickly to any potential dangers or disputes. Additionally, expert soldiers are most likely to have the required training and experience to efficiently perform their tasks. Ultimately, this shift far from conscription and towards expert soldiers is advantageous for countries as it allows them to have a more capable and dependable military force.