I would very much hope that his parent have been discussing this with him. Back in the day I can remember some guys coming to the realisation that it was not what they though it was and that there were people out there who would actually kill them with out hesitation.
I remember having a conversation with one Swiss colleague who was going on assignment at a government building or embassy, can't remember. But during the conversation he realised that there was a real possibility he might have to take life or loose his life.
Young people should be under no illusion about what it means to take up arms.
If there comes a time when a lot of young Swiss people are in danger of being killed or having to kill then I think that's probably going to be the least of their worries.
The kid in this conversation is not fit enough to train with weapons. Probably will support the army with computers or maybe useless stuff like procurement and logistics.
So, why “take life or loose his life” is relevant here?