Society & Culture

National Service made compulsary?

Society & Culture

Posted by: anna

17th Mar 2011 11:51am

What are the thoughts on National Service & a year in the Services just out of school? I think it is a great idea, make kids grow up & be responsible. Both male & female.


Comments 47

Sil sil
  • 6th Jun 2014 02:17pm

Hi i think it should be compulsory & the way things aer going i think girls should go too. Discipline & respect & increasingly on the decline. I think it will help make the younger generation be tougher mentally, give back to this lucky country & get educated or qualified in something. Too many bludgers & people scared of hard work. Honestly its a joke, ppl seem to think life is easy & all about what you can get for free.... too lazy, we need physical fitness too. Good idea i say

Anonymous
  • 18th Sep 2013 01:16pm

I feel like this is a step backwards. Actually, more like 2 centuries backwards. Unless you want to consider Starship Troopers our future, in which case I will call you a fascist.

I feel like this is a cheap solution to a much larger problem, if it's a solution at all. I feel an overhaul of the education system is a much larger step in the right direction. As well as policed and strict parenting rules. I'd much rather live in a society that doesn't breed without a license than one that conscripts its youth and indoctrinates them into an already psychopathic state of affairs.

tagalogdjb
  • 9th Aug 2012 12:34pm

I Was Called Up For Military National Service In Jan'72 - It Impacted On My Health Mentally & In Some Ways Physically As Well - The Psychological and Physical Tests Must be More Stringent Than They Were Back Then..Generally Speaking,I Don't Agree Totally With A Conscription Policy.Maybe There Should Be More Awareness Of What The Services Have To Offer,Made In Schools,With The Accent On Technological Training and Careers

Anonymous
  • 18th Sep 2013 01:26pm
I Was Called Up For Military National Service In Jan'72 - It Impacted On My Health Mentally & In Some Ways Physically As Well - The Psychological and Physical Tests Must be More Stringent Than They...

I am glad to hear your thoughts on this as someone who was called for service. Calling for a reinstatement of conscription is on the same page as bringing back capital and corporal punishment. It's outdated, whack shit that has been proven to be inconsistent and damaging to society at large. That's why they got rid of it.

There are things that are beneficial to society that get taken away as well, such as HECS. If anything it has put people off wanting to further their education because of increasing debt and struggles that young people are facing. Unfortunately, it's not the same things that middle aged and older are facing and they can't possibly relate. Instead, they name-call and create an us vs them bullshit situation that needs to end.

Conscript yourself into a young persons life and try to come out with the same opinion that national service would somehow breed a better society.

tagalogdjb
  • 9th Aug 2012 12:29pm

I Was Called Up For Military National Service In Jan'72 - It Impacted On My Health Mentally & In Some Ways Physically As Well - The Psychological and Physical Tests Must be More Stringent Than They Were Back Then..Generally Speaking,I Don't Agree Totally With A Conscription Policy.Maybe There Should Be More Awareness Of What The Services Have To Offer,Made In Schools,With The Accent On Technological Training and Careers

George
  • 26th Jun 2012 08:27pm

i fully agree and support the idea of two years national service on leaving school. going into an apprenticeship or full time further education or work can delay the period of service on appeal. the disciplin will do a vast majority of the youth a great deal of good, building there own self respect and respect for others and property etc. i also believe that LONG term unemployed should be made to "work" for the dole on much needed infrastructure. i dont mean to be draconian but we need to do something to build up our great country.

washann
  • 18th Feb 2012 12:48am

Yes yes bring it back.. We will have more educated and responsible young adults. They will have a career or trade to continue with through life and made to be responsible for their choices.

Gartene
  • 6th Jan 2012 08:29pm

I agree the kid's today need to learn respect.

Anonymous
  • 9th Nov 2011 11:13pm

I don't agree,lI would not like to be made do this, however, I do agree it would suit some and be an advantage for their growth.

JC
  • 29th Jun 2011 03:18pm

I feel that a 2 years stint in the services would be beneficial for all our youth

19chris51
  • 14th Jun 2011 07:47pm

yes I agree with Anna........except, make sure they do not go overseas,bad oman from years gone by, but certinally I think it is an excellent idea,I believe a lot of younger people could benefit from this...........................come to,think of it, young people say up to their late thirties, and on unemployment could benefit from this, this would then make people able to defend themse3lves or our country if ever we are invaded.

shaper
  • 9th Jun 2011 02:35pm

yes I think it would be a geat idea, on one provision
they do NOT do any overseas tours unlerss they are
signed on for a career in the particular armed service.
It is sad enough that we are losing our young soldiers
without losing kids just out of school.

wendel
  • 17th May 2011 11:48am

If they are unemployed for any length of time and are fit enough, why not? It would give them some discipline and life skills that can't be taught in Schools or Universities, and may make them a better person for it.

wendel
  • 17th May 2011 11:47am

If they are unemployed for any length of time and are fit enough, why not? It would give them some discipline and life skills that can't be taught in Schools or Universities, and may make them a better person for it.

gina21
  • 17th May 2011 10:34am

I think it is an excellant idea to bring back National Service for the simple reason that work for the dole doesnt work and there are too many young people although I must be fair and say older people who have never had a job and have no intention of getting one.The disapline alone would be good for them. I have met some wonderful younger people but al lot of them have no pride in themselves, no self dicipline and are quite happy to be kept

Ingi
  • 12th May 2011 01:46pm

A great idea, it should never have been gotten rid of, they learn a trade, discipline, get paid, become better adults (we hope?), in the 50-60's it was a marvellous way to teach our young responsibility as well and defend our country when required.

Donno
  • 23rd Apr 2011 12:37pm

National Service should be compulsory in Australia. Having worked for a Swiss company in Switzerland National Service is compulsory for all males from 18 to 45. After their initial training they are were given a rifle and ammunition. And regardless of their business position -eg: Managing Director - they were required every 2 years to do 3 months update. Even when they paid a fine to get out of 2 months the 3rd was compulsory.
With Australia being such a large continent we should have as many able bodied persons trained with the ability to act whenever and wherever needed to protect Australia. Donno

Donno
  • 23rd Apr 2011 12:37pm

National Service should be compulsory in Australia. Having worked for a Swiss company in Switzerland National Service is compulsory for all males from 18 to 45. After their initial training they are were given a rifle and ammunition. And regardless of their business position -eg: Managing Director - they were required every 2 years to do 3 months update. Even when they paid a fine to get out of 2 months the 3rd was compulsory.
With Australia being such a large continent we should have as many able bodied persons trained with the ability to act whenever and wherever needed to protect Australia. Donno

Jethro
  • 22nd Apr 2011 03:11pm

Yes, great idea, not necessarily in the forces but they could also be put into helping the community in many ways, would teach them to respect the many things taken for granted today, as well as some disclipline and respect for authority,

lurch101
  • 22nd Apr 2011 12:48pm

I have never been eligble for national service but I have seen many a lad go off and later return with some direction in his life plus he now had a trade

Rose
  • 21st Apr 2011 05:26pm

I agree,national service should be brought back in. I was raised as an airforce child,loved every day of my father's years in it,he did quiet a few campanes over he's career,early 1940's,korea,vietnam retired when he didn't want to,war injuries.Had he's own parachute club in camden in the 1950's,I really loved that. You always saw respect and that's what the youth of today lack. Yep all those unemployed people out there should go into national service,learn a trade,it's not only soldering,you can learn other trades in the service as well,and they'll make more money than on the dole.

Pete
  • 19th Apr 2011 08:08pm

Can you imagine the great number of people who would object on religious grounds thereby making the whole idea quite futile.

tagalogdjb
  • 9th Aug 2012 12:33pm
I am not meaning CONSCRIPTION! One year in the Services learning how to be a human being for quite a few, my son included, does not mean being conscripted, it just gives the young adults a chance...

There Are Only Two Varieties Here..Voluntary & Conscription - and Conscription Should Only EVER Apply,In My Opinion,To Teenage Juvenile Offenders,If The Only Alternative Is Is Institutionalisation

Pete
  • 14th Jun 2011 06:29am
WHY?

Let you know in 7 weeks

errolsyd
  • 13th Jun 2011 10:25pm
I'm still here.....not gone forever.....unfortunately for some.

You took 7 weeks to reply?

WHY?

Pete
  • 10th Jun 2011 11:29pm
Glad to hear you won't be back mate.Poor fella.

I'm still here.....not gone forever.....unfortunately for some.

You took 7 weeks to reply?

errolsyd
  • 10th Jun 2011 08:57pm
Back then NS was also called Conscription. Anna, you asked for opinions, I gave it & you've criticised me for it. I'm not wasting any more of my time if my opinions aren't to your liking.

Glad to hear you won't be back mate.Poor fella.

Pete
  • 19th Apr 2011 09:22pm
I am not meaning CONSCRIPTION! One year in the Services learning how to be a human being for quite a few, my son included, does not mean being conscripted, it just gives the young adults a chance...

Back then NS was also called Conscription. Anna, you asked for opinions, I gave it & you've criticised me for it. I'm not wasting any more of my time if my opinions aren't to your liking.

anna
  • 19th Apr 2011 09:09pm
But Anna, National Service doesn't discriminate. The names are drawn from a tumbler. If your name comes up, you HAVE to do it. That's how it was in the 60's & early 70's. I'm in my 50's: I saw it...

I am not meaning CONSCRIPTION! One year in the Services learning how to be a human being for quite a few, my son included, does not mean being conscripted, it just gives the young adults a chance to see what's ahead in life, job wise, etc. If they opt to join the Services then certainly what is ahead is up to them. I am not saying go straight to the front line, discipline is the keyword.

Pete
  • 19th Apr 2011 08:51pm
The idea is not religious based, do we have to put religion into this conversation?
I am not out to kill, maim, or out right murder! I am a country born & bred lady who has seen kids go wrong...

But Anna, National Service doesn't discriminate. The names are drawn from a tumbler. If your name comes up, you HAVE to do it. That's how it was in the 60's & early 70's. I'm in my 50's: I saw it all happen although not called up. And there are a lot of religiously devout followers, much more as compared to back then and they will object. So that's why it'd be futile.

anna
  • 19th Apr 2011 08:33pm
Can you imagine the great number of people who would object on religious grounds thereby making the whole idea quite futile.

The idea is not religious based, do we have to put religion into this conversation?
I am not out to kill, maim, or out right murder! I am a country born & bred lady who has seen kids go wrong in life. I feel it would be great to give kids direction & learn how to live & respect while making their minds up about future employment. Front line does not come into the equation, unless they want to take up professionally.

MandMm
  • 19th Apr 2011 06:27pm

It is an interesting concept, but it does not reflect australian values. I.e. freedom of choice. Australia is all about treating people with respect and achieving what you want in life without hurting anyone in the process. Making it compulsory would teach teenagers discipline, and how to follow orders, but it may also encourage them not to think for themselves, or expose them to things that no young person should be exposed to. The training in relation to fitness and medicine etc would be wonderful life education that would benefit society.
It's got it's pros and it's cons definitely.

anna
  • 19th Apr 2011 08:41pm
It is an interesting concept, but it does not reflect australian values. I.e. freedom of choice. Australia is all about treating people with respect and achieving what you want in life without...

It is simply a way to instill discipline & respect, but will open up horizons for different career prospects for the future. This is not meant to be harsh just give some a chance in life.

Jinglez
  • 19th Apr 2011 09:51am

The worst thing they ever did in New Zealand was to get rid of Military Conscription.
A year of military based service for school leavers who weren't going on to university would be the making of our youth today. Learning morals, respect, manners, obedience and consequences, loyalty, brotherhood and the startings of a trade or interest along the way. Something that most of our forgotten youth are very much lacking these days.
Believe we would see a marked drop in crime and assaults in general if we went back to this basic grounding.

MICHAEL
  • 19th Apr 2011 08:33am

It was compulsory but I did my time back in 1970-71. It didn't do me any harm, in fact I think it done me a tone of good for future life All 18 year olds should have to spend 12 months in one of the services - they will end up much better people.
Michael - Newcastle

youi
  • 18th Apr 2011 09:48pm

I agree with you.I did National Service in 1952 and it certainly did me a lot of good.I don't agree that they should serve in front line operations as some had to in the past.

shorty
  • 18th Apr 2011 09:36pm

Prefer to train the Afghan refugees then transport them back to their own country to fight for their freedom as our soldiers have done through two world wars to secure our freedom.

anna
  • 18th Apr 2011 09:59pm
Prefer to train the Afghan refugees then transport them back to their own country to fight for their freedom as our soldiers have done through two world wars to secure our freedom.

Too true, make them stand on their own feet for a change & sort their own country out!
With our own, I feel there is the need for respect for young & senior, grow up & care, take away the cock headed attitudes a lot have today. When we were growing up we were more responsible. Get back to basics with our young.

Miss Prim
  • 18th Apr 2011 09:34pm

I am from a military background as both of my parents were in the army and I followed in their footsteps. I had a fabulous time, made lots of friends and traveled. It helped me to be responsible and make good life choices. I worked with National Service men and some liked it and some didn't but most that went in as boys came out as men. I think National Service is a good idea for both sexes.

Miss Prim
  • 21st Apr 2011 02:18pm
In my time it was get married & have kids, which in essence is great, but since then the young ones have a choice. Yes, I am volunteering with the R.S.L. I am very lucky that I can help in some...

You must be a lot older than me then, as we had a choice what we wanted to do with our lives. I traveled and had many types of jobs and met lots of people so now my friends are scattered all over. I married in my late twenties after satisfying my ambitions. My husband was born on Armistice Day and my brother on ANZAC Day so there is still military reminders there. Don't know if I will be able to go to the ANZAC Day this yer as I cannot sit or stand for long as I have a sore knee and a knee replacement is on the horizon.

anna
  • 20th Apr 2011 11:21pm
Thank you for your favourable comments. I really enjoyed my years in the army and feel that if young people could take discipline and responsibility it is an ideal career opportunity. You travel,...

In my time it was get married & have kids, which in essence is great, but since then the young ones have a choice. Yes, I am volunteering with the R.S.L. I am very lucky that I can help in some small way, it is very rewarding listening to the different experiences of ex Service Personnel. I have more understanding now & am still learning. Anzac Day is a great day to see all mingle.

Miss Prim
  • 19th Apr 2011 09:45pm
I am proud of you & your family, having always had total respect for the Forces, it makes me proud to think if we could give young adults this chance in life to have a go & backbone to be a decent...

Thank you for your favourable comments. I really enjoyed my years in the army and feel that if young people could take discipline and responsibility it is an ideal career opportunity. You travel, learn all types of skills which stay with you for a lifetime, meet lots of people, see lots of places and save money. However, with all the talk in the media of initiation practices in the forces it does put young people off. My father was an officer and when my brother was born on ANZAC day he was a very proud man. My brother used to tease his sisters that he was the only one in the family who gets a holiday on his birthday. Not everybody passes the selection criteria to join the Forces and one friend cut her beautiful long hair and missed out. It sounds like you felt you should have tried out for the Forces before contemplating marriage. Looking back with regrets does not help but if you feel you are missing something try volunteering as it is a most rewarding experience.

anna
  • 19th Apr 2011 08:48pm
I am from a military background as both of my parents were in the army and I followed in their footsteps. I had a fabulous time, made lots of friends and traveled. It helped me to be responsible...

I am proud of you & your family, having always had total respect for the Forces, it makes me proud to think if we could give young adults this chance in life to have a go & backbone to be a decent Australian. Thank you to all you do & have done for us! I have met & dealt with a lot of fine Servicemen & Women, I wish I had chosen the Forces as opposed to marriage in earlier days. My family were from different areas in the military & come on Anzac Day, a very proud day!

Mic
  • 18th Apr 2011 08:31pm

I have no objection to TWO years of disciplined National Service but I would reserve the right to refuse to participate in military activities, and also reserve the right to prevent certain psychological profiles from getting anywhere near weapons training.

If my own nephew joined a military outfit, he wouldn't get out of basic drill-training for FIVE years.

Anonymous
  • 20th Apr 2011 08:59pm
I agree totally with you. Front line is not what I mean, give the young adults a chance to grow up to be respectful adults! My son was in the Army for 6 years & it was the best thing he ever did.

I agree with National Service for a couple of reasons, this country has a very small armed force compared to many other countries. We need to pick it up a bit. I was once told, by a ranking soldier, that if we were attacked from the north, it would be over in a matter of two or three days because over such a vast area, we just don't have the coverage we should have. Also, there are so many people, young and not so young, out there being paid to sit around and do nothing on the dole. Just check the beaches to see how many unemployed are out there enjoying the waves instead of looking for work. There are so many ratbags out there that could do with a bit of dissapline. A few manners and a bit of respect. There is a job to do so let the National Service men and women do it. I was an Army daughter, Army wife and an army mother in days past. I took great pride in waring my fathers medals on Anzac Day and when my husband receved his medals after Viet-Nam. Thank God my son has never had to fight but if the world doesn't learn to live in piece, he and his son just might have to.

Mic
  • 20th Apr 2011 09:52am
I agree totally with you. Front line is not what I mean, give the young adults a chance to grow up to be respectful adults! My son was in the Army for 6 years & it was the best thing he ever did.

I think that's my point: said "nephew" would still be doing Parade Drills after six years.

anna
  • 19th Apr 2011 09:18pm
I have no objection to TWO years of disciplined National Service but I would reserve the right to refuse to participate in military activities, and also reserve the right to prevent certain...

I agree totally with you. Front line is not what I mean, give the young adults a chance to grow up to be respectful adults! My son was in the Army for 6 years & it was the best thing he ever did.

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