Do you think that military service would be a beneficial alternative to petty criminals?

Question

I must admit, I'm a fan of the TV series Bad Lads Army but its such a good idea. It would only work for those criminals who's crimes are just public nuisance. I was in the Army Cadets and even I knew not to muck about. Most of them on the show join the Army and I think some of them may still be serving which is alot better than getting released after serving half a sentence then re-offending. I can spot a few problems like where these camps would be, some locals might not like it as it wouldn't be as secure as a jail. Human rights have went too far now, its about time we treated criminals like they treat their own freedom.

Answer 1

I kind of agree with you.... I think we should bring back national service - I reckon this would be a great way of instilling a bit of discipline and respect. It could also be a good way of giving young people a look at alternative career paths.....

Answer 2

It could be. Often the military used to be a dumping ground. Things have changed since the Reagan years when standards were raised.

There are some cadences even used to today that have the line, "join the Army or go to jail", which was the case many times in the Vietnam Era.


Problem I see today is the military is more laxed, and requires more technical skills. The military has raised pay and benefits to often exceed that of the civilian world and the military is made of professionals. Criminals are having a harder time fitting in.

Answer 3

I actually think all young people in the United States should have to serve in the military. I believe such a thing would be best to reinforce American ideas of egalitarianism while strengthening the country and bringing down the rate of crime. Criminals will not attack others if they feel these others are capable of defending themselves.

Answer 4

No. The military has its collective hands full just trying to maintain order & discipline in an environment that invites bad behavior to flourish. They don't need criminals who would likely take advantage of the chaos of war to commit crimes such as we've seen lately, they need people with the self-control to maintain and behave like good soldiers even when distractions are at a maximum.

Answer 5

Put these 'bad lads' in the British Army - then they will learn how to completely disregard any human rights belonging to an individual despite Mrs. Blair making her millions from such a topic, then they can get photographed and find new fame as those British soldiers who humiliate their prisoners.....that's definitely what a shoplifter needs to change him and his ways

Answer 6

The idea has appeal but I can see some problems developing. In a war hungry aggressive nation like the US with the world's largest prison population and lots of nit picking bitchy little laws that have gigantic brutal sentences attached, your plan could be a way for the aggressive US government to draw a virtually endless supply of bodies with which to attack peaceful countries. Maybe in a peaceful country that minded its own business, it could work. Not in the US, it would be used to enslave vast numbers to die in the war machine, just like Stalin did with the gulags.

Answer 7

No sir!
training misfits in the use of weapons and psychology of combat would only make deranged people even more dangerous.
If healthy minded people want to do this sort of thing, good oh, but to use it as some kind of punishment is not the go.
It may be good for the person involved but would almost certainly be detrimental to the smooth running of society as a whole.

Answer 8

I truly think that all teenagers, boys & girls, should be made to do National Service from the age of 18 to 21. I think it would make them into better people & give them a start in life with a trade of some sort behind them.

Answer 9

Being in the military isn't a form of punishment. Why do petty criminals have to be punished? Are you in a less developed nation?

Answer 10

It costs £ 50.000 to train a soldier volunteer that wishes to become one. The government will not spend cash to train a criminal that has no wish to become a soldier...... I think Anti-social behaviour punishments Like knee-cappings and beatings is preferable . I believe in Liverpool burglars on their 3rd warning are crucified to the parents front door. they don't do it again.