Should we bring back National service ?

Question

It would be better than just sticking people in young offenders homes. All they seem to do in a lot of cases, is keep them off the streets for a few months, until they come out and re-offend.
I know that this is not always the case, so respect to those who have put their lives back on track.

Answer 1

Yes I am inclined to agree. If we can take these yobs who are committing crimes such as GBH and put them through military style training that would be a good thing. It would knock some sense into them.

The key thing would be to prevent them from being able to sue for "hardship" suffered.

Answer 2

This is an interesting question, and I am looking forward to seeing the answers. I don't see why we shouldn't have it again. From watching those "Bad Lads Army" TV shows, it seems that about 40% of those who participate actually get something from it and want to change their lives. As far as I'm concerned, that's a pretty good success rate, and probably better than those young offenders who get sent to homes, or given ASBO's.

I come from a family where being in the military is almost traditional, and I know that certain members will tell you that being in the Service changed their lives for the better, so why not? I think there are plenty of young people out there who could benefit from learning discipline, pride and responsibility.

Couldn't the Government do some kind of trial? See what the end results are?

Answer 3

Couldnt agree more. If national service was the way for all school leavers to atain their citizenship of the UK I think it would be a great idea. Not just the armed forces though. Maybe in the healthcare and enviromental groups too.
And how about this. Give convicts shorter, harder sentences, (hard labour?? ANY labour?) and then, as a matter of course, put them back into national service, and actually monitor them as they have an opportunity to rehabilitate.
This goes on, eh? How about a system whereby imigrants to this country must do their national service BEFORE they are allowed to set up a new life here. Do something for the country before they take something? That way, a new citizen of this country could be applauded and welcomed as a valuable asset rather than a booed for being different.
Come to think of it. If a system of citizenship was instated, we could monitor society better. And I dont mean the good guys... The trouble maker, asbo generation types.
Unemployed for more than 6 months?? National service!!

Cor.... that would be a responsible society, with lawful boundries, punishment proper for law breakers, with encouragement NOT to be a lawbreaker too..

Luverly.............

Answer 4

What an interesting question. Yes, as the daughter of an ex-army man, I have always thought that a stint in the army, even if only for basic training, would calm down some of the yobbish behaviour and perhaps instill some discipline and responsibility in the young people who take part in anti-social behaviour. On the other hand, do we want to teach them how to use guns - would that be exacerbating the problem and who would would pay? I think Gordon Brown would rub his hands together with glee at the thought of having to raise a few extra billions!!

Answer 5

I think there should be a Boot Camp where they first have to earn respect and reward points, the reward points can then be used to teach skills that are useful in the work place and make them ready for a job. Discipline and the understanding of people are important things to learn as well, also in some cases the parents should be made to attend in order to learn how to rear children.

Answer 6

National service would only work for a small minority of young offenders. The army is also fussy about the type of recruits it needs.

Answer 7

I think it's a good idea and I think Army training plus a stint in Iraq or Afghanistan would sort the yobs out. Tony Blairs children should, of course, be included in the call up.

Answer 8

does no longer artwork. The attitudes of society have moved on from the 1950's at the same time as it become phased out. seem on the school rooms and word the huge difference in preparation, no longer merely the topics notwithstanding the strategies of gaining knowledge of and preparation. The amenities might want to no longer deal with the lack of health and indiscipline endemic in in the present day's kids. The amenities are a first rate knit, truly disciplined and self influenced arm of society. we ought to continuously be asking about the covenant we've with servicemen. they are shoddily dealt with and neglected by technique of this administration.

Answer 9

100% yes take these yobos off the street, it will turn them into real men and woman.

In America the young boys and girls come out a son or daughter to be proud of, just listen to the way the american youngsters who have gone into the forces speak, its yes sir / mam and always please and thank you. here in the Uk its wat the f..k ru lookin at, go on f..k off im not saying all the young folk in the uk are like this but we have our share where I live.

One day I met an American serviceman out shopping, he must have been in his early 20's and he addressed me as sir, my wife as mam, so did his friend in civillian clothes. I think we should follow the Americans approach, after all, how many British youngsters would come up to you and your wife and say goodmorning sir / mam, cricky if that happened to me I would say to the kid what u after?

Answer 10

So the 90% of people who just want to leave school, get a job and lead a normal life should go through 2 years of army hell so as to make sure we don't have to punish the delinquents? That doesn't seem very fair to me.