Would it be good to have compulsory national military service in UK for guys?

Question

Other countries have compulsory national service as soon as a male turns 18. Some of my friends in fact have served and I reckon they're better off for it - even they say so. They're more mature, they're certainly more knowledgable, they're more disciplined etc.
Was just wandering, if it would work in UK? To help tackle the increasing rate of youth offending?

Answer 1

I'm not in the UK, but I'd suggest they not have compulsory service.

The purpose of the military is defense, not educating the youth not to commit crimes. I don't care how effective it would be, the fact is that it isn't what the military is for.

The military is more effective with volunteers. Let the weak, fearful, and disloyal stay home.

Answer 2

Were you in the national military service? You really shouldn't generalize, and tar every young person with the same brush. There are a vast amount of young people out there who work hard and are extremely competent at what they do. However, a lot of the successes achieved by young people aren't always voiced through the media as the focus tends to be on more negative issues. Also, the statement you have made about young people isn't always as clean cut as you would like it to be. Maybe, if you feel this way, you should invest some of your time volunteering and working with young people and try to make a difference that way, instead of ranting about it on the internet. If you want there to be change, then you have to be willing to make a difference.

Answer 3

No. For a start most anti-social behaviour and youth crime is by people (girls as well as boys) under the age of 18, so what would be the point in putting 18 year old in the military? Why should all 18 year old lads (why not girls too?) have to join the military because some cannot behave better? How would that be helping 18 year old good guys who want to get on with building a career for themselves. Would you put university candidates in the military. If so when would they go to university? After their national service? We would have loads of adults still in full time education, how would the economy deal with that? If people aren't out earning a living and paying taxes then who will fund the national service?

Answer 4

Its not only 'old' people who want to see National Service brought back. Im in my 30's and would love to see it brought back, Teenage lads these days lack discipline, respect, maturity.

Take Bad Lads Army on tv, though nowhere near as bad as it was in the REAL National Service in the 50's on which the show was based... some so called 'Bad Lads' couldnt even hack that. My old man did his NS in the 50's and he told me how he heard men crying at night and even suicides.

NS training breaks you down then builds you up as a much stronger all round person. I spent 6 years in the Army from 18 and although you are dropped in at the deep end from day one, and at times i wanted to quit but stuck it out and after the first 6 months or so things started to get better.

Teen lads today have no idea how easy a life they have, and will probably end up in prison or 6ft under before they reach their 20's

They need the short sharp shock treatment... so i say... bring NS back and teach teens to respect others, know right from wrong and they will thank us in the end for it.


To the pompous git called Kisser... i just hope some squaddies read your answer and find out where you live lol

Answer 5

Question: Why limit this to 'males' then, if there is so-called 'equality' within society and between the sexes?

One of the arguments against a National Conscription has been the cost of it, but as someone else pointed out, 'You'd actually be then teaching a load of yobs n layabouts how to handle explosives, make bombs, shoot guns and fight properly.'

Somebody else suggested that if ''education got worse, it would be OK as the silly buggars couldn't read the bloody instructions anyway.''

As a 'military' unit, I think the 'Conscription' is likely a bad idea as those in there would likely be there under protest, and the Professionals do not apparently like 'the Other kind' at all.

Sash.

Answer 6

to be honest as a ex member of the British Navy, along with my Father being full tenure Army and my brother being full tenure Navy, I would have to say a resounding NO to compulsory National service.............even less to have the military used as a dumping ground for all the rejects of society, for instance how would you feel if out of a squad of 20 people 10 REALLY wanted to join and had done so on their own volition and the other 10 was there ONLY because they had been made to........pretty much not fair to the ones that want to be there IMO.

They might want to stop using the kid glove namby pamby roe when it come to youth offenders in the UK and start having them do youth service where they are picking up trash, painting things and basically doing something for the community.......maybe even do as they have done here in the USA, make them wear pink jump suits whilst they are in there.

Regards

Answer 7

While military training usually has a good effect on youths, I think I'd have to say 'No'. National Service is expensive, there aren't any regional powers threatening the UK and the military lifestyle isn't for everyone - in some cases, it can be downright depressing.

Answer 8

They have it in Greece, where I'm from and it's not altogether a good thing. People should be able to make their own decisions. So many guys sh!t themselves at the thought - it's not fair to make it compulsory. It may do England good but again it's not fair on everyone - maybe they should have some sort of reward for joining to encourage more people to join rather than forcing them.

Answer 9

Wouldn't work or kids are total tossers......The Army need discipline and since this was taken away from schools the kids run wild....I could just imagine 20 little sh!ts in induction having to do what I had too the first being a second hand uniform that stank including second hand boots and we were told "your lucky these are already broken in"....The day training shoe became issue I knew the Army was Goosed....
Always wondered what happens if Soldiers have to leg it from a position do the ask the enemy to give them five minutes whilst they change into their trainers,,,,,,SAD>>

Answer 10

Hey you, why only guys what about the Lady's I'm told we have moved on.
Get into the twenty first century they told me( lots of them Lady's) so whats sauce for the gander is sauce for you gesticulating out spoken equal opportunity geese.
Oh Oh so when it comes to the nitty gritty you don't want to be equal do you send the bad lads off to do military service but us ladies oh dear no.