Should The Government Re-Introduce National Service?
Ex-Forces, current Service hierarchy, and most importantly general members of the public have raised this question. The advantages of re-introducing national service are very clear, the youth of today would be given an element of discipline, sense of value and a structured approach in their attitude towards working life.
The general consensus would say youth crime would be reduced greatly and burdens on our public services (police, work and pensions ect.) would be reduced. The armed forces, who are generally already undermanned would be bolstered with young and fresh people, who in reality would have to serve with enthusiasm, commitment and pride in order for their National Service to be a smooth experience.
On completion of National Service, personnel would have been trained and moulded to a high standard and would benefit from the wealth of training that the armed forces had given them. This would increase their earning potential after leaving and also generate future extra revenue for the government in taxes.
Skeptics could say that you're forcing people to go to theatres of war like Afghanistan and Iraq. This would not be the case as a structured approach to this idea could be a sound solution for the country. If after two years they wanted to stay in the forces then they would be eligible to go to theatres of war, however if World war III broke out then I think everyone would have to fight to some degree.