I think a year or two long "basic training" and get a 10-20 round rifle once completed, unless they decide to join an active military; but I wouldn't want this done with any country right now (save maybe the Scandinavian countries).
Im not good at explaining such complex concepts, especially since English is not my native language.Togs said:Come on mate help me out on here- Im trying to understand a point of view I find alien.Dana22 said:At least you agree with me on this.Togs said:civilisation may of marched on but human nature has not
I'd really appreciate answers to my questions.
This is actually a very good argument.Karma168 said:Of course national service would have to be compulsory; otherwise what's the point in it? if it's optional it's just normal military service.
I think it would be a good idea; all 16-19 year olds would be expected to serve 1-2 years in non front-line theatres.
This would lead to
1. employment for the period (taking this age group out of the benefits system) and give the people money to start their career/education after they finish
2. Life skills - the forces would train up these people with various skills which would help boost their chances at employment outside of the military. Would also improve attitudes that are sometimes lacking in teenagers today.
3. recruitment levels - people who don't think the military is for them may find that they actually enjoy what they do and decide to continue to serve after their time is up
4. relief of proper soldiers - as NS troops would be assigned to non-frontline posts the soldiers that would usually be posted there would be freed up to serve in areas where troops are stretched.
* Sorry if TL was arguing these points with a friend earlier.
Yeah i think the biggest problem in the US is that people still remember the draft for Vietnam; forcing people to go off into a deadly shitstorm to fight for something most people don't agree with just doesn't sit right.Cheery Lunatic said:This is actually a very good argument.
I was pretty neutral about the subject before entering this thread, but you raised some interesting points.
After all, the US got out of the Great Depression mainly because of WWII. Mandatory military service COULD help out our current economic and high-unemployment situation. The problem is legality and morality, etc etc. It's funny how much complicated the law grows as civilization progresses.
Agreed. Where I live, in the UK, there's a culture of "don't get a job, just live off benefits", partly because the welfare system is so easy to milk you can make more money than a low-end job.benzooka said:It depends on the country!
Sounds absolutely horrible. Was there no way to avoid getting drafted? Something like a health problem or something like that? Hell, maybe even bribe a doctor to find something just enough to get you out of it?Leviathansteak said:My country practices conscription, in which all males above 18 have to serve in the military for a period of two years called National Service. I can tell you that i am STRONGLY against conscription. Why?
a) Its a goddamn waste of time. You learn little or no skills that are relevant to your studies or career. In fact, you probably grow out of touch with your studies and come out of national service at a disadvantage to females who pursue a higher level of education during the 2 years. I am serving in the Navy as a clerk for medical reasons and already, i feel like i have forgotten everything i have learnt in school.
b) No pay. Seriously. They force you to serve for 2 years with no pay. Instead they give you an 'allowance' I am currently given the equivalent of 382.65 US dollars per month. Others in combat roles earn about 500 per month. The pathetic amount of money they give is easily surpassed by just about any job in existence.
c) Risk. By conscripting people into military service, you put them in unnecessary risk. I have lost count of the number of friends in service that have had old injuries aggravated into permanent disabilities or have sustained new ones that will affect them through out their lives. Deaths due to training are not uncommon in my country either. They just go unreported.
Conscription is a foolish concept. How do you ensure the loyalty and dedication of one who is forced to fight? How is one to feel proud of their vocation or their country when they earn less than a roadside sweeper?