NATIONAL SERVICE
Consider the merits of "National Service".
Many will jump to the conclusion meaning Military Service and Conscription.
Vietnam is long gone, so lets look at this affresh.
"The price of peace is eternal vigilance"
Switzerland has mandatory military service for all males when they reach the
age of mjority, and women may volunteer for any position. They are issued
with a firearm which they take home for life. Basically every household is
armed. Switzerland does not fight wars, but any attacker would find it
difficult taking on the whole population.
National Military Service is an inconvenience, but it has many upsides
including service personnel:
- Learn the skills of living with others
- Learn to rely on others
- Learn survival skills
- Learn other skills useful to everyday life such as people mangement
and first aid
- Depending on the corps assigned, trades too can be learned
So what about those who object to doing military service ?
Maybe the introduction of say a "Service Corps" when the people get involved
(on the same terms and conditions as service personnel)in civil projects
such as :
- Pest eradication (eg weeds, cane toads, rabbits , foxes)
- Land Coservation
- Aged Care
- Meals on wheels
What can the nation gain. Maybe ..:
- An increased defence capability
- A reduction in unemployment
- Projects undertaken that otherwise could be too costly
Ponder This ..
- Would we be a more secure nation if universal national service was
introduced ?
- Would our people be better equipped for life ?
- Would unemployment and reliance on welfare be reduced ?