Conscription -should UK initiate?

I don't think so ....... they could get tied up in a war to which they object on moral grounds.

It seems somewhat pitiful and defeatist to try and solve the education and employment problems with compulsory killing training - surely we can do better than that.

You want good people in the military not people who don’t want to be there. I wouldn’t want to depend on an uncommitted group of kids.

Military personnel are professionals. The services are not there to solve a social problem. They deserve more respect than that.

No

Ilovecheese

Military personnel are professionals. The services are not there to solve a social problem. They deserve more respect than that.

Exactly. My son was in the army and I would much rather think of our troops having people beside them who really have each other's backs rather being there not through their own choice.

I agree with Ilovecheese 100% as does our military officer AC.

The U.K. armed forces are totally different today, they are not a babysitting service.

Absolutely not. I agree with Luckygirl3.

No!

I don't want my grandson turned into cannon fodder.

Who are these "military experts"? Has anybody asked the British army if they want them?

I don't think the government has inspired a great deal of patriotic feelings in our youth

That's a no from me!

Categorically, no….

No! No! No!

Maybe we could bring back the birch while we're at it?

That'll learn them.

No, ridiculous suggestion.
Isn't there a recent thread about this question? Don't think anyone would have changed their opinion.

No way.

I think that fewer young people are applying to join the army because they have see the way in which our veterans have been treated - which is appallingly. Some of them are living on the streets, homeless because much has gone wrong with their lives and they are also suffering from PTSD.

Dinahmo

I think that fewer young people are applying to join the army because they have see the way in which our veterans have been treated - which is appallingly. Some of them are living on the streets, homeless because much has gone wrong with their lives and they are also suffering from PTSD.

I have mentioned this before, the forces do a lot to help when people leave the forces and the many veterans as do the various veteran charities.

It is an extremely unfortunate and sad fact that some people either do not want to be helped or have to reach the very bottom before they will accept help.

I'm in two minds about this. If you mean just 12 months national service, then there could be benefits all round. I guess it depends whether it becomes a military or social exercise. My French fiancé was called up in 1980, the training was strict, varied and in no uncertain manner "knocked the group into shape" while adding to their skills list. I don’t know if it provided the army with a source of long-term recruits, I don't think so because I'm sure France had to "borrow" army personnel during the first Gulf War. I think I remember a figure of around a third of the conscripts staying on to follow military careers at the time..
On the other hand, I totally get what others are saying here.

zakouma66

Maybe we could bring back the birch while we're at it?

That'll learn them.

Don't be so ridiculous.

Has there been any evidence based research into why 16-25 might be unemployed? I wonder how many of these people are neuro diverse or have health issues?

I know this isn’t what has been asked

How about recruiting some of these unemployed layabouts into our hospitals as doctors and nurses, or possible the legal profession could take them in as barristers and solicitors.

The defence of this country - or any country - nowadays depends on skilled and committed service people from every level from the newest recruited squaddy to Field Marshall. It shows profound ignorance and understanding of the complexities, not just of modern warfare, but also the extent that defence forces are used to deal with humanitarian and natural disasters world wide, that anyone would think that conscription would be a good idea.

How about recruiting some of these unemployed layabouts into our hospitals as doctors and nurses, or possible the legal profession could take them in as barristers and solicitors.

Great idea M0nica