In Denmark where we do have conscription, it is most assuredly not only for those who are out of work, or seen as an answer to social problems.
In theory anyone of the male sex can be summonded to a Medical Board as soon as he is 18. Far from all young men have to do national service, as there is a system by which even those who are declared fit can draw an exemption card.
Right now ( at long last) there is talk of conscription being for women as well as men - my generation started pointing out the unfairness of it only being for men in 1969.
Concription in a democracy does not mean that soldiers will necessarily be involved in wars that they object to, as concienscious objectors are respected by law.
And from the age of 18 all citizens have both the right and the duty to vote,
It might be well. if countries that still have conscription, and many do, although there are no adequate lists of how many countries available, considered not only giving their young citizens the choice, as they have here, of army, navy and air force, but adding ambulance service, fire brigade and military nursing to the form of service one can choose between.
We also have schemes for interesting school leavers in going into the regular services and doing officers' training.
Those who have started studying to become doctors, lawyers, dentists or clergy before their conscription date can apply for exemption with a view to doing their conscription service once they have their degree and serve as chaplains, doctors, dentists in the forces, or lawyers in the Judge Advocate's dept.
Conscription cannot provide the amount of wel-trained.soldiers necessary either to defend our countries at need, or provide a sufficient deterrent to those looking enviously across our borders, but could and should provide, as does the Home Guard as reasonably well-trained reserve.
