Manetho: Hi,
I joined the army as an infantry soldier and even as a volunteer it is tuff. I joined as a boy soldier at sixteen and half years old. It was a passport to hell. But on saying that it taught me many lessons. It taught me to respect, discipline, and how to behave. this was in 1978. I left a year later through family reasons.
Yes i do believe it is time to introduce such things as national service to youngsters now. But what we must remember is that letting louts into the army is not the answer. We must make sure that each individual is ready and suitable to train as a fighting force. Let's face it, when they are taken into the army, they will be trained to fight and kill people. When we decided to send someone into the army we say that they will learn to fight for our country. Which means that they will learn how to use weapons.
I have lived in Isreal for three years. There as a boy you are reqiured to go into the armed forces at the age sixteen and half and serve 3 years there. Yes am sure that it turns most boys into men, and it teaches them a lot about life. Respect, loyality and values.
But for some it teaches skills that they when leave can use on the street. I have seen it happen. That is why i feel a blanket national service for young people. We must be careful who we let in.
Thats fair enough-some good and true points there!.
Wouldnt you agree though that even in training ones good and bad points show through?-if not then-Certainly on intake to the battalion!
The Army has its own disciplinary systems-but even these have been watered down due to introduced civil rights and political correctness-but Colchester prison is still not on any servicemens wish list as far as i know?.
Finally-lets not forget-Coppers go bad,Judges and Politicians go bad-the truth is-Anyone can go bad???.