| Yes, but..
I voted yes. I do believe that we should have a form of National Service. However, it probably isn't the same form that you are thinking of. I firmly believe that all young people should have to take time out to put something back into the country and this could be through National Service, either as armed forces service, or service in another sector such as environmental, healthcare or public service.
The idea would be to do some hard work, learn a little about life and also act as a recruitment drive for those services. This would apply equally to young men and women.
I also think that there is a place for a more traditional "hardline" National Service for those young people currently targeted by ASBOs and the like. Instead of a free rein to choose their service, they would be given the "opportunity" to "realign" their priorities in the armed service; maybe in special "Misbehaviour" units. These individuals, once assessed sufficiently reformed would then have to stay for an extended time in NS, doing aid work overseas under the flag of the UN possible?
Lou  |