“As a young person I think something like National Service would be a good thing”

CornwallLive readers have shared their thoughts on the news that more than 800,000 18-year-olds, including more than 6,500 from Cornwall, could be mandated to join the Armed Forces or do voluntary work under Rishi Sunak’s proposal to reintroduce compulsory national service.

The Tory plan, which is due to be fully implemented by 2029-30 if the Tories win the election, would legally require all 18-year-olds to serve either a 12-month period in the armed forces or cyber defense, or dedicate the equivalent one weekend a month volunteering in local communities.

This means that the first generation of teenagers who underwent national service in 1960 are now around 13 years old.

A reader Freddy again thinks: “This National Service is a very bad idea. It’s not something a free country should have, it’s basically forced upon one. I see absolutely no advantage to National Service”.

Read on:

Cornwall123 commented: “Lord West, ex-Chief of the Royal Navy, ‘this idea is practically insane.’ General Richard Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff, “the costs would be considerable in terms of trainers and infrastructure”.

Mick6161 said: “Do you really think that the content young people are absorbing on platforms like Tik Tok is not bad for their mental health? Seriously? And when it comes to physical health, it’s clear that many individuals would benefit from a balanced diet and regular exercise. It’s surprising that these points even need to be made, but wouldn’t you agree that they could become more well-rounded if they weren’t constantly exposed to influences that tell them they’re special and can demand to be something they claim to be. be?”

Callumlong argued that: “If this becomes mandatory, it essentially deprives people of their human rights. Being forced to do something you don’t want to do is fundamentally wrong.”

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Thewestisbest said: “This will never happen. Our military bases have been destroyed or closed by the Tories to the extent that there would be no accommodation for these 18 year olds and today’s youth are so wretched and soft they would refuse. The whole plan is just attention-seeking, desperation-grabbing.”

Blackpyramid added: “This might be controversial but as a young person I think something like National Service would actually be a good thing. I am not in favor of military service, however, warfare has changed drastically and it sends hoards. of untrained youth in a fight seems like a terrible idea, just look at the Russo/Ukraine conflict…”

Jimbob77 said: “Here we go again, the rich starting wars and sending the poor into battle. Nothing ever changes. If a war starts, the politicians should be the first to go because they are the ones arming the war zones now. We need more. security because we pissed Russia off with arms for Ukraine and when it starts you will send the rich first and protect the rich with military jobs stop wasting taxpayers money on arms for foreign armies”.

Colinfromcornwall commented: “I really don’t see the problem here. This is a good opportunity for those who may need to be steered to a better path. Could be a good career changer for a few. My nephew is in the army reserves. unit and he sure likes it.”

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Justice4cornwall said: “I wish such a scheme would happen. If young people left school without a job, apprenticeship or further education, then they would create something to focus their minds instead of staring at a computer screen all day, glued to their smartphones or sitting around to have problems”.

Chainsaw123 said: “Up to a percentage, it will benefit. A return of respect and responsibility towards their lost characters in a liberal, tolerant society”.

Are you for national service or think conscription is outdated? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.