There are many things perceived to be wrong with this once Great Britain of ours, most of the problems in my opinion stem from a lack of discipline within the community as a whole and the younger generation in particular
To redress the balance may I suggest the re-introduction of national service for young people?
Before it is dismissed out of hand, consider these proposals:
- All teenagers between the ages of 16-20
- Must do a minimum of two years national service within the armed forces.
- As an incentive ALL those who are conscripted will be offered a place within university after discharge should they wish to continue their education, these places to be FREE of charges or levies.
- Whilst a conscript under the age of eighteen no person shall be allowed to serve in actual combat zones but will be used primarily within a peace keeping role dealing with national/international emergencies.
- This will free up the amount of troops for combat who will continue to be paid the current level of pay for their active service role.
- Payment for conscripts shall be set at national minimum wage levels for all.
- Should a conscript decide to further their time within the armed forces then a monetary reward in the form of backdated payment of the difference between national service pay and "normal" pay shall be made on signing of contract.
- The cost of initiating national service would be paid for over a five to ten year period, by savings made throughout the public sector.
- As there would be an inevitable drop in the number of civil/criminal acts perpetrated by the young disaffected the cost of policing/jurisdiction would decrease,
- The cost to casualty departments due to binge drinking would be significantly reduced,
- After serving within the armed forces and learning self discipline and control as well as gaining valuable work experience in general, Britain would have a well trained up to date work force ready to meet the demands of the next generation.
- In effect the re-introduction of national service would clean up the streets of our cities and give meaning and purpose to the young.
- Something to aim for and a self of belonging and belief in what their country can do for them as well as what they can do for their country. Something that is sadly lacking in today's society.
- I would also hasten to add that this conscription would apply to ALL groups of young regardless of faith creed or colour.
It is time to take a stand against the lacking of discipline within the family.
Lets start now.
