Reinstating National Military Service in the UK: Giving Teenagers Purpose and Skills

🌍 Proposed form of national service for 16-year-olds includes a two-week Civic exploration trip and volunteering.

⚖️ Debate on whether the proposed national service goes far enough.

👥 Mixed opinions from people: Some see it as beneficial for direction and career opportunities, while others believe it infringes on personal freedoms.

The debate is whether to bring back national military service.

Some argue that national service provides discipline and a sense of purpose to young people.

Others raise concerns about forcing people into the army and the impact on a professional fighting force.

👥 National military service offers various career options beyond combat roles.

🏫 Bringing back national military service can give teenagers a sense of purpose and leadership while providing qualifications.

🔊 Youth services cuts have left teenagers without opportunities, and giving them a space to learn skills and make choices is important.

👥 Providing universal opportunities for young people to serve their communities and build relationships would be beneficial.

🔁 Making a volunteer scheme compulsory for young people would detract from their freedom to choose.

🎓 Young people already have compulsory education, training, or employment until the age of 18.

⭐️ Bringing back national military service should be optional, not mandatory.

💡 Participating in national military service can provide valuable opportunities and benefits, such as acquiring qualifications, developing leadership skills, and gaining confidence.

🎓 For 16 and 17 year olds who are uncertain about their future path, national military service can be a viable alternative to expensive university degrees that may not lead to a clear career goal.

National military service can help young people become better grounded citizens.

Bringing back national military service can disrupt mainstream education and support networks.

There is a shortage of staff in teaching, nursing, and other sectors, which can be addressed by training young people directly.

The military provides housing support and a help-to-buy scheme for young people.

📌 National military service provides a scheme for people in the military to borrow money for a housing deposit.

🗳️ 43% of the poll respondents support reintroducing national military service.

💬 Debate on whether national military service should be brought back.