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National Service is a term used to describe a form of service
that an individual owes to their country in times of crisis. It can take several
forms, including military service, civil defense, and other work of national
importance. The decision to make National Service compulsory or voluntary
depends on the urgency of the situation. In the modern world, National Service
is considered essential for preparedness and training, which are necessary to
safeguard peace and security.
In the past, France has enforced compulsory military service for all its young
men, while Britain had never enforced conscription except for a short spell in
the 1950s when there was a threat of a Russian advance in Europe. Today, most
countries, including the USA, follow the British model of short periods of
compulsory training supplemented by voluntary and eventually compulsory
conscription in times of direct threat.
The form of National Service required depends on the circumstances. Basic
training in tactics and small arms may be sufficient to resist a direct attack
by conventional forces, while training in the use of and defense against limited
nuclear weapons may also be necessary. National Service in wartime has a much
wider significance and includes civil defense and drafting both male and female
workers into jobs of national importance.
While National Service seems like common sense, there are disadvantages to
consider. One of these is the large cost of maintaining a civil defense force,
and the second is the temporary loss of professional or skilled labor to
industry. For the individual, National Service may result in the personal loss
of time and difficulty settling back into their regular employment.
Despite these disadvantages, the advantages of National Service outweigh them.
Singapore has introduced National Service to reap its benefits. National Service
provides a trained, mobile force ready for any emergency, helps to relieve
unemployment, broadens the individual's personal horizons, and instills
self-confidence and leadership qualities that can be put to good use in civilian
life.
In conclusion, National Service is essential in modern times for preparedness,
training, and safeguarding peace and security. Its form and compulsory or
voluntary nature depend on the urgency of the situation, and while there are
disadvantages, its advantages outweigh them. National Service provides a
valuable opportunity for personal growth and development, as well as for the
benefit of the country as a whole. |
