Saw this discussion and I have a question to ask:
What’s everyone’s opinions on compulsory military service? Against it? Support it? Neutral? I know a lot of people can have pretty varied opinions on this sort of stuff.
I personally don’t have much of an opinion on it myself. It’s kind of like; I’m okay it with. Doesn’t mean I love it, but I don’t dislike it either. Which is part of the reason why I’m asking, to see the other opinions on it.
In my country, Switzerland military service is compulsory for every male (that qualifies) at 18 years old, and they serve for a minimum of 245 days. However it’s not like we’re going to go and bonk some people on their heads, seeing as we’re all neutral here in Switzerland. The last war we actively fought in was in 1847, which is quite some time ago.
So yeah: opinions on compulsory military service?
I find this topic interesting actually, considering the current nature of the world.
(Also–the fun fact about Switzerland is neat. I had no idea that they had compulsory service considering, as you mentioned, they are a neutral country.)
I am a military brat so I have a special place in my heart for the armed forces because I've seen it all since I was tiny. The effect that it has on families, etc. etc. With that said, I do respect people's rights to choose not to go on that life path, but I do think that I support compulsory service. For females and males. (im an equalist) And for a limited time, like a year or so.
I think that the service provides a plethora of life experiences that could be beneficial to all young adults coming out of high school. Not to mention assist said youth in finding a career path to move forward in after their contract is up.
(the likelihood of being deployed to "war" during such a short contracted time is also extraordinarily low… just in case that is anyone's argument.)