Dear Individual,

I think it may be worth giving it a try.
Because as Rehctub said, what we currently
have isn't working.

I remember friends of ours who had problems
with their son, they ended up paying very
high fees to send him to some sort of
military academy overseas. It straightened him out.

At least its worth a trial.

I think that the poor souls out there who are so vehemently opposed to the whole concept of a National Service or similar, simply have an ingrained fear that they or their ilk may one day have to stand up and be counted in any future conflict that may threaten this country.

I agree with you Individual that it is a sad situation indeed when one has to try to defend what so many achieved and sacrificed in years gone by in defence of these ungrateful paltroons, who are now living in a free country, free due to the very many who lost their lives to bring freedom to these clowns who cannot see the wood for the trees,.....I wonder what they are doing today?

In case any of you may feel offense at my statements, I would advise that I personally served Australia as a member of the Defence Forces for 21 years of my life, so I consider that I am qualified to offer my opinion on the matter!

Foxy:
<I remember friends of ours who had problems
with their son, they ended up paying very
high fees to send him to some sort of
military academy overseas. It straightened him out.>

Perhaps you're right... But what about the girls, eh? A stint in boot camp might be just the thing, what! It might discourage homosexuality among the ranks too. Nothing like a military wedding don't you know!
Maybe we could all have a military uniform under the bed? And if we don't actually see military service, we could wear it at Anzac day parades, and on Australia day, dripping with medals--and scare the bejesus out of the greenies and lefties and boaties, and especially those who commit the unforgivable sacrilege of not committing to a lifetime of acquisition for its own sake.

Speak for yourself Crackup and individual about the intent of naysayers, but I am FAR from one who would cower from a summons by Australia's Defense Force if this country needed fighters, and not even particularly predisposed to not bother till then to at least sign myself up for the reserves.
And despite that, I'm STILL telling you it's a dumb idea to introduce NS in Australia.

If you were to employ an unemployed person that wanted the job, that person would most likely WORK.
Again, NS-for-the dole would be appropriate as it would directly target those that may actually warrant NS- but most people get all the positive outlook they need from normal society- to which NS would just be a redundant hinderance.

As for 'academics'- they implement policies all the time- as do blue-collar citizens implement industrial policies, inventions and such to their respective industries. But the whole deal with academics is they are simply called upon to RESEARCH. But even then, it's not even just the 'academics'- check out employment statistics, dole statistics, and crime rates and anyone else would tell you the same thing- that's about as close to proof you can get.
Even with the ratio of employment to working-age citizens- you would need to keep in mind how many might be studying, on disability pension, or, most likely, have a breadwinner/homemaker relationship in their household.

Dear Squeers,

What's the matter?
This is the second post of yours that I've read today
where I don't know if you're serious or pulling
my leg.

All I was suggesting - is give it a trial.
And it could well be extended to not be
gender focused but applicable to all.

Uniforms under beds?
That's a most inappropriate comment
coming on Anzac Day.

Those uniforms were
earned through blood, sweat, and tears.
We owe a tremendous debt to uniforms
in this country. If it wasn't for uniforms -
our history might well have been very different.

Foxy,
there is nothing at all the matter. My comments on this thread, and elsewhere, have been perfectly consistent, on topic and serious (is non-conformity on the usual sacred cows so incomprehensible for you that there must be something 'wrong' when someone refuses to whistle in tune?). I did a stint in the army twenty five years ago and come from a military family; I am thus well versed in the ideological swill of militarism and patriotism. Much as I have infinite sympathy for all those who suffer and die in war (especially the innocent), I despise the shameless popularisation of patriotism in recent decades, which effectively censors just criticism of Australia's participation in all wars past and present.
I find patriotism nauseating.
It is not the young people that are at fault and in need of a dose of military brainwashing; it's the system that's at fault and in need of reform. Apologies for thinking for myself.