ConservativeHippie,

If you are so much in favour of National Service, why don't you 'take up the lead' and sign up tomorrow?

You might also show "the lazy ones", the potential positives of National Service and find something that works in this day and age.

I doubt you'll be contacting the Army - but if you do want take on the challenge and face potential death as a result, here's their website:

http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs/?gclid=CJfl9YOrzcUCFRcJvAodeDYARQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

Why are conservatives so hell bent on militarism and have an unbridled preoccupation with war. Is it because Harry and his ilk have a lot to protect and look to the mugs to provide that protection.

Bazz, what was Harry doing in Afghanistan? Didn't Bush, Blair and Howard declare it "mission accomplished" or some such dribble way back in 03. The people of Afghanistan have been enjoying the fruits of freedom and democracy ever since. So what was Harry doing there? Five star wining and dining.

Nathan, I'm not an 18 year old bored teenager with no job skills, no ambitions, no self discipline and no prospect for ever contributing positively to society at this point in time.

What makes you think I haven't already served?

I can't believe you are unable to see this concept has some potential, if nothing else, at least for those who are willing.

Apparently I've touched a raw nerve; my apologies, I wasn't directing my comments at you specifically.

If you dump a load of degenerates in the military the people who would make really good soldiers won't want to join.
I used to work with a Muslim guy from Singapore, he'd been in trouble with the law as a teenager and when he went to the medical for his national service he failed the drug test, so they made him do a stint in detox after which he did his two years in a punishment company.
If you guys want punishment battalions to "straighten out" juvenile delinquents then prison farms and reform schools like they have in the U.S and U.K would be a cheaper alternative. I saw a documentary on Britain's approved schools and some of them are exactly what other posters are describing, they employ military like discipline plus educational achievement and vocational training are mandatory and a condition of parole

Regardless what a so-called Prince of another country says about national service in Australia, the very last thing this nation needs are more idiots learning how to go bang-bang with guns!

National service calls for all young people to be forced into military camps whether they like it or not. So mad Joe-Blo from the 'hood and his scaly mates will be armed with deadly weapons and taught that it is ok to shoot someone else dead....sounds great.

We only need the well trained military personnel and law enforcement members to learn how to use guns, and not just any idiot.

ConservativeHippie,

You can still be part of the military service if you want to.

Don't forget that - but you seem to like the fact that you have the 'choice' not to - and I was very concerned that you were writing off, the after affects of military service.

Your comments in relation to Yuyutsu highlighted that point. You also don't seem to realise that some countries do have compulsory national service, with some examples below.

1. Mozambique, where registration for military service is compulsory for all men and women aged 18;

2. Israel, Jews and Druze are required to serve in the armed forces from the age of 18 and both sexes are obliged to register;

3. Lithuania, (in March 2015) reinstated national service on a limited basis for men aged 19 to 27;

4. Argentina, Portugal and Ethiopia, have the power to enforce national service if there is a shortage of troops;

5. Spain and Sweden have kept conscription as an option in a national emergency.

http://www.kmbc.com/national/uks-prince-harry-require-military-service/33071054

Any type of military involvement should not be compulsory, for anyone. I think it's a bit "rich" to call for national service coming from a member of the royal family.