For the last time, the suggestion of compulsory national service was not aimed at increasing the size of military, preparing for war or to simply train hoodlums how to use guns.

The idea was to address the high youth unemployment and today's youth lack of respect and lack of self discipline. It does not necessarily have to be military training but it does need to be something that requires commitment for a set period that is long enough for the individuals to the develop positive skills and a mindset they can benefit from for the rest of their life.

Given a choice many youth would prefer to stay at home, do drugs, watch TV all day whilst collecting the dole and still complain the dole payments aren't enough. Although they may not like it, if they were forced to serve the community in some fashion, living away from home in a disciplined environment, while gaining positive experience and useful skills, chances are they will complete their service as better people and be happier within themselves. A positive kick up the backside, so to speak.

I totally agree we should not pollute our armed forces with undesirables therefore some sort of alternative training program that achieves the same end result is preferable.

Are those of you who are so adamantly opposed to the idea happy to see nothing done instead? Or if you have a better idea, let's see it.

Maybe Harry's got a point! You go in as a freeloader, living off the public purse, and emerge a multimillionaire. Harry's net worth is estimated at $40,000,000. Military service didn't do any harm to the career prospects of dear old dad, $210 million ?, and grandpa Boo Boo $30 million, its all in the wife's, name doen't want it to interfere with the old age pension. A family tradition no less!
The fringe benefits are not bad, first class travel in a private jet, five star accommodation, alone with fine wining and dining, what more could a ex Centrelink junky, come soldier, ask for?

If ever Hippie's suggestion is accepted, whose cruelty knows no end, no Abbott would be able to stop the boats. Myself, being too old to be conscripted again, I would be out on a plane that very day with a one-way ticket, but the seas would be full of boats going the other way, with families desperately trying to get their sons and daughters out of Australia. Children would have to flee their loving homes, their work-places, places of study, monasteries and grandparents they care for - all to avoid being locked up, punished and tortured for just one "crime" - being born in Australia and reaching the age of 18.

The day this happens, Australia would be no better than Daesh, that day there would be no reason why Australia should continue to exist and not be invaded by some other evil regime and destroyed to the ground, that day I would certainly curse it in my prayers.

Before I came here, the Australian Consul promised me that conscription is unconstitutional in Australia, otherwise I would have found a different refuge to live in - and so would every parent and grandparent who loves their children and grandchildren.

Paul 1405
I don't think putting down someone does your opinion any good at all.
He was at an outpost under attack, and on the second time in helicopters.

I have no opinion on the national service. I think the army would not
be keen to be lumbered with hundreds of no hopers.

More political correctness -

"The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is a bit of a misnomer, says France, as it lends the imprimatur of Islam to a group that the vast majority of Muslims finds despicable. "This is a terrorist group and not a state. I do not recommend using the term Islamic State because it blurs the lines between Islam, Muslims, and Islamists," France's Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said in a statement. "The Arabs call it 'Daesh' and I will be calling them the 'Daesh cutthroats.'

The name Daesh, according to France24, is a "loose acronym" for "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (al-Dawla al-Islamiya al-Iraq al-Sham). The name is commonly used by enemies of ISIS, and it also has many negative undertones, as Daesh sounds similar to the Arabic words Daes ("one who crushes something underfoot") and Dahes ("one who sows discord"). —Samantha Rollins"

Good to see Yuyutsu is ahead of the rest of us.

And yet behind our own Prime minister, ConservativeHippie.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/pm-tony-abbott-baits-jihadis-with-hated-daesh-tag/story-fni0fiyv-1227181490381

Is Tony Abbott politically correct now?