In Vietnam, most of the conscripts were zonked out on illicit drugs, trying to forget the terrible unjust war they were in. On their return conscripts were denied medical treatment for their physical and mental illnesses, many became social misfits, dependent on a life of welfare.

Individual, why when you had the opportunity, you did not enlist, to serve your new found country. You could have enlisted up to the age of 35. We'd stuff you in a cannon, for cannon fodder! Think of the glory.

Why can't our Old Farts buy drugs on 'Pay Pal' direct from Columbia. After all they will tell you they are Sovereign Citizens, with inalienable rights to be zonked out whenever thy choose to be, and that's often.

The sadism expressed by some members on this thread knows no bounds.
Who ever imagined that senior members of the Australian community might advocate for kidnapping all 18-year old children from their parents' homes, then locking these innocent souls up for no other crime than being born, then torture them including by commanding them to act contrary to their conscience.

Such is the mind of Mr. Putin, but if Australians also think this way, then we are in no better shape the Russia. Actually in such case we might as well invite China to take over.

Suppose that sinister plan was to come to fruition, then immediately every youth with half a brain or more, would leave Australia before they turn 18, take up studies in foreign universities and likely find their partner and career there as well, never to return to this bloody place.

Following this brain-drain, the only young to remain here would be the handicapped that would be exempt from service on medical grounds, and no-good low-life drug-addicted idiots who would fill up military prisons, tent-cities stretching to the horizon, for a wide range of disciplinary infringements.

kidnapping all 18-year old children from their parents' homes, then locking these innocent souls up for no other crime than being born,
Yuyutsu,
Ever heard of pulling your weight ? 18 year old children ? Are you for real ? 18 year olds are not children ! They're young adults who, without guidance into life end up being of no use to society & themselves ! And, no 18 year old is innocent !
I just hope you're not a parent !
Tell me, do you go & see Foxy on weekends & read warm'n fozzy poems to Paul1405 & SteeleRedux & convince yourselves of your invaluable contribution to society ?

I don't know what national service and drugs have to do with Hasbeen's online shopping problems, but national service is not popular, and it is unlikely to ever be so.

The 18 year old males-only conscription ceased in 1959 because the army didn't have the personnel and funds that had to be diverted from operational matters; neither did they want to be bothered trying to train people who didn't want to be trained but who were pressganged. It would have been akin to trying to herd cats.

I imagine the attitude of the ADF would be the same today. I have never seen or heard the military brass calling for conscription.

My personal attitude is - I never had to do it, thankfully, and I do not expect anyone else to do it. In time of war, maybe, but given the changes in the type of modern warfare and weaponry, even since the Vietnam war, it is doubtful that unwilling and unprofessional warriors would be anything but a hindrance. And assumptions that conscription will 'build character' and 'straighten out' young people is a load of bullshite. Resentment and more hatred of authority is more likely.

We need to concentrate on the best people and the best equipment to defend our country, not wasting money and resources on the misguided belief that our defence forces exist to 'make men (or women)' out of young ratbags - the very worst sort you want behind a gun.

An I really the only one who realises that individual's idea is civil conscription, not military. It is not a bad idea.

Most kids go off to uni, or some other training with very little idea of what they are doing, or want to do. I went off to uni with my GMH scholarship to study mechanical engineering with no real idea of where it would lead. On my one day a week at the Pagewood factory I was assigned to a team designing door locks & handles. Essential stuff, but not exactly riveting for a 17 year old.

In my second year I was moved up to designing inner door pressings & tools. I ran away to sea, joining the navy to be trained as a pilot. When I came back I finished my engineering, as it was too much trouble & far too expensive in those days when you paid for your education, to start all over again.

When I started motor racing, I was taught to build racing engines by an amateur, a tax accountant in his day job, another trapped by his early training choice.

I don't think it would do any of todays kids any harm to spend a year clearing excess fire fuel, or rubber vine & prickly acacia from national parks. Say 6 months planning & logistics, & 6 months pick & shovel would give them an idea of the world from other than a school desk.

Any petals who think they are too good to get their hands dirty are certainly not worth wasting tens of thousands on putting through some pretend uni course such as Womens or Media studies, so they can get a job pen pushing in some totally useless government office.

ttbn,
It is not about war for crying out loud ! It's about ability to be trained for capability or vice versa.
The ability to develop a mentality of one for all & all for one. Developing a sense of responsibility & harmony in your society and, when done so as early as possible people will be more considerate instead of when not exposed to such guidance.
If one has to accept that one's efforts are to be shared with others then one must also be entitled to get a share from the efforts of others. Is that such an incomprehensible idea ?
If I'm paying taxes all my life than I expect dividends for my contributions in my old age.
A National Service scheme could take on apprenticeship training etc., sort of a more serious TAFE that could gradually offer small business & employment opportunities. Would it not be wiser to have basic trained people than Centrelink frequent flyer points ?