Should National Service be re-introduced to help deal with persistent antisocial behaviour?

silversurfer

Both my husband and myself were in the military, and I don't think it did us any harm. I think it would be a good thing to bring national service in, whilst I was in the w.r.a.c lots of lads were called up and did their 2 yrs, and then signed on voluntarily for longer, so really it could'nt have been that bad eh!
Of course there were others who hated every minute they were in and could'nt wait to get out.
But everyone that I knew came out with a trade. so that was no bad thing either.

futuretopgun101

I dont think so, not in a military capacity anyway. I think that the punishment system should hurt the criminal more.
Afterall, there are only 3 options for a punishment, a fine, community service, or prison.
Make them actually care that they will be punished. Maybe it could be another punishment option for criminals but it must only be for criminals, not for decent people.

little nell

What makes you think the armed forces would want them? Our forces nowadays are highly trained, highly skilled personnel. Perhaps introducing a whole new army consisting of only offenders would be a good idea.

retox

Yes. And they should all be made to wear shorts. I would love to see a hoody in a pair of shorts try to look threatening. The potential victim would be in hysterics and the criminal would be totally disarmed. Yes, grey shorts, white socks and black daps is the answer.

fundamentalist1981

Ever heard about some of the violent acts committed by our troops in Cyprus?

People in the army do not necessarilly behave nicely. The army makes people tough and it teaches them to obey orders, but it does not necessarilly make them law abiding.

CAM

You seem very confused...National Service was MILITARY service. What's that got to do with criminal behaviour?
Think about this; fifty years ago I had two years of my life stolen from me for National Service. I had done nothing wrong other than being just an eighteen year old kid. I never received the slightest thanks from anyone...and don't tell me it never did me any harm. I'LL be the judge of that.
And try this this for size..IF you and David Cameron bring back military service, you and him should the first to go.
God save us who do you think you are?

joan k

It may get the yobs off the streets, but do we really want to train them to be killers?. There would be riots on the streets and the "bleeding hearts" or do gooders would say that it wasn't in their best interests. Don't forget David Cameron said we should love hoodies, as if!!!. I don't think it would do any good not with the amount of bullying that goes on in the armed forces, they would just learn how do it better and then heaven help the innocent victims.

Lillian

No, I've served proudly and I'd serve again. But who are you to determine who has or hasn't anti-social behavior. Frankly its none of your business.

Karen D

yes absolutely. it'll make them learn some respect. my late grandfather used to say it never did them any harm and should never have been stopped. punishment in schools needs to return too in my opinion.

keeplolling

YES
YES
YES

Lisbeth

Sure, that's all fine and dandy, until someone decides that YOU are antisocial and make you give up YOUR life for years because of someone's opinion.

jeeper_peeper321

The US has never had National Service.

So how could it be reintroduced?

Neither the Works Progress Administration of the great depression,

Or the Draft, were national service.

As neither required a significant portion of the public to serve.