FabSwingers.com forum: National service

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I know this may divide option on here. But I believe it should be re introduced . Joining the army sorted me out. I was shy unconfident and unfit. Once in I came out of my shell . Developing skills and traits I didn't know we're there. Best years of my life but after battling injury for a while ( dislocated ankle again and again, which cut through the ligaments, resulting in the chronic instability) I was made redundant 2 years ago. Here desperate to re join and do more. Please message your thoughts

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

It's an interesting concept though pacifists would be a little surplus to requirements.

We should help younger people develop their confidence, self-esteem, social skills and fitness though - it shouldn't need national service.

I think the ops experience may have been different if he'd joined amongst people who didn't want to be there or where it wasn't their career path.

As good as military service is - and I've friends in all of them - it damages and loses lives too.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

What age and how long ? And will they go off to the front line?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

No thanks.

I was making some killer money and having an awesome time at 19, national service would of fucked that right up.

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

I though it was jobs that were made redundant, not the people doing them. Sounds a bit daft to make a soldier job redundant from the army. Couldn't they have given you a desk job instead like Captain Darling in Blackadder?

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By *anchestercubMan
over a year ago

manchester & NI

"Joining the army sorted me out. "

Some people don't need sorting out and not everything that works for you will work for others.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 15/06/16 19:45:48]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I would not be in favour.

A few months of playing soldiers would be of no benefit to me or the country at all.

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By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago

Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum

Yes, I really want the country defended by a bunch of resentful 19 year olds.

Seeing as the Government is trying to cut down the Armed Forces as fast as possible, I can't imagine they will re-introduce National Service any time soon.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Nice seeing different opinions. It's all good. Miss it every day

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I though it was jobs that were made redundant, not the people doing them. Sounds a bit daft to make a soldier job redundant from the army. Couldn't they have given you a desk job instead like Captain Darling in Blackadder?"

Nope was people not the jobs. There were brackets of certain criteria. Was a fucking joke. As I got my self fit and recommend for promoting the year they got rid.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Yes, I really want the country defended by a bunch of resentful 19 year olds.

Seeing as the Government is trying to cut down the Armed Forces as fast as possible, I can't imagine they will re-introduce National Service any time soon."

It's the opposite now they've cut to many and left us as a defence force not a army. There crying out for people to join

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I know this may divide option on here. But I believe it should be re introduced . Joining the army sorted me out. I was shy unconfident and unfit. Once in I came out of my shell . Developing skills and traits I didn't know we're there. Best years of my life but after battling injury for a while ( dislocated ankle again and again, which cut through the ligaments, resulting in the chronic instability) I was made redundant 2 years ago. Here desperate to re join and do more. Please message your thoughts "

Yea def should bring it back and teach the youth of today how to be men instead of walking about with no respect for anyone

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By *adyboy-DaddyCouple
over a year ago

Andover

Have the pleasure on occasion of returning to the Army Training Centre in Pirbright to give a presentation to the entire intake.

It's a 14 weeks of basic training so I get to see all 14 weeks of intakes, one after the other starting with the newest working toward those passing out the following week.

It's like watching the evolution of mankind.

Week upon week the recruits literally grow in stature, confidence and ability. It's incredible.

I don't know if I think national service is a

good idea but by god basic training makes men (and women) of the recruits.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Yea def should bring it back and teach the youth of today how to be men instead of walking about with no respect for anyone "

Totally agree here

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

Some should thrive and overachieve

Some whither and whimper

Bit like Fab

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Have the pleasure on occasion of returning to the Army Training Centre in Pirbright to give a presentation to the entire intake.

It's a 14 weeks of basic training so I get to see all 14 weeks of intakes, one after the other starting with the newest working toward those passing out the following week.

It's like watching the evolution of mankind.

Week upon week the recruits literally grow in stature, confidence and ability. It's incredible.

I don't know if I think national service is a

good idea but by god basic training makes men (and women) of the recruits. "

How long you being doing this

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A difficult one.

We have a son in the Army and he loves it. He has fitted into military life like he was born for it. Without question, he would take a life if he had to. And would gladly give his own to save someone he was protecting.

But one of our other sons could never even begin to fathom military life. He could never take a life, not even if his own was in mortal danger. He would loose his mind if ever he had that decision to make.

Although, I think it would be of benefit to get young people to do something worthwhile.

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By *iSTARessWoman
over a year ago

London

I'm a little lefty pacifist but spent 2 years in the army. Not many good memories but it sorts a lot of people out, certainly did me. There were numerous angry young men in basic who in a short space of time, started to direct their energy and take pride in themselves.

I lived in Austria for 4 years where but there's a choice, national or civil service. There are many on the estate where I live would benefit from either of these more than the prisons so many end up in.

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By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago

Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum

"I lived in Austria for 4 years where but there's a choice, national or civil service. There are many on the estate where I live would benefit from either of these more than the prisons so many end up in. "

In France they can choose to support the emergency services instead of the armed forces. That's a better idea in my opinion.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

That would have ruined my whole career

At 16, I started a 4 year apprenticeship, full first year of that was in training school, then trained as a technician on aircraft engine.

Not long after my apprenticeship I was snatched up by a leading oil company with intention of working on their aircraft engines on the oil rigs

From their I started paying into final salary pensions, have travelled many countries in the world, enjoyed fantastic holidays, good homes and earnings provided the cash to pay for learning to fly and sky-dive, if I had the beginnings of my life again, I would follow the exact same route without hesitation and would not consider national service

I am sure it will be good for some, but I have found my own destiny

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"It's an interesting concept though pacifists would be a little surplus to requirements.

We should help younger people develop their confidence, self-esteem, social skills and fitness though - it shouldn't need national service.

You thought about passing what you learnt through the cadets

I think the ops experience may have been different if he'd joined amongst people who didn't want to be there or where it wasn't their career path.

As good as military service is - and I've friends in all of them - it damages and loses lives too.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"That would have ruined my whole career

At 16, I started a 4 year apprenticeship, full first year of that was in training school, then trained as a technician on aircraft engine.

Not long after my apprenticeship I was snatched up by a leading oil company with intention of working on their aircraft engines on the oil rigs

I am sure it will be good for some, but I have found my own destiny"

Can do this in the army. I joined up as a mechanic but had to change due to being colour blind

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well if I was forced into doing service at 16/18 whatever is being suggested here I would of been furious. I never got in trouble, got A's and A*'s at GCSE and good grades at A level and by the time I was 21 had 4 promotions at work.

Now young offenders maybe I could see this as a positive option rather than sending them into a young offenders institution or under 23's who commit minor crimes with under 24months sentences get to join the army (pay withheld until sentence is served) I could see the benefits if trialed and shows it is more beneficial in rehabilitating the individual.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Well if I was forced into doing service at 16/18 whatever is being suggested here I would of been furious. I never got in trouble, got A's and A*'s at GCSE and good grades at A level and by the time I was 21 had 4 promotions at work.

That last bit is spot on

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A couple of points, the army is no place to sort out today's youth, I personally wouldn't want to be C.O. to a bunch of youth that don't wasnt to be there, who are insistent that they want to wear their uniform halfway down their arse.

The only kind of national service that would work, is to get them doing some good for the country, while gaining valuable life skills, we have a problem with lack of affordable social housing, a skills gap, and one hand could wash the other right there.

The scheme could be divided up into key divisions, a bit like the trades regiments in the army, engineering, logistics and so on and so forth, obviously there would be a greater uptake to some than others, but I don't have all the answers lol

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

"Some should thrive and overachieve

Some whither and whimper

Bit like Fab"
and flowers

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I;d love the opportunity to fight in wars I don't believe in started by governments I didn't vote for

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

That last bit is spot on "

Not just young offenders, those who have been failed by traditional education, because they just aren't academic, or lack focus and direction

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I;d love the opportunity to fight in wars I don't believe in started by governments I didn't vote for

I loved my job and it was so rewarding what I saw on the front line. Lots learnt

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

That last bit is spot on

Not just young offenders, those who have been failed by traditional education, because they just aren't academic, or lack focus and direction"

Yeah I agree it could help those but they shouldn't be forced into the forces if they've done nothing wrong apart from just fail a few exams

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

That last bit is spot on

Not just young offenders, those who have been failed by traditional education, because they just aren't academic, or lack focus and direction

Yeah I agree it could help those but they shouldn't be forced into the forces if they've done nothing wrong apart from just fail a few exams"

Yeah I agree, it should be a non combative national service, doing work for the good of the nation

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By *adyboy-DaddyCouple
over a year ago

Andover

How long you being doing this"

From about 2011 to late 2014. Plan to start doing it again when the friend I present med with gets back from Brusells next year.

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

[Removed by poster at 15/06/16 21:13:22]

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

I think it should be reintroduced, it would mean a lot of people would learn some discipline.

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By *etter the devil you knowWoman
over a year ago

Lyndhurst

I don't agree with that I certainly wouldn't want that for my son.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My OH was in the Army years ago and always said he was against national service, always said he'd rather one willing volunteer along side him than 10 unwilling ones

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire

i joined at 17 and did just over 13 and a half years, career was laid out and could have done my 22 or more and left possibly commissioned after going through the ranks..

i wanted to be there and thoroughly enjoyed my time however if i am honest had i been forced to be there i would never have had the same enthusiasm and would have resented being there..

it will work for some but not for all and the Armed forces whilst they do 'straighten out' some is not the answer for all in society..

for

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By *illwill69uMan
over a year ago

moston

"It's an interesting concept though pacifists would be a little surplus to requirements."

Actually there have always been pacifist rolls in the military (chaplains and stretcher bearers).

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By *inaTitzTV/TS
over a year ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

Costs a fortune, it doesn't suit everyone, why should someone who doesn't want to do it have to attend, a mass army is out of step with current defence needs and our ability to pay for it. If you want to help young people get ahead in life, I'd rather pay for them to attend college, university or pay for a decent apprenticeship so they can learn vocational skills.

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By *ushandkittyCouple
over a year ago

Gloucester

This subject always reminds me of Yes Prime Minister lol.

Bernard Woolley: Well the party have had an opinion poll done and it seems all the voters are in favour of bringing back National Service.

Sir Humphrey: Well have another opinion poll done to show that they’re against bringing back National Service.

Bernard Woolley: They can’t be for and against

…

Sir Humphrey: Oh, of course they can Bernard! Have you ever been surveyed?

Bernard Woolley: Yes, well not me actually, my house … Oh I see what you mean

Sir Humphrey: You know what happens: nice young lady comes up to you. Obviously you want to create a good impression, you don’t want to look a fool, do you?

Bernard Woolley: No

Sir Humphrey: So she starts asking you some questions: Mr. Woolley, are you worried about the number of young people without jobs?

Bernard Woolley: Yes

Sir Humphrey Appleby: Are you worried about the rise in crime among teenagers?

Bernard Woolley: Yes.

Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think there is lack of discipline in our Comprehensive Schools?

Bernard Woolley: Yes.

Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think young people welcome some authority and leadership in their lives?

Bernard Woolley: Yes.

Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think they respond to a challenge?

Bernard Woolley: Yes.

Sir Humphrey Appleby: Would you be in favour of reintroducing National Service?

Bernard Woolley: Oh, well I suppose I might.

Sir Humphrey Appleby: Yes or no?

Bernard Woolley: Yes.

Sir Humphrey: Of course you would, Bernard. After all you told you can’t say no to that. So they don’t mention the first five questions and they publish the last one.

Bernard Woolley: Is that really what they do?

Sir Humphrey: Well, not the reputable ones, no, but there aren’t many of those. So alternatively the young lady can get the opposite result.

Bernard Woolley: How?

Sir Humphrey Appleby: Mr. Woolley, are you worried about the danger of war?

Bernard Woolley: Yes.

Sir Humphrey Appleby: Are you worried about the growth of armaments?

Bernard Woolley: Yes.

Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think there's a danger in giving young people guns and teaching them how to kill?

Bernard Woolley: Yes.

Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think it's wrong to force people to take arms against their will?

Bernard Woolley: Yes.

Sir Humphrey Appleby: Would you oppose the reintroduction of National Service?

Bernard Woolley: Yes.

Sir Humphrey Appleby: There you are, you see, Bernard. The perfect balanced sample.

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By *iSTARessWoman
over a year ago

London

In France they can choose to support the emergency services instead of the armed forces. That's a better idea in my opinion."

Which would come under civil service. Definitely more beneficial for everyone.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've been saying it for about 15 years now based on the lack of abilities modern day kids making the transition into adulthood have. So many only interested in fashion and other non beneficial things - more prevalent in UK and US as opposed to other countries though

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A big yes for me. Shave all the bearded Hispters and make men of the I'm offended brigade.

Teach the kids to earn respect and not demand it.

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By *ulfilthmentMan
over a year ago

Just around the corner

Why would the army want to waste their time and resources trying to train a bunch of people, most of whom don't want to be there?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A community action force, doing all the stuff that needs doing but doesn't get done. This would introduce routine, structure, respect, pride, responsibility....for them, for environment:, etc Too many young people are listless, unmotivated, disengaged and disenfranchised. I am thinking local projects. Parks, renovation, community stuff.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As an ex Soldier and an ex instructor at a training depot I think it would be an awful idea. Our forces are the best in the world because they are a well trained volunteers. If we have a load of young men and women who do not want to do the job then it can only go down hill.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

No no no no no. It may have been positive for you but it wouldnt be for a lot of people they are fine.

Everyones different and to treat them all to the same thing and expect them to have the same ezperience? Just no no no.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"A big yes for me. Shave all the bearded Hispters and make men of the I'm offended brigade.

Teach the kids to earn respect and not demand it. "

I demand that you rezxpect my right to be a bearded hipster, I guess that makes me one of the offended brigade, but I am Alan already

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If the army sorted you out that is a good thing for you, but why assume the same would be true for everyone?

At 25 I moved abroad and worked for 10 years in a developing country - this was the making of me but I would never impose it on everyone else

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"A big yes for me. Shave all the bearded Hispters and make men of the I'm offended brigade.

Teach the kids to earn respect and not demand it. "

Oh dear oh dear

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I actually agree.

I have quite a few Swedish friends who I've talked about it with numerous times and they convinced me that it is a positive experience that taught them some core skills.

I don't think anyone is suggesting to ship them off to war though.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"A big yes for me. Shave all the bearded Hispters and make men of the I'm offended brigade.

Teach the kids to earn respect and not demand it.

Oh dear oh dear"

It's a joke my dear D. Apart from the bring it back

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By *iamondjoeMan
over a year ago

Glastonbury

Pointless, imo

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By *entralscotscpl7Couple
over a year ago

Falkirk

As an ex serviceman of 15 years I don't think it is a good idea.

We want people to join the forces because that is what they want to do.

When I was an instructor at the depot the drop out rate in the first six weeks is average 40%.

These were people who liked the idea of joining but what for ever reason didn't like or couldn't handle the training.

The 60% that are left go on to have careers in the forces.

Imaging the 40% that drop out being forced to do something they hate or dislike.

It puts a lot of people at risk and can cause serious mental and physical issues.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Definitely not. Been in the forces does not guarantee you a good attitude when you leave.

I have only ever had to fire one person from my own firm and he was ex army. He was lazy, over cocky and didn't have the same knowledge as the people who had studied this profession from school onwards. He thought he was the dogs but was unable to keep the pace with the uni graduates who had less experience than him.

It might work for some in certain jobs but for me it created hassle, led to lost monies and a bad reputation with a client. Never again would I hire ex forces because of this chap even though I'm sure some are more than capable.

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By *ouplekinkCouple
over a year ago

kink town

No no no,

It's bad enough as it is now with the current youth of today 'the playstation generation' but at least these volunteered to join. Forcing someone into the forces will do more harm than good.

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