On the Drivel Regarding National Service

I've been hearing a lot of "Bring back National Service, that's sort 'em out" rhetoric recently from the reactionary right.  Obviously, it won't "sort 'em out" as after they leave the service they will return to the same conditions as before - which are bleak.  The evidence at home shows that large numbers of ex-servicemen and women have problems (re)integrating into society, and record numbers end up in prison.  Also, Greece has compulsory National Service and they're not exactly unused to the occasional riot, are they? But OK, let's do it!  Let's bring back National Service, but there a re few things to consider first...

Just a reminder: Not all young people rioted, they're not even all criminals!  Young people didn't cause the banking crisis - they were too young to get jobs then.  They couldn't vote against measures to take away EMA and triple university tuition fees - in our democracy those under 18 don't get a say about how their future will pan out.  I'm serious, not only can they not vote (if under 18) but society attacks them if they try to have any democratic voice.  Look at the student protests.  There were many asking "shouldn't they be in school" and calling for expulsion - even for those aged 16-18... in POST COMPULSORY EDUCATION.  The police then kettled children, for hours, with no food or water, with no toilets, in the freezing cold.  The intention? To make them think twice about ever protesting again.  There were no such kettles during the August Riots.  No, our youth didn't cause the mess, but they have to pay for it.  Pay through education, and then pay through unpaid volunteer posts and interships, pay inflated rents and property prices (that older generations have benefited from).  Previous generations benefited from both social housing and the right to buy - but we didn't build any more Council Houses for this generation. 

Choose a job? I don't understand...

If we want to bring back National Service in order to re-connect with our youth and show them that they are part of society... isn't introducing a blanket punitive measure against the youth problematic?  It's OK though, I've got the answer: compulsory National Service for everyone, regardless of age.  Let's prove to the youth that National Service is a good thing, of benefit to all (still sound good?).  In addition, this will address the minor issue (see my previous post) that the majority of those arrested for rioting were in their 20s (some in their 30s).  And it doesn't matter if you have a job - you still need National Service to sort you out, as proven by the Postman a Teacher, and 11 year old boy Sun headline.  We're all in this together! 

Oh, but what about civil liberties, what about those who refuse to do it?  Put them all in prison?  This could be a disaster, the prisons are already full - and we already imprison more than our European neighbours.  Mass objection could ruin my plan - damned pacifists!  OK - we'll make it National Service, not National (Military) Service.  You can join the Red Cross, or work for a local Charity instead if you like.  In fact you could sweep the streets, work in a hospital, care for the elderly or mentally ill etc etc.  What about the people who already do these jobs?  Tough, they need to do it unpaid, out of civic duty, for a year.  Hey, I'm liberal though, you could even do it abroad it you like through organisations such as VSO, Raleigh International, GAP, Christians Abroad etc.  Yeah, this will help us realise the good things about Britain (by seeing those worse off abroad), and it will help improve international relations as we (literally) build bridges.  Oh... what if people still refuse?  We can't make them do it, and we can't lock 'em all up... 

Right, got it!  It's not compulsory.  It's optional.  What if they don't choose to do it though? Ah ha!  Got it!  Having completed a year's National Service entitles you to some benefits.  Yes, the right will like that.  You don't have to do it at all, as long as you don't ask for anything off the state.  If you're already working as a nurse, for example, you're already contributing to society in two ways a) by working as a nurse and b) by paying taxes.  If you're unemployed and can't get a job, you'll get a guaranteed voluntary post (Military, Charity or other public service) which will give you something to do for a year (instead of rioting one presumes), it will give you something on your CV, it will raise your self esteem, and, if you still can't get a job, you can legitimately claim some sort of benefit - why not JSA, maybe others too, because you're "paid in" through unpaid labour.  Actually, if this isn't punitive, why not even pay people to do it? Yeah that would incentivise people - just minimum wage or a token stipend so people can afford to do it though. 

Uh oh... I've forgotten something haven't I?  The cost.  How much will it cost to implement this scheme?  Someone's got to administer it.  It has to be linked to the benefits system (and possibly National Insurance).  We've got to pay them, and we've still got to sort out conditions for when they return from National Service and re-integrate into society.  Hmmm... Wouldn't it be cheaper, and more effective, to invest in jobs, re-instate the EMA,  and revoke tuition fees thus giving people prospects - which would make them feel they have a stake in society?  Just a though...