A councillor in Casey, Victoria, has passed a notion to lobby the Government to enforce conscription for every 18 year old. The purpose of this proposed notion, as reported in the Herald Sun, was to “give aimless teens direction and purpose in life”. From someone who has served in the Army, (and never ever should have), I have a few points to make.
When I was 19 I did what most young people do and went and explored the world. I basically drank my way around Western Europe, partied up a Contiki storm and had the best time ever. I also came back, very very broke, so I joined the Army. “That’s not a good enough reason!” I hear you proclaim, sure I get that now, but at the time I saw a problem and worked out a solution. That and both of my parents met whilst they were in the Army, and my Dad spent the better part of 30 years in the Khaki Green. I joined the Defence Force of my own free will, something my instructors continually reminded me of throughout my two years of service. Basically reiterating that I got myself into this mess so shut up and stop whinging and keep marching up and down the square like a good little soldier.
See there’s a lot of talk about “The Youths” of our town, and a certain demographic, (probably the same demographic who relish in making noise complaints about garbage trucks and acoustic shows after 9pm) have suggested that we bring back conscription to solve the dreaded problem of ‘The Youths’. “This will solve the issue” they say so proudly. “That’ll teach the Youths discipline, work ethic and proper life skills that they can carry over into the real world”. You’re kidding me right?
Sure, it makes sense to some, particularly with Williamtown so close, and being one of the largest in the country in terms of logistics and boots on ground. Just down the road as well, The School of Infantry in Singleton produces some of the finest soldiers this country has ever seen but… has anyone actually taken the time to consider that some people just aren’t meant to serve in the military? The actual quote by the Counsellor in question states; “With all the stabbings and one punch attacks it is more dangerous walking the streets of Melbourne at night than being in Afghanistan”. This statement alone makes my skin crawl, and also discredits every single member of the Defence Force currently serving overseas. I know for a fact, the mates I have serving overseas would pretty much trade anything to be home safe with their families. Also, that sounds like a real top idea, lets force young people, especially those select few who are prone to violence, to join the military so they can be not just handed a weapon, but be taught how to use and operate that weapon. There is no grey area here. You aren’t taught to carry a rifle simply to carry a rifle. You’re taught to use that weapon effectively and efficiently for the one purpose it was manufactured to serve.
On top of all that, you can’t simply force someone to go through basic training and expect that they will come out the other side a better, stronger, bound for success individual. It just doesn’t work that way. One of my Sergeants called me “a f**king hole in the Defence Force” because I left my map pocket on my pants open. Anyone who is or has ever served in the Army knows that it is actually a big deal for a myriad of reasons to leave your map pocket open, but at the time, I could not have cared less. It is not a nice, cuddly or overtly joyful experience joining the Army, or any of the three services (apart from the Airforce perhaps.)… I wonder why that is? Maybe because, I dunno, they are training for combat? And yes, there is the argument that not every soldier sailor or airman serves in combat, true. But speaking from experience and absolute certainty, every single person in the Army is a soldier first, their speciality second. It doesn’t matter if you’re joining as a chef, or an artillery gunner, every single soldier, knows how to fire, maintain and execute a variety of weapons, be effective in the field, and engage in at least the basics of combat.
I served for two years. Sure, I learned a variety of leadership skills, I have a bunch of cool stories and I can get a whole lot done in a short space of time but the one thing it really taught me? That I should have never joined the army. I just wasn’t cut out for it. And I am oh so ok with that. The Defence Force is a way of life, it is not a job, it isn’t a career, it’s a lifestyle. More often than not, everything you do and everything you are, exist within the confines of this community. In no way am I saying this is a bad thing, it’s just not for everyone. Which is exactly why there is a strict process each and every soldier, sailer and airman needs to go through before they are accepted, and granted the wonderful privilege of serving their country. Because it’s a privilege, not a right, and no one should be forced into a role they just aren’t meant to serve.
