Should we bring back compulsory Military Service?

We are living in uncertain times locally and globally. In New Zealand youth crime and household violence is rising, and there is an increasing threat of global conflict with the Russia invasion of Ukraine prompting Finland and Sweden to consider joining NATO. Could compulsory military service be the overarching policy change that helps the country empower our troubled youth, combat rising anxiety and depression, create positive remodeling, and strengthen our nations pride?

The contributing factors to our growing youth crime rate with younger children involved in thieving sprees and violence are varied and complex. Many blame the break down of the family unit with increasing financial stress, poor inter-family communication, and excessive alcohol/drug consumption. This toxic mix magnifies a general lack of hope, opportunity, sense of belonging, and an increasing poverty gap. Children thrive with boundaries and appropriate non-violent discipline. Clear boundaries, and thoughtful discipline require time and effort - something that many growing children do not receive in Aotearoa. 

Compulsory military training was part of NZ's make up for males from 1909-1972. It has been voluntary for the last 50 years. The defense act 1909 (section 35) ushered in a general training requirement for males 12-14 years old (Junior cadets), 14-18 (senior cadets), 18-21 (general training), and the reservists age 21-30. There were exemptions but this only allowed that non-combatant duties could be carried out. I suggest we bring back compulsory military service with cross party involvement to help legislate an act that reflected our current times and issues. It could be termed National service rather than military service. It should be open to both male and female, make it a 1-2 year period that could be taken in 3-6 month blocks over a 5-10 year period to give more freedom. The service could start from the age of 16-18 years and be taken until 30 (earlier if needed). Society could use blocks of service as the states way of providing boundaries and empowerment for youth offenders if whanau are unable to. Firearm use would only be allowed once individuals have shown the discipline to responsibility handle a weapon. The service could be tweaked to have more conflict resolution, self esteem, and addiction education for the participants that require it.  Delivering sorely needed education by strong role models on mass. 

This legislative idea might seem like a step back in time but please consider the benefits to our directionless, unloved youth that are resorting to crime, violence, and gang membership to feel they belong.  Take into account how other successful nations manage their military service to improve national identity and pride. 85 countries have mandatory service.  Austria requires 6-9 months for males aged between 18-50, Denmark requires 4-12 months for males at 18 years, Finland 6-12 months at age 18, Israel 2-4 years for both males and females, Norway 19 months for males and females aged 18-35, and Singapore 2 years for males 12-21 are examples of a few of these. 

Mandatory national service could help foster unity by bringing people together from different regions and backgrounds. The skills and discipline taught could also empower individuals by demonstrating their worth and contribution to something larger than themselves. It could also help bolster more pride in our beautiful nation of Aotearoa . Our world is becoming a more unsettled place. Having the skills to defend ourselves and the ones we love could help settle growing anxiety with living in a vulnerable isolated nation. While the worlds eyes are on the expanding conflict in Europe, another military superpower that sympathise with Russia is extending it's reach into the Pacific. The base on the Solomon Islands creates a stepping stone that is only 3800km or around 5hrs flying time from New Zealand's arable, fertile land. 

For some context  I am an holistic physiotherapist and very much a socialist when it comes to my political ideals, and in terms of spiritual beliefs I feel striving for peace and unity among human kind, while living in better harmony with our environment is vital. I would consider myself non-violent, and think of war as an abhorrent breakdown in human decency. I believe an environment that allows physical and mental discipline to thrive will be holistically beneficial for all. I admire cultures such as the Shaolin monks that practice communal non-violent living yet are able to defend themselves should the need arise.  Too many young people have homes that are not safe. They are violent, unpredictable, and create distress, anxiety, and pain. If the family sanctuary is toxic and violent then these behaviour's will leak out into society.  Reinstating a national service could be a measure that positively impacts many of our countries issues. 

We have a nation of many parents that are too caught up in dealing with their own trauma to be the stable role models required for our growing youth. In my work I talk with grandparents raising kids due to their parents caught up in a lifestyle that isn't conducive to caring and providing for kids. I also talk to social workers fearing for their own and children's safety as they attempt to negotiate parental visitation and support while violent fathers threaten retribution to the staff working on the whanau restoration cases. One of my eighty year old clients stated to me that military service saved him and instilled values that he still holds today.  If our countries woes are created by a breakdown in family units we need to adhere to the 'village to raise a child'. Discipline, self worth, and healthy boundaries can be created by the state in the form of a revamped national service to help serve our village. The leaders and role models in our army, air force, and navy have much to offer our society.  Positive ideals of respect and discipline can be demonstrated from the top down as well as from the ground up. Bringing back compulsory national service could be the bold policy this country needs to turn the tide on toxic behaviour's while creating national pride and security. 

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