Many countries have compulsory military service for men at a certain age, typically after they have completed their education. The purpose of this requirement is to instill discipline in young men and prepare them for potential wartime scenarios. Some advocate for all countries to adopt this system, including women. However, I do not share this viewpoint.
My first reason is that there are more effective ways to prepare a nation for a state of emergency. As demonstrated by many developed countries, having a professional army is the best approach to ensure national safety against any threats or dangers. Establishing outstanding military education and training institutions is essential for creating a capable professional army. Keeping untrained individuals in the military for extended periods is not beneficial. This practice not only fails to enhance military effectiveness but also wastes valuable time for young men at the beginning of their careers.
My second reason is that discipline cannot be imposed through mandatory service. Teaching people to find their place in society and how to behave appropriately is not the responsibility of military institutions; these are the roles of a compulsory education system alongside its theoretical teachings.
On the other hand, there are those who argue that everyone in society should be prepared for potential threats. While they may have a valid point, readiness cannot be achieved through compulsory military service, which is largely ineffective for a country’s military functions. Instead, preparation could be integrated into the compulsory education system through practical training and raising awareness about the challenges a country may face.
In conclusion, a practice that is largely irrelevant to a country’s defense system should not be enforced on young people, whether men or women. To mitigate the negative impacts of this situation, it would be extremely beneficial to enhance the compulsory education system with practical experiences and campaigns to raise societal awareness.