National Service is another name for a period of compulsory service or conscription to one of the armed forces of a government. Citizens of a country, typically males, between the ages of 18 and their late 20’s are drafted for military service, usually for a period of no less than one year. A national service program can provide manpower to supplement existing military bodies in the event of warfare, natural disaster or national emergency.
The term National Service became common during the Second World War in Britain, when the entire population were required to register with the Ministry of Labor. The majority of men between the ages of18 and 51were “called up” for military service, with the exception of men working as farmers, skilled tradesmen, policemen and firemen etc who were exempt from military service due to their contribution to the “war effort” on home soil.
There are several schools of thought on why National Service is important, but perhaps some of the more widely held beliefs are that it can:
* Build a sense of teamwork and loyalty
* Provide discipline
* Promote respect for others
* Encourage honesty and integrity
Teamwork and loyalty is one of the driving forces behind National Service and it is instilled that the team and the mission comes first, before yourself, even when the going gets tough. Adopting these attitudes earlier in adult life is more likely to encourage a team-focused approach throughout life.
Discipline creates an ability to follow rules and helps to define an acceptable pattern of behavior. Self-discipline not only sets a good example to others, but works to achieve a common goal, especially within a team environment.
Respect for others is a recognition that someone has a value and, while we might not always agree with what they do or say, respect for their right to to hold that opinion must be maintained. Treating people how you would expect to be treated is a key part in showing respect for others.
Honesty and integrity are key qualities that are promoted during National Service - being truthful promotes trust within a team and having integrity demonstrates that you are supporting your own morals and ethics, with no malpractices, further increasing bonds between team members and fostering a desire to work together to achieve a common goal.
The term National Service became common during the Second World War in Britain, when the entire population were required to register with the Ministry of Labor. The majority of men between the ages of18 and 51were “called up” for military service, with the exception of men working as farmers, skilled tradesmen, policemen and firemen etc who were exempt from military service due to their contribution to the “war effort” on home soil.
There are several schools of thought on why National Service is important, but perhaps some of the more widely held beliefs are that it can:
* Build a sense of teamwork and loyalty
* Provide discipline
* Promote respect for others
* Encourage honesty and integrity
Teamwork and loyalty is one of the driving forces behind National Service and it is instilled that the team and the mission comes first, before yourself, even when the going gets tough. Adopting these attitudes earlier in adult life is more likely to encourage a team-focused approach throughout life.
Discipline creates an ability to follow rules and helps to define an acceptable pattern of behavior. Self-discipline not only sets a good example to others, but works to achieve a common goal, especially within a team environment.
Respect for others is a recognition that someone has a value and, while we might not always agree with what they do or say, respect for their right to to hold that opinion must be maintained. Treating people how you would expect to be treated is a key part in showing respect for others.
Honesty and integrity are key qualities that are promoted during National Service - being truthful promotes trust within a team and having integrity demonstrates that you are supporting your own morals and ethics, with no malpractices, further increasing bonds between team members and fostering a desire to work together to achieve a common goal.
