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Personally I'm not particularly against it. But it doesn't seem very practical and most places like France and Germany don't have it anymore which is telling.
hugo7-
There are discussions in Germany to re-introduce conscription in the face of the threat from Putin. I don't know about France.
Conscription was still in force when I left school and I did civilian service (the conscientious objector's option), which was slightly longer than army service (both had already been cut significantly) but much preferable. I was grateful I could do it, as I still didn't know what I wanted to do, and this period was very valuable. Many of those I knew who got out of serving in either way (phony doctors' certificates ...) ended up in careers they hated and later wished they hadn't started studying so early.
Oliver Schick
Genuine question, what’s the main bug bear with the national service (military or civilian duties) idea? Is it that it’s mandated? Or that it’s a restriction in personal choice? That there are better ways to engage and build community and skills for the greater good? Or something else entirely.
Northern European/Nordic countries seem to have this (possibly just civilian?), as do Switzerland, South Korea; the latter two whilst possibly still quite traditional in cultural norms/set up are also often seen as fairly well off re living standards and overall pleasantness to live.