What do you think about military conscription?

We have conscription where I live, and personally I can see pros and cons, but I will say that all of my friends who went had a good time (even those who weren't keen on going in the first place), and some even stayed on voluntarily for longer - with a few deciding to make a military career afterwards.

Germany here. I was conscribed to the army for 15 months, that was in the 1980s, during the cold war. I had quite an easy job in telecommunications, but we had some weapons training, too. I still think I can hit a target with a gun.

The new German army only consists of volunteers. I don't know what to think of it. On the one hand, I sort of lost 15 months of my life, wearing a uniform, but on the other hand, I think, how should young people understand that a country needs an army to defend themselves?

There can't be a "good" war, don't get me wrong, and I am strongly opposed to the German army even delivering assistance to any war. But when I got drafted, that wasn't an issue.The task of the Bundeswehr definitely was to defend the homeland, and that's what I'd always subscribe to again.

Удачи вам на службе! Надеюсь, время пройдет быстро! И если у вас будет телефон с интернетом (или у ваших друзей во время увольнений), может, мы услышим от вас новости гораздо раньше, чем через год!

I think conscripts fight better, than paid troops, if the fight is for their home land. I also think they have more incentive to think about actions of the commanders, why there are wars, who is right and who is wrong, does it worth to start kill each other, etc... More peace in the world - shorter time in army for conscripts -> they are interested in peaceful development of situation. Paid troops get money for the war, more wars - more money.

A little late on this. I like the idea young men do some military time. It can teach so much and helps one grow inside. In the States we are volunteer.

But no matter what your nation is. I am proud you took the time out of your life to serve for something greater, Conscript or volunteer. We all say our military is the best and they all are because it is our younger generation who answered the call and will provide security and peace. A militaries job is to keep the peace and we all need to remember that.

I support it. Not for long, 6-9 months is enough. Maybe 1 year as max

personally I believe everyone - male or female - should serve their nation for at least two years. something they have to do and can't get out of. it would help/force a lot of people to just grow up

Reduced to 12 months, the practice of hazing (dedovshchina) has at least lessened.

nothing wrong with getting in good shape and defend your motherhood. This is pros

the cons, or rather bad side it is the harassment in form of reign of grandfathers to new recruits nicknamed dedovschina.

national conscription should never have been stopped in the uk