I am always amazed at how delusional people are about National Service and it's effect. Considering most were only 18 when forced to join it is only natural that some would change their ways but they are the ones who would have changed anyway. All it did was let those with 'interesting' ways continue their ways in a different environment. The only actual difference was they had to get up when told to!
Why the dregs of society are always wished on to our Armed Forces I will never understand. I am a
professional soldier, I believe our Forces are what they are because we are
all volunteers. I do not wish to serve beside people who don't want to be there/are forced to be there. So in an open plea to all, please stop wishing that layabouts, thieves, murderers , etc should be made to serve in the Forces. You don't want them , so why should we have them!
Gets off my soapbox and wanders off to make a coffee