Post #2172708

I went through military conscription, and left it vowing never ever ever to do THAT again. I became very against the idea, and all kinds of arguments about how it wastes resources and delivers very little. As part of my service, I broke both knees, cracked my skull, and lost vision and hearing. I did learn a trade, so there's that. Now that war in Europe has erupted again, and nations that were very stable a decade ago are swaying wildly, I have rethought my position on conscription, but I also think it should be broadened in its use and in its selection Firstly, ALL critical services should draw from a national pool of conscripts - ambulance staff, emergency workers, military, etc. We should be giving everyone experience and training in things we need during emergencies. Secondly, it should draw from the entire population: men, women, ENBYs, trans people, etc. ALL people should be selected. Thirdly, the fitness criteria should be related to function, not arbitrary ableness. A person in a wheelchair can't be a paratrooper, but they sure as hell can take out a tank with a drone, airdrop medical supplies, or do the logistics for flood relief from a wheelchair It is time to revisit duty and service