Military Service

Military service is a policy that requires citizens, especially young people, to undergo military training for a certain period. This policy is implemented in various countries, both as a form of national obligation and voluntary choice. Several countries such as South Korea, Israel, and Singapore have strong and structured military service programs. The following will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of military service for young people.

Advantages of Military Service for Young People

1. Increase Nationalism
   One of the main goals of military service is to instill a sense of love for the country in the younger generation. By undergoing military training, participants will better understand the importance of maintaining the country's sovereignty. They are taught to appreciate the values ​​of nationalism, solidarity, and cooperation in an effort to maintain national security and stability.

2. Increase Discipline and Responsibility
   The military service program is designed to form high discipline. Young people who take part in this training must obey strict rules, follow a structured schedule, and obey the orders of their superiors. This discipline helps participants become more responsible and organized individuals in their daily lives.

3. Improve Leadership Skills
   Military training provides many opportunities for participants to develop leadership skills. In a military environment, they are taught how to lead a group, make decisions under pressure, and manage resources effectively. These skills are very useful in the workplace and in social life.

4. Physical and Mental Development
   Military service involves intensive physical training, which helps improve the physical fitness of young people. In addition, participants are also trained to have strong mental endurance in facing challenges and difficult situations. This combination of physical and mental strength is very important to form a strong and resilient character.

5. Increasing Social Solidarity
   Military service brings together individuals from various social, cultural, and economic backgrounds. This creates an opportunity to build solidarity and friendship that transcends social boundaries. Participants learn to work together in teams and support each other to achieve common goals.

6. Strengthening National Preparedness
   The existence of a compulsory military program increases national preparedness in facing security threats. By having citizens who are militarily trained, a country has a reserve of troops that can be deployed if needed in an emergency or conflict situation.

Disadvantages of Military Service for Youth

1. Disrupts Education and Career
   One of the main disadvantages of military service is the potential disruption to education and careers for young people. Many participants must postpone their studies or employment to undergo military training. This can affect their academic and professional progress.

2. High Physical and Mental Stress
   Intensive military training often places extraordinary physical and mental demands on individuals. For some individuals, this pressure can lead to burnout, injury, or even mental health problems. Prolonged stress can also have a negative impact on their well-being.

3. High Cost to Government
   Implementing a compulsory military service program requires significant resources, including the costs of training, facilities, equipment, and other logistics. This financial burden can be challenging for countries, especially those with limited defense budgets.

4. Potential Abuse of Power
   In a hierarchical military environment, there is a risk of abuse of power by superiors over subordinates. This can include bullying or unfair treatment, which can negatively impact the participant’s experience and undermine the character education goals that are intended to be achieved.

5. Loss of Personal Freedom
   Conscription restricts the personal freedom of young people because they must adhere to rules and schedules set by the military authorities. For individuals who value freedom and independence, this can be a restrictive and unpleasant experience.

6. Not for Everyone
   Not all individuals have the interests or abilities that match the demands of the military. Some have physical or mental limitations that make them unsuitable for military training, making conscription policies non-inclusive.

Conscription for young people has a number of advantages and disadvantages that need to be carefully considered. On the one hand, it can foster nationalism, discipline, and leadership skills, as well as strengthen national preparedness. On the other hand, conscription also has the potential for negative impacts, such as disruption to education, physical and mental stress, and high costs to the government.

The decision to implement or maintain conscription should be based on a thorough analysis of the country’s defense needs and its impact on society. Alternatives such as national civil service or voluntary training programs may be more flexible options that meet similar goals without causing significant negative impacts.

Many young people try to avoid military service, through various methods and efforts. How to avoid military service depends on the laws and regulations in the country where you live. Each country has different policies regarding military service, including how to apply for exemptions or other alternatives. Here are some common ways to avoid military service, although their effectiveness depends on the provisions of each country:

1. Submitting Medical Reasons
   A medical examination that proves physical or mental incapacity can be the basis for an exemption. Medical documents from a doctor or hospital must be attached to support the application.

2. Pointing to Religious or Belief Reasons
   In some countries, a person can claim conscientious objector status based on religious beliefs or certain moral principles that reject violence. This requires an official statement and possibly endorsement from a religious or community leader.

3. Choosing Alternatives to Civil Service
   Some countries provide the option to do civil or social service in lieu of military service, such as working in health care or other public services.

4. Applying for a Deferral
   Delaying military service may be possible for certain educational, research, or work reasons. Some countries allow deferral requests that must be renewed periodically.

5. Dual Citizenship or Change of Nationality
   Having dual citizenship and living in a country that does not impose military service can be one way to avoid it. However, this step may have legal and administrative implications.

6. Seeking Exemption Based on Social Status
   In some countries, people with family members or those working in critical sectors can request exemptions.

7. Exploiting Legal Loopholes
   Keeping up to date with recent changes in laws or policies regarding military service can provide opportunities to legally evade it.

8. Filing Objections Through Legal Channels
   Some cases of military service exemptions have been successful through the courts. This requires a lawyer and strong legal arguments.

It should be noted that attempts to evade military service illegally can result in severe sanctions, including imprisonment or large fines. Therefore, always follow the official procedures and consult a legal advisor if necessary.