Our aimless youth could be forged into a powerful shield for the nation

Britain is once again debating national service . Its time may indeed have come once again, but we must be clear about what we want to achieve. Is it about preparing the country for a more dangerous world ? Is it about giving direction to a generation too many of whom feel left behind? Or is it simply finding something for young people to do? Done properly, it could achieve all three. Done badly, it could alienate the very generation we need to inspire, and weaken our nation’s resilience rather than strengthen it. The case for action is compelling . Aggression from Russia, China and Iran – among others – has shattered the comfortable assumption that the peace dividend following the Cold War could be spent on welfare indefinitely without consequence. Across eastern Europe, Vladimir Putin’s ambitions pose a continuing threat. Britain has allowed its Armed Forces to shrink to a level that would have been scarcely imaginable to previous generations. Meanwhile, too many young people are struggling to find their place in society. A substantial number are not in employment, education or training . For some, the transition from education into adult life has become a journey without a map, let alone a compass. We cannot expect every young person to find their own direction unaided when opportunities, confidence and support are so unevenly distributed. We believe that a scheme of national service, designed intelligently, could help address both challenges. This must not be an exercise in nostalgia, nor a crude attempt to impose military discipline on an entire generation. It should be an ambitious national programme offering practical skills and training, a sense of belonging, and a tangible stake in Britain’s future. There is an economic argument, too. Rather than allowing young people to drift into long-term unemployment, why not build their skills and confidence through structured service? This is not about labelling those out of work as idle. Many face genuine barriers to employment and need support rather than stigma. But a properly funded programme could provide a route into work, qualifications and renewed purpose. One of us is a former regular soldier , and knows the value of teamwork, discipline and responsibility when the consequences matter. The other is an explorer, and has necessarily developed self-reliance , motivation and a willingness to overcome obstacles to reach a goal. In our view the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Outward Bound and St John Ambulance have clearly shown that young people flourish when given encouragement, responsibility and the chance to test themselves. Cadet organisations, not only the military ones but those associated with the emergency services, are a much under-appreciated force for good. We should look closely at Sweden , which takes national resilience seriously. Its system of total defence places responsibilities on citizens aged 16 to 70 to support the country in times of heightened threat or war. Young people are assessed for possible military service, while civilian service can help sustain essential services and infrastructure. Military conscription is gender-neutral, although not everyone is selected for training. For Britain, this offers an intriguing possibility. A well-designed national service scheme could strengthen resilience, build a trained reserve and create a pathway into the Regular Armed Forces. Compulsion alone is not the answer. Ordering young people into a poorly funded scheme with inadequate training and little prospect of meaningful employment would squander the opportunity. Britain will still need professional soldiers, sailors and aviators, properly equipped and trained. National service cannot compensate for years of underinvestment in defence. The programme must command young people’s respect, not merely older generations’ approval. Young people should help shape it, and service must open doors rather than close them. It should be a springboard into adult life, not a detour from it. We should not be blind to the faults of the old national service system, which was frequently criticised for teaching young people to avoid work and responsibility. Nevertheless Britain has an opportunity to rebuild common purpose at a time when our security is deteriorating , and too many young people feel disconnected from society. We should seize it. The question is no longer simply whether young people should serve their country. It is whether we are prepared to give them the skills, opportunities and responsibilities to help secure its future. Hamish de Bretton-Gordon was a regular soldier and remains an active reservist. Sir David Hempleman-Adams is an explorer and adventurer.