Conservatives propose mandatory national service for 18-year-olds in UK election pledge

Mandatory National Service is when all 18-year-olds in the UK have to do either military or civilian service for a year if the Conservative Party wins the election. This means young people will have to choose between working in the armed forces full-time for 12 months or volunteering in their community one weekend a month for a year. The aim is to give young people opportunities to learn new skills, contribute to society, and feel proud of their country. The National Service scheme proposed by Rishi Sunak would involve a small number of 18-year-olds, around 30,000 out of 700,000, spending a year in the military, focusing on areas like logistics and cyber defense. The cost of this program is estimated to be around 2.5 billion pounds a year, partly funded by taking money from the U.K. Shared Prosperity Fund. The government believes this initiative will help young people develop real-world skills and make a positive impact on their communities. The Conservative Party emphasizes that this new National Service is not conscription, as the majority of participants will not serve in the Armed Forces. Instead, the goal is to create a sense of shared purpose among young people and instill pride in the country. The scheme aims to provide life-changing opportunities for young individuals, regardless of their background, and encourage them to consider careers in the military or reserves. The proposal has faced criticism from some who view it as compulsory volunteering and question its feasibility. However, the government argues that this initiative is crucial for empowering young people, enhancing national security, and fostering a stronger sense of community and pride in the UK. The plan includes a royal commission to design the program and aims to open the first pilot applications by September 2025.