France Implements a Mandatory Service Law for All 16-Year Olds

So what do people think of France’s new mandatory service law?:

The mandatory part of national service will last a month, while the second, longer phase will be more closely focused on defence and security

The French government has introduced a plan to bring back national service for all 16-year-olds.

It was an idea put forward by Emmanuel Macron in his presidential campaign, to promote a sense of civic duty and national unity among French youth.

But some remain unconvinced of the benefits.

The new national service will cover all 16-year-olds, girls as well as boys, and will be divided into two distinct phases.

National service in two parts

The first phase is a mandatory one-month placement with a focus on civic culture, which the government says will “enable young people to create new relationships and develop their role in society”.

Voluntary teaching and working with charities are among the options being looked at, alongside traditional military preparation with the police, fire service or army.

The second phase is a voluntary placement of at least three months and up to a year, in which young people will be encouraged to serve “in an area linked to defence and security” – but again, they could opt to carry out volunteer work linked to heritage, the environment or social care.  [BBC]

You can read more at the link, but it seems this more like a long summer camp than national service.  I guess it is better than nothing.  It will be interesting to see how this turns out because I assume there will be legal challenges to it.

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ChickenHead
ChickenHead
5 years ago

Nationalism?!?

Socialization with standardized attitudes and behaviors as well as common goals with the intention of decreasing diversity?

How dare a country do that in today’s age of globalism.

Oh. Wait. Nationalism overcomes tribalism… liberal vs. conservative, men vs. women, rich vs. poor, black vs. everybody… goes away when we are all Americans.

American nationalism has become a dirty concept which must be responded to with cries of racism and bigotry as we throw open the borders and put non-American invaders before the homeless Americans infesting sanctuary cities.

Why do the French get a pass on this nationalism thing.

Diversity is their strength!

Flyingsword
Flyingsword
5 years ago

Marcon just gave a speech about how nationalism/national pride started WWI (which was completely wrong by the way) but now he wants to have special training to instill national pride?!?!?!!?! I am all for being proud of your nation but how does an avowed globalist justify this?

Liz
Liz
5 years ago

Those hats are ridiculous.

Currahee
Currahee
5 years ago

France had a draft until 1996.

Macron never used the word “nationalism”. He used the phrase “social cohesion”.

JFK requested Americans ask what they can do for their country; he also established the Peace Corps. So, the idea of service to Nation being compatible with a global outlook is not new.

BTW, take a moment to watch the video of Macron correcting a young supporter on his manners. Refreshing.

setnaffa
5 years ago

Currahee, Macron is trying to build an “Obama Youth” organization. Don’t try to slander JFK.

a listener
a listener
5 years ago

Setnafa, what reality do you abide in? Obama Youth organization? You mean like the singing Trump girls at the continual and constant rallies?…

Ole Tanker
Ole Tanker
5 years ago

Just another way to justify Socialism. Give a snowflake a worthless position with no duty or responsibility for a short time, then guarantee a baby bed to crematorium paycheck from the state.Make them serve in the Army! Wait, what about the Foreign Legion?

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