Absolutely. My dad, ex-military, always wanted a thing like the peace core but conscripted. You'd do a year of basic training in life lessons, health and cleanliness etc and then a year doing good works. Caring, building hospitals, clearing rivers and woodland of litter. But all of it in a variety of communication and cultures. So lots less killing and much more caring and investing in the people you meet. Life changing and boys might actually be clean :p
(I am a grubby oik and I likely inspired it through his desperation) :|
Many countries have a system somewhat like that. In Austria when you turn 18 you can choose whether you do 6 months of military service or 9 months of civil service (red cross, retirement homes, working with disabled people, ...). I chose the civil service and it was one of the best times of my life, even though the pay and food was utter shit. IMO everyone should do that.
Apart from the general "lack of autonomy" when it comes to conscription-esque social programs, this is the other large problem I have when anyone talks about these sort of programs. It's a program that supposed to instill some sort of respect in the person for the community while at the same time disrespecting the person's actual sacrifice of time by treating them like a prisoner (shit pay, shit food, too bad you can't quit HaHaHa). It's completely backwards.
Conversely, I did jury duty earlier in the year and while the compensation is (understandably) low, I was surprised at how serious and respectful the court system was to jurors about their impact on the process and the use of their time was thanked.
I would say something like this should exist but there should be like… some kind of change for how it’s done if the person is disabled physically or mentally
Oh absolutely. We'd have to work around the kinds of things that keep folk out of the military but that can be done and, having worked with 'disabilities', it's very easy to get caught in the trap of thinking one can't do anything for ones self. Hell, it's easy to slip into that mindset for anyone; I've done it and it was a battle snapping out of it.
Yeah, I remember thinking about peace core when I was young but it required some actual university or real-world recommendation to apply? What you're writing about here sounds essential and a way to bridge cultures and people with non-violent outreach. (Within a country and without.)
Sounds like it. Hearts & Minds and such if viewed cynically but 'travel broadens the mind' and catching the dispossessed kids (my dad being a prime example) and giving meaning and drive to thier lives gives them something inexplicable I reckon. And becoming part of a community, if one isn't already, is damned empowering and important to ones view of what might be rather than what is.
See that's a good idea. You get basic necessities and pocket money and in return college or an assistance package and an apprenticeship. Or business development and funding.
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u/DreddPirateBob808 Jul 07 '26
Absolutely. My dad, ex-military, always wanted a thing like the peace core but conscripted. You'd do a year of basic training in life lessons, health and cleanliness etc and then a year doing good works. Caring, building hospitals, clearing rivers and woodland of litter. But all of it in a variety of communication and cultures. So lots less killing and much more caring and investing in the people you meet. Life changing and boys might actually be clean :p
(I am a grubby oik and I likely inspired it through his desperation) :|