CONSCRIPTION in many parts of the world is a dreadful word. It means young men are taken away from their beloved ones to serve in the army for years. It disturbs their work and family plans and forces them into tough life and harsh ways. Many countries decided to make their military fully voluntary. Soldiers who chose to enlist are more likely to excel than those forced to. After peace became the norm with the end of World War II and the Cold War, the United States and its European allies reduced their military sizes and cancelled conscription. Other countries, in less peaceful environment or intentions, like Russia, Israel, North Korea, Egypt and Syria, felt the need to keep their population ready. Saudi Arabia has never resorted to conscription. Its peaceful policies— staying away from conflicts, resorting to peaceful solutions when any arise — have meant less need for more than professional armed forces. Today, things may have changed. Never before have we faced such dangers on so many fronts. Iran has encircled us north, east and south with threats, divisions and conflicts. In Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Bahrain, its agents and militias are turning the whole region into a war zone. Our youth are fully aware of all the above, so they started a Twitter hashtag calling for conscription. It became so popular that the popular MBC program (Good Morning Arabs) interviewed me last week to discuss it. I told them I prefer another name, another approach. Since the proposition, in our case, came from the people, rather than the government, it shouldn't be called "conscription" with the implication that it is enforced. Instead we should call it National Service. Second, why should it be exclusive for military services. We need help at many areas, like medical, community, police and civil defense services. This way, we could include girls, too. They prove to be so patriotic, caring and helpful. Whenever there is a need for volunteer help, like during Jeddah floods, they were the first to answer the call — and were the best at it. To make it more useful and flexible, I suggest the following system: National Service starts at high school and continues between age 18-35. The total time required is two years. Students may choose summer holidays for training and service. By the time they finish university, the required years can be accumulated. If not, they would have to top it up after graduation. They may also choose the fields that suit their studies and talents. The goal is to train our youth on ethics, principles, discipline, teamwork and useful skills. Like scouts, they would serve their communities and the Guests of the Most Compassionate. This would open the door for boys and girls, teenagers and adults, to develop their talents and use them in the service of their nation and people. For girls and high school students, they don't have to stay in camps or travel away from home. We'd accommodate those with physical or family needs by assigning them to positions in their districts or giving them assignments to do at home. At later stages, those who are most suited may join the armed and security forces as enlisted or reservists. Others may find their call at civic institutions. This is not a volunteer job, but there are rewards. For one, it is a great training opportunity for our youth, in all fields of interest. For many, there is travel and exploring opportunities to discover the treasures of their country, and to meet peers from other regions and make new friends. Last and least, there should be a symbolic financial reward, enough to make them feel appreciated and to cover personal expenses. We are a young society. Our population is mostly under 35, with 70 percent under 30. That is around 15 million. They are well educated, but not as much trained and practiced. Many do sports and exercises, but a majority needs supervised developmental physical training. Girls, in particular, need opportunities for training, caring and giving. We need them, too, in hospitals, schools, community centers, and many other venues. They are the better half of our population and it is a waste not to make the most and best of what they have to offer. Let's imagine how much stronger, vibrant and united if we were to include and partner our young — males and females — in our dearest, greatest and most important project of all —Saudi Arabia. Our world, I could see and feel, would be much better, safer and happier place. Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi is a writer based in Jeddah. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him at Twitter:@kbatarfi
