There are indications of sweeping development and changes at the Ministry of Defense. Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, the Minister of Defense, recently chaired a committee which will meet periodically. I hope the committee focuses on drafting our youth into the military as this would enable us to develop a military reserve force that would be at our disposal as and when needed.
Our country, along with other Gulf countries, has become a target. Iran has been threatening the security of Arab and Gulf countries; it is high time we face it with millions of trained soldiers who know how to protect the Kingdom.
Military service usually begins after completion of high school and before a person starts working professionally. I feel it should be made a precondition for employment. It would be better if military service were to begin before high school. Students should be taught about the military at school in terms of what it means, its importance and what conscripts are required to do.
Military conscription was in force more than 2,000 years ago in the ancient Greek and Roman Empires. Thousands of people were also drafted into armies during the First and Second World Wars. For Arabs and Muslims, military conscription began at the time of Caliph Umar Ibn Al-Khattab when he ordered Al-Mothana Al-Shaibani to enlist different tribes into the Muslim army. Military service was further developed during the Umayyad Caliphate which was founded in 661 CE.
We often see a large number of young people joyriding, driving recklessly, vandalizing public property and engaging in anti-social behavior. Some of them are very faint-hearted and need toughening up; they often seem to be frightened by mice and cockroaches. This situation should change. We should mobilize the energy of our young people and utilize them in the interests of our Kingdom.
Education and religion can play a major role in correcting the behavior of our youth and reinforcing the concepts of citizenship. We are presently facing many difficulties and at the top of this list is unemployment. Compulsory military service would resolve all of these difficulties. Our young people would learn discipline, how to protect our society and how to work for the Kingdom's betterment.
I think many would agree with me when I say that we want our youth to be disciplined, productive, ethically committed and, more importantly, prepared to serve the country of their fathers and forefathers. Compulsory military service will protect us against those who want to cause sedition, wreak havoc in society, and ignite sectarianism and tribalism.
Let us try it; I am sure we will not regret it. We will prepare a powerful national force that will be able to support the military and guarantee safety and security.
