Two thirds back idea of National Service

24 June 2020

Two thirds back idea of National Service, SSAFA survey finds. 

• SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has found that 66% of Brits would support the reintroduction of National Service in the UK, thanks to the values instilled during military service
  
  
• 53% think re-introducing National Service would teach discipline and respect to young people and 42% feel it would result in decreased levels of crime within society
  
  
• SSAFA calls on the public to celebrate their vital work this Armed Forces Day, especially after their key role in the fight against COVID-19
  
  

This Armed Forces Day, SSAFA reveals that two thirds of those surveyed support the reintroduction of National Service, and more than half of those (51%) feel National Service should be completed for a period of two years.

National Service is a period of compulsory service in the Armed Forces during peacetime, it was phased out in the UK by 1963.

Of the two-thirds (66%) of those surveyed who support reintroducing National Service to the UK, more than three quarters think that it should be compulsory - with everyone aged over 18 enlisted inclusively, regardless of gender or background.

When asked how they thought reintroducing National Service would positively impact society, 53% of those surveyed thought it would teach discipline and respect to young people, and 42% said it would result in decreased levels of crime.

In addition, 41% of those surveyed thought introducing National Service would result in a sense of pride and higher morale within society and 39% felt it would restore lost values to society.

SSAFA found that people felt a greater sense of national pride at the time of National Service, with just under 7 in 10 (68%) Brits thinking that people were more patriotic during WW1 or WW2, when conscription was in effect, compared to now. 57% of those surveyed think that the peak of national pride was linked to National Service.

When asked what best describes how they felt about those who had served or currently serve in the UK Forces, 75% of those surveyed said they felt proud or grateful of both veterans and service personnel. The outbreak of COVID-19 has seen military personnel, both regulars and reserves, working tirelessly to help combat the virus by supporting those on the frontline, such as the NHS, Police and key workers.

The pandemic has shown again the adaptability and dependability of our Armed Forces.  Men and women from all backgrounds have stepped up to underpin the vital work done on today’s frontline in the fight against this virus.  They have demonstrated yet again selfless commitment, respect for others and much more, all of which are core to service in the British military.  While serving and beyond, those who serve bring skills and values from their time in the military back into wider society.  

Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to respect and thank those in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force who protect our freedoms, put the needs of the Nation before their own and add so much to the fabric of daily life. SSAFA calls on the nation to join us showing our pride in the Forces community.

- Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity

SSAFA is calling on the British public to celebrate those who serve this Armed Forces Day, as the vital role of the military has been proven once again during the recent outbreak. The charity supports serving personnel, veterans and their families during times of hardship, providing practical, financial and emotional support when needed.