2. Most countries already require people to perform actions in the public interest.
Even though the idea of conscription is one that can be scary or create questions of personal ethics and morality that require answers, there are numerous activities that everyone does that are in the public interest. Many of those actions require a sacrifice on the part of the individual involved to provide for the common good of everyone. Some examples in this category include jury duty, paying taxes, and utilizing the public schools in your community.

Compulsory military service is simply another one of those sacrifices. By putting your needs aside for a specific period, usually 2-4 years, it is possible to gain life experiences and vocational knowledge that can help you to create personal successes throughout your life.

3. It creates a sense of public identity.
When everyone is put into the conscription category, then there is a sense of common identity that the government is able to create throughout the country. Citizens have a sense of national purpose that helps to define everyone. One of the advantages of democracy is that there is more diversity, disagreement, and freedoms that are not available in regimes that follow other government structures. Compulsory military service creates common ground for everyone so that even in the fiercest debate, there is always a level of commonality that can eventually lead toward a moment of compromise.

4. National service allows a country to meet its overall needs in effective ways.
There are several national-level responsibilities that a government must meet through its military. You will find those who are on active duty helping during a natural disaster, volunteering to maintain community parks, and even offering assistance at a local hospital. When the only option available is to use people who want to be there instead of being compelled into service, then there isn’t as much that can get done.

5. It enhances the defensive capabilities of the country.
When the armed forces of a government are well-stocked with human capital, then it becomes more challenging for a foreign state to invade. Even if a war is declared and fought on the homeland, the presence of conscription allows for more resources to be directed into the fight. People come from many different backgrounds, offering numerous skills to the military that might not be available in a volunteer force. That diversity makes the defensive posture stronger, which makes it easier to defend one’s way of life.

6. Conscription adds another layer of accountability to the government.
When there is compulsory military service in place, then more households are directly involved in the daily affairs of their government. The family and friends of a draftee stay watchful of current events so that they know how safe their loved one will be in any given situation. There is a significant desire to understand more about the threats that their government is attempting to counter, providing a voice that offers more support. At the same time, this level of interaction keeps elected officials accountable to their decisions, which means more people can eventually come home.

7. Military service can provide people with useful vocational skills.
Serving in the armed forces means more than knowing how to pick up a gun and how to use it. Military life can teach people specific technical skills that they can use throughout their life. Many veterans have launched a career after their time in service because of what they learned during their time in training. Responsibility, leadership, and teamwork are only some of the traits that get infused into each person as they learn how to defend themselves and their country.

Some of the top jobs in civilian life that prize military training includes law enforcement service, logistics analyzing, management consulting, teaching, nursing, and information technology positions.

8. You will gain a membership into one of the world’s oldest families.
When you become a military veteran in any way, then you are an automatic member into one of the oldest clubs in the world. This special group of people share stories with one another, allowing you to have a family in almost any location. Your status is something that no one can ever take away from you. This membership can even come with certain benefits, like a job offer, and financial incentives like the GI Bill that can make your life a lot easier.

9. You’re not serving for free during your compulsory military service.
In the United States military, a freshly minted second lieutenant earns about $36,000 per year plus full benefits. Monthly allowances of up to $3,000 are permitted as well, depending on where you are stationed. Enlisted personnel earn about $20,000 per year plus full benefits when first getting started, plus an additional $1,500 each month in allowances. Retirement pay can reach up to 75% of the average of your final three years of base salary – and some people earn even more than that.

Even with the Blended Retirement System in place now, conscription in the U.S. would provide several financial benefits that may be worth considering. The same can be said of other military service programs around the world.

10. There are family benefits to consider with military service.
Most nations provide immediate eligibility for full healthcare benefits or insurance for the individual serving and their immediate family members. This advantage stays in place during the entire time spent in service. If you were to decide to stay through retirement after conscription, then you can take the benefit with you when leaving the military. There might be additional temporary benefits available in special circumstances as well.

11. You will get to see the world.
The United States military has several resorts around the world where you can take some vacation time without spending a year’s salary to relax. Some of the most popular spots are the Shades of Green at Disney World and the Hale Koa resort in Hawaii. You’ll receive up to 30 days paid leave per year if the compulsory military service were to follow today’s standards. Your off-duty time is still yours after basic training.

You can sometimes jump on a military hop to fly for free if seats are available. Some have a minimal charge, as low as $5 or airport taxes, allowing you to go to South Korea, Japan, or Germany with on-base lodging that is typically cheaper than the average hotel.

12. There are leadership opportunities available to you.
Even if you don’t think military service is the best road to take in your life, the time you spend in the service can help you to get your resume to the top of the pile when you return to your preferred career. You’ll have proven skills and experiences that will let you take on leadership roles immediately. Some people can even have their degree finished after conscription because of the talents they show to their superiors. If given a choice between hiring someone straight from college or an individual with 2-3 years of practical experience, most hiring manager choose the latter option.