By Major F I Adesina (Rtd)

The National Youth Service Scheme was established by Gen Yakubu Gowon,  on 22 May1973, with the aim of integrating National Unity, cultural integration and togetherness.

The scheme was a laudable one but the essence of its establishment had been eroded by several factors.

Many Youth Corps members no longer want to serve where the schene post them, rather they opt for juicy and comfortable cities and offices.

All these were majorly influenced by political, religious, tribal, parental influence and insecurity that pervades the Nigera state.

Implementing a compulsory Military Training program like the ones in Israel and China, Singerpore,Greece,Norway Switzerland, Angola, Eritrea, Libya, Turkey, Russia , Ukraine, Sweden, to mention but a few,
requires a country to meet certain military, political, social and economic criteria. These programs aim to build national defense capabilities, forster unity and patriotism, and prepare citizens for emergency situations.

The propose program of three (3) years compulsory military programs, aim to build national defense capabilities, . Below are the key requirements and benefits of such programs:
Requirements for a Compulsory Military Training Program

1. Legal and Political Framework
Enabling Legislation: The government must pass laws to mandate compulsory military service. This could be through constitutional amendments or new laws specifically outlining the terms and conditions of military service (e.g., age, duration, exemptions).

Government Support: A strong political will to implement and sustain the program. This often requires the ruling party or coalition to have broad public support and a clear national defense policy.

National Consensus: The program needs support from various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society, and the military. There should be a national dialogue on the benefits and objectives of compulsory military service.
Coordination Between Institutions: Collaboration among various government entities (military, education, health, etc.) to organize, manage, and monitor the program efficiently.

2. Military and Infrastructure Capabilities
Sufficient Military Resources: The country must have a well-equipped military that can accommodate large numbers of recruits, this is already in place in Nigeria. This includes training facilities, weapons, uniforms, and experienced military personnel.

Training Facilities: Proper infrastructure for training recruits, including barracks, classrooms, and specialized training zones (combat, medical, logistics, etc.). The military needs to be able to handle the influx of trainees and provide them with adequate resources. The Nigerian military have the capacity to accommodate the above.

Trained Instructors: A well-trained corps of instructors and officers capable of leading, educating, and managing large numbers of young trainees over extended periods.

Technology Integration: Incorporating modern military training techniques, such as simulation-based training, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of training programs. Well trained instructors from the Nigerian military reserve and the existing instructors in various military institutions are capable of delivering the needed results.

3. Socio-Cultural Factors
Public Acceptance: The program requires a broad level of social and cultural acceptance. Public attitudes toward conscription should be supportive, or at least neutral. Public education campaigns could help in changing any negative perceptions. The spate of insecurity in Nigeria, terrorism, kidnapping and the foreign influence of jihadism are convincing factors for a peace loving nation to welcome the idea of compulsory military scheme.

Demographic Factors: The country must have a sizable population of young people eligible for conscription, Nigeria, no doubt has the teeming Youth population to sustain and maintain the program, and a sufficient proportion of them are fit for the service.

Gender Inclusion: Some countries, like Israel, require both men and women to serve, while others may have exemptions or separate programs for each gender. In countries with a more gender-equal focus, both men and women may be equally required to serve in Nigeria military.

4. Economic and Financial Resources
Funding the Program: The government must allocate substantial funding for the recruitment, training, and welfare of conscripts. This includes the cost of maintaining training facilities, salaries for military personnel, healthcare, and logistical operations.

Economic Readiness: A compulsory military service program can temporarily take people out of the workforce. This could be a concern in economies where human capital is limited or labor shortages already exist, but the reverse is the case in Nigeria where so many youths were roaming the streets , having nothing to do.
Balancing the program with economic needs is essential.

5. Logistics and Administration
Recruitment Process: Establish a national registry of eligible citizens and organize an efficient recruitment process, ensuring that no one is left out.
Exit Strategy: There needs to be a clear system for how soldiers transition back into civilian life after completing their service, including assistance with education, employment, and mental health.

Clear Service Guidelines: Clear guidelines on the duration, conditions, and expectations of service. These should address aspects such as health and fitness standards, training specifics, rank structure, and post-service benefits.

6. International and Security Considerations
National Security Needs: The program must align with the country’s national security strategy. This includes assessing the geopolitical environment, threats, and defense posture. For countries facing heightened security risks, such as Nigeria, such a program should be seen as essential.

International Diplomacy: Countries must be mindful of the international response to a compulsory military program. While countries like Israel, China and the rest, have implemented conscription programs for defense purposes, others may view such programs as a sign of aggression or authoritarianism. Diplomatic considerations need to be taken into account.

Attendant Benefits of a Compulsory Military Training Program
1. National Defense and Security
Improved National Defense: A well-trained population can act as a force multiplier in times of crisis. The program helps build a reserve army that can be mobilized quickly in case of a national security threat.

Combat Readiness: Conscripts, through military training, become familiar with weapons, tactics, and military protocols, making the country better prepared for wars, border conflicts, or other emergencies.

2. Unity and Patriotism
National Cohesion: A mandatory service program can help create a sense of shared experience and unity among citizens, irrespective of their social or economic background. This strengthens national identity and fosters patriotism.

Intergroup Relations: Military service brings together people from diverse backgrounds (e.g., urban and rural, rich and poor) and fosters a sense of equality and solidarity, which can reduce social divides.

3. Economic Benefits
Workforce Skills: Military training instills valuable skills such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, and time management. These traits can translate into productivity in civilian life and contribute to national economic growth.

Job Market Adaptability: Some recruits might find opportunities within the military or defense sectors after their service, adding to the economy’s pool of skilled workers.

4. Civic Responsibility
Civic Duty and Responsibility: Compulsory military service fosters a sense of responsibility toward the nation and society. This could lead to greater social participation and a commitment to upholding national values.

Emergency Preparedness: A citizenry that has undergone military training is better prepared for emergencies, whether they involve national defense or natural disasters.

5. Social Welfare and Integration
Health and Fitness: Physical training improves the overall health and fitness levels of conscripts. Military service can be a means of improving the health of young people by fostering discipline and physical conditioning.
Social Integration:

Conscription programs can serve as a tool for social integration, as it brings people from all walks of life together. It promotes social equality, especially in multicultural or divided societies.

6. Cultural Benefits
Moral and Ethical Development: Military service often emphasizes ethical behavior, discipline, respect for authority, and responsibility. These values can extend to civilian life, benefiting broader society.

Developing Leadership Skills: Through leadership training, conscripts may acquire management and decision-making skills that can be applied later in both the private and public sectors.

7. Technological and Innovation Impact
Technology Adoption: In today’s military, technology plays a key role. Exposure to cutting-edge technology during conscription can lead to innovation and technological advancements in the civilian sector.

Research & Development Investment: A robust military infrastructure may drive research and development, which can have spillover effects on other industries (e.g., telecommunications, aerospace, cybersecurity).
Challenges to Consider

Political Resistance: Compulsory military service may face resistance in countries where the public values individual freedoms and autonomy. Conscription can be perceived as an infringement on personal choice, particularly in democratic societies.
Economic Disruptions: Temporarily removing a significant portion of the working-age population from the workforce can strain some sectors of the economy, particularly in fast-growing economies or those with low unemployment rates, incidentally, Nigeria has high level of unemployment rate

Implementation Costs: Setting up and maintaining a large-scale compulsory military training program involves significant costs, both in terms of money and time. The economic resources needed to run such programs can be considerable, especially for developing nations. Considering colossal sum that the Federal Government had spent on insecurity, this program would go a long way at putting to rest such financial waste which could be channeled to other form of infrastructural development.

Conclusion
Establishing a compulsory military training program in Nigeria like those in Israel, China and others, requires careful consideration of the country’s political, economic, and social landscape. While the benefits can be profound—ranging from enhanced national security to improved civic responsibility—the implementation is complex and resource-intensive. But with the right infrastructure, legislation, and political will, such a program can significantly contribute to national defense, social cohesion, and economic development.
Age Requirement: this is deliberately left open for the Federal Government to decide during consultations with stakeholders.