National disservice
Sir: As an ex-soldier, I have to say Brigadier Maxwell is barking mad if he believes that the reintroduction of National Service will address the problem of today's feral youth (Letters, 14 July). National Service was extremely inefficient as it required a disproportionately large training establishment, the investment in which, in today's high-tech military world, could only be justified by a minimum of a politically unacceptable three years' service, to say nothing of the infrastructure required — weapons, equipment, accommodation and training areas. Furthermore, it had catastrophic effects on the Services' pay and conditions. Given the increase in population since 1959 and that women would also be conscripted, the Army alone would number at least 400,000. Brigadier Maxwell's suggestion that they be deployed in civil disaster areas and UN peace keeping operations is, I am afraid, pie in the sky. The fact is these young men and women will merely twiddle their fingers itching to get out whilst destroying the Services' hardearned reputation for professionalism.
Finally, it is a gross insult to HM Forces to suggest there be rehabilitation units to educate the nation's youth in how to behave. That is the responsibility of parents and schools.
Gavin Peck Baughurst, Hants
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