Difficulties Arising from Conscription
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lan EING a reasonably sane and thoughtful JO/people, most of us are convinced that conscription to the Armed Forces, regrettable as it may appear from many angles, is essential in these turbulent times. Apart from the aspect of the promotion of safety, and confidence, a period of military discipline and physical training is more likely to do good than harm to our young men. It inspires confidence, removes that shyness which is often a handicap to many, and whilst being accepted as a trial by some, is enjoyed by others.
At the same time conscription presents certain disadvantages. It is apt to be a grave interference in many careers, for the young man must leave his home and his studies just at the time when the latter at least are most important to him. In some branches of the Services he may be able to follow something resembling his intended profession or walk in life, but in others he is altogether isolated from his chosen career, or if he does not have one is often at a loss to know which way to turn when he is again -free.
It is all very well to say that interrupted studies ean be resumed, but it is not by any means easy. Study is almost a habit which, if broken, is difficult to renew. This is particularly so in our industry. The budding engineer should at about the age of conscription be fresh from school or college and entering upon his apprenticeship; he may even have served a year or two of this. Then comes the hiatus, which makes it extremely difficult not only for him, but for the engineering concern or transport operator at whose works he is engaged.
With the prospect of this early break in front of him the apprentice is also likely to have less enthusiasm for what is really his more important task, and by the time he returns, much of what he had learnt may have been forgotten. Similar remarks apply to those who, instead of going direct into works, enter engineering colleges for higher training or who intend to adopt this course. They may feel that unless they have private means they will be for too long a burden upon their parents or other sponsors. This problem is confronting many engineering concerns, for the reason that their executives fear that the supply of trainees will become increasingly short. Already it is well below the demand. No doubt their representative organizations and the educational authorities have these difficulties under review and are doing what they can to ameliorate the position. It is, however, vital that a course which will be in the best possible interests of both parties should be adopted.