[West Ender]

Perhaps those of us who remember National Service can, in a way, divorce the concept of a fighting force from that of young men being trained acceptably to "toe the line". A modern form of N S needn't, necessarily, be a spell in one of the front-line services but could be incorporated with helping to maintain the community - provided the army-style discipline etc. was in place and the work was regarded as seriously as army service.

There is a YOI not far from here. The lads wear uniform and they do work in the community, like getting ready for and clearing up after festivals etc., under very strict supervision. Unfortunately they've had to actually get a criminal record and be sentenced before they get that bit of discipline in their lives.