All young Saudi men should perform military service

LIKE many others, I want the government to make military service mandatory, not only to protect the country against potential dangers but also because some Saudi youth have a poor understanding of citizenship. In fact, social media websites have opened our eyes to a certain group of Saudi youth who might be easily influenced and misled and could pose a great danger to our national security. The Saudi Vision 2030 transformation program aims to build and enhance citizenship.

This can only be achieved, in my opinion, by conscripting our youth into mandatory military service.

Many countries around the globe make young citizens serve in the military for one year despite the fact that some of these countries do not face outside threats, at least in the foreseeable future. Countries pay for the cost of military training because they know that it will bring social and economic benefits in the future.

Switzerland is a perfect example. Despite being a neutral country,



Switzerland imposes a one-year mandatory military service on youth aged 21 to 35. Why would a country like Switzerland that is considered one of the safest countries in the world and host to global conferences impose compulsory conscription on its citizens? It is because the program disciplines participants and makes them more productive.

It is wrong to think that mandatory military service aims to teach members of the public combat and military skills. The actual objective is to enhance the spirit of loyalty and citizenship so that citizens become disciplined, productive and responsible.

Many young men act recklessly and irresponsibly during their teenage years and make a lot of trouble for their families. However, they become more disciplined after being in the military and finishing their training program. Military service teaches them a lot of positive things and enables them to contribute to society. It is the high time all young Saudi men were required to perform military service.