Look at countries with mandatory conscription... They are, for the most part, successfull programs. An easy way to educate/give skills to a poor population in impoverished nations, and a good way to fill necessary jobs in wealthier countries. Even in countries where mandatory conscription occurs for the whole population, in reality it usually evens out to about 1/3rd of the population serving, and only some of that in a military role. It provides workers for skilled service industries (fire fighters, guards, administration), and gives those who complete their time both experience, and skills, usefull a year later when they want to get their first job in their chosen careers.
Sweden
In Sweden military service is mandatory for men only. As of 2002, Sweden\'s government asked the army to consider mandatory military service for women. Less than one third of the country\'s eligible 19-year-olds are actually drafted each year. Men may choose unarmed service, such as firefighter.
Switzerland
Switzerland has the largest militia army in the world (220,000 including reserves). Military service for Swiss men is obligatory according to the Federal Constitution, and includes seventeen weeks of basic training as well as annual 3-week-refresher courses until a number of service days which increases with rank (260 days for privates) is reached. Service for women is voluntary, but identical in all respects. Conscientious objectors can choose 390 days of community service instead of military service. Medical deferments and dismissals from basic training (often on somewhat dubious grounds) have increased significantly in the last years. Therefore, only about 33% of Swiss men actually complete basic training.
Norway
Norway has mandatory military service of eighteen months for men between the ages of eighteen (17 with parental consent) and forty four. The actual draft time is six months for the home guard, and 9-12 months for the regular army, air force and navy. The remaining months are supposed to be served in annual exercises, but very few conscripts do this due to lack of funding to the Norwegian armed forces. The decreased funding and greater reliance on high technology in the armed forces has resulted in only a third of the male population completing the service (since the late 1990\'s). The remaining two thirds have mostly formally been dismissed after medical tests or obtained deferral of the service due to studies or stays abroad. Many Norwegians consider it unfair that they are the "unlucky" 1/3 that have to complete the compulsory military duty when so many others are dismissed. Others see it as a privilege and there has been reported high competition during the past few years to be allowed to serve. Having completed the draft time is generally regarded favourably with employers.
Mexico
Currently, all males reaching eighteen years of age must register for military service (Servicio Militar Nacional, or SMN) of one year, though selection is made by a lottery system using the following color scheme: whoever draws a black ball must serve as a "disponibility reservist", that is, they must not follow any activities whatsoever and get their discharge card at the end of the year. The ones who get a white ball serve in a Batallón del Servicio Militar Nacional (National Military Service Battalion) composed entirely of one-year SMN conscripts. Those with a community service interest may participate in Literacy Campaigns as teachers, or as Phys-Ed instructors. Military service is also (voluntarily) open to women. In certain cities, such as Mexico City and Veracruz, there is a third option: a red ball (Mexico City) and a Blue ball (Veracruz), which entails serving a full year as a recruit in a Paratrooper Battalion in the case of Mexico City residents, or an Infantería de Marina unit (Navy Marines) in Veracruz. In other cities which have a Navy HQ (such as Ciudad Madero), it is the Navy which takes charge of the conscripts, instead of the Army.
Israel
Israel has mandatory military service for both Jewish men and women. All Israeli Jews are conscripted, except Haredim, who can choose to serve but mostly do not. Israeli Arabs are exempt from service, although they can volunteer and some communities such as the Druze, Bedouin, and Circassians do serve.
Young women can generally opt not to serve if they are married, pregnant, or otherwise - Israel is generally very lenient with Israeli women when it comes to the draft. However, most that can, do serve out of patriotism.
Typically, men serve for 36 months, women serve for 24 months.
Brazil
Males in Brazil are required to serve 12 months of military service upon their 18th birthday. Most often, the service is performed in military bases as close as possible to the person\'s home. The government does not require those planning to attend college or holding a permanent job to serve. There are also several other exceptions, including health reasons, for which one may not have to serve.
