Many countries have compulsory military service period for all men. It affects their life, behavior and future plans. Young boys lie about their health and habits to avoid conscription. But is it necessary for the military service to be compulsory?
On one hand compulsory military service is necessary because all countries need a military force what protects the citizens in times of war but people really cannot do it without having any military training. Conscription is also a good way to teach discipline to young men. Men can test and improve their physical and mental toughness which helps them to develop a stronger character. Moreover, it helps to define oneself as a person and to learn how to be a man.
On the other hand, the army requires persons to fit into its pattern. Young men must be obedient and those who are not are treated very brutally. Moreover, many sensitive men feel humiliation because they aren’t strong enough. It may have a negative effect on their psyches and cause bad results. Also, as we have less and less wars we do not need a big army. Furthermore, Estonian army is too small to defeat a bigger army.
To sum it up, compulsory military service has both advantages and disadvantages but I think that it shouldn’t be compulsory. It is enough, that we have professional army that represent our country. People, who want to be soldier, could go through the military training and the others can study and do what they really want.