Conscription is when governments force citizens to serve in the military for a short amount of time, usually up to two years. This is often seen as unfair because it takes away people's freedom and puts them in danger.
Some argue that mandatory service can be beneficial for society because it builds character and teaches young people valuable skills. Long-term contract soldiers are volunteers who sign up to serve for several years. They are paid more than conscripts and receive better benefits, but they may also face higher risks since they don't have to return home after their term ends. There are many ways that recruits serving under mandatory conscription develop different behavioral norms compared to long-term contract soldiers. These differences shape group identity and cohesion differently. In this essay, I will discuss how these differences come about and what effects they have on society. One way that conscripted recruits differ from contract soldiers is in their attitude toward authority. Conscripts are forced into the military and don't always agree with its policies or procedures. As a result, they tend to challenge authority more than voluntary soldiers do. This can create tension within the unit, which makes it harder for everyone to work together effectively. On the other hand, contract soldiers are more likely to follow orders without question because they signed up for the job and want to stay in it. The different attitudes toward authority lead to different types of leadership styles in each type of soldier. Contract soldiers tend to be more obedient and respectful, while conscripted recruits are less so. Another difference between conscripted and contracted soldiers is in their motivations for joining the military. Most contract soldiers join out of patriotism or a desire to serve their country.
Some join for economic reasons or because they didn't get accepted into college or another career path. This can cause resentment among both groups and make them feel like they aren't working together towards a common goal. Recruits who are drafted into service often feel frustrated and resentful about being forced to fight against their will. Long-term contract soldiers may also feel like they have something to prove since they chose to enlist rather than being drafted. This can lead to conflict within the unit as well.
There are many ways that conscription affects group identity and cohesion. It's important for societies to consider these differences when deciding whether or not to use this method of recruitment.
In what ways do recruits serving under mandatory conscription develop different behavioral norms compared to long-term contract soldiers, and how do these differences shape group identity and cohesion?
Despite the fact that both types of military personnel face similar challenges during their training, recruits serving under mandatory conscription are expected to adapt quickly to the military culture due to their limited time period, whereas long-term contract soldiers have more time to adjust themselves to the requirements. The shorter time frame leads to a lack of attachment to the unit, which may result in lower motivation and commitment.