THE head of Australia’s powerful Intelligence & Security Joint Committee has called for the reinstatement of National Service as Australia’s strategic position continues to deteriorate.
With rising concerns about a “strategic miscalculation” within the region, Committee chairman Andrew Hastie warned the risk of conflict was also increasing.
Discussing the Australia/China relationship during an online address to the influential Northern Forum group last night, the former SAS officer said espionage activity within Australia had already exceeded Cold War levels.
CONSCRIPTION
Within this framework, Mr Hastie said he had given serious consideration to the re-introduction of incentivised National Service.
“Now when I say National Service I don’t mean conscription,” he said.
“We have a gap year at the moment and young Australians can join the ADF – whether it be Army, Navy or Air Force – for one year to learn some basic soldiering skills.
“But I don’t think it really ticks the box.”
Mr Hastie said a longer commitment was now more appropriate.
“I think two years minimum, which is what it used to be when we had National Service.
“You can generate a level of competence in a rifleman, an airman or a sailor over a two year period.
“It’s a time of growth for young Australians. Eighteen to 20-year-olds having two years in defence to do something that challenges them, to learn leadership, take risks, I think is really important.”
Mr Hastie said the dividend would be to have a deeper and wider catchment of Reserve members across the ADF.
“You’d see more people in civil society who have an experience and a familiarity with defence. You could build better cyber capability because the private sector refreshes tech faster than government – that’s just true around the world.
“That would be my approach to the challenge, which takes defence away from just a conversation we have around ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.”
He said a way to incentivise National Service might be to provide subsidies to HECS or apprenticeship training on completion.
FIGHT
Mr Hastie said it was important to work with both the US and China to keep the Indo-Pacific region safe.
“We want to be that friendly bloke in a pub that smiles and gets on with everyone else – but you sure as heck don’t want to pick a fight with,” he said.
“You want people assessing the risk of taking you on.
“The way you do that is underway – but that’s the kind of posture we want to have. Missile defence is an important part of the strategic plan going forward.”
Mr Hastie said he saw the China/India relationship as key to regional security.
“The odds of a strategic miscalculation are far greater now – there’s a real risk there,” he said.
“What COVID-19 has done is reinforce the trust deficit the PRC now has internationally.
“South China Sea eroded a lot of trust in bilateral relations around the world.
“But the way the COVID-19 pandemic was handled back in January, the way it was allowed to be exported to the rest of the world while internal travel within China was shut down has further diminished that trust.
“That’s why the challenge for political leaders is to find a way out that preserves peace.”
Now is the time for great leaders, Mr Hastie said.PC
“Mr Hastie said it was important to work with both the US and China to keep the Indo-Pacific region safe.”
Quite so, in just the same way that we need to work with both law enforcement *and* gangsters to keep our streets free from crime…
Regrettably I don’t think we are using the Defence Reserves to the best of their ability!
I am responding to the video and its introduction which I thought refreshing, considered and so sensible as for me to agree with every word and for a most interesting Q&A. Thank goodness there are politicians of the calibre and clear thinking of Mr Hastie.
Absolutely too little to late for so many young people
100%
Best thing I ever did. Great experience.
I would note that I marched out of the basic training with less than half the recruits that signed up and they choose to join. Would definitely need to be a completely different process/division to cater for a higher strike rate than that. No way it would ever happen otherwise.
An informative talk from a knowledgeable and talented politician, a future top Leader.
Two years of National Service is an absolutely marvellous idea – (I would make it mandatory as 26 Countries do, half being democracies) – our whole society could become more disciplined, our young adults given a solid direction, a chance to mature and leave such pursuits as aimless protesting behind.
Substantial incentives as Andrew mentioned, would be needed. Then, with many school leavers still uncertain of their direction, perhaps the option of choosing which degree or certificate to apply for, could be deferred until one and a half years in? These incentives, plus energising School and regional Cadet Corps with regular input from ADF personnel; teaching a relevant syllabus and using a range of suitable army technology, should ensure good numbers.
I also hope Andrew can tackle the huge threat that the Confucius Institutes pose in our Universities and then the ever-increasing socialist Academic influence certainly needs addressing by talented right-wing Media, Politicians Military and Professionals of every ilk! The right MUST start fighting back!