Joining the military is a big decision and one that can have a significant impact on a young person’s life. In many countries, military service is voluntary and open to those who meet the requirements. In others, it is mandatory for all able-bodied citizens of a certain age.

Youth enlistment in military service is a topic that has been widely debated in recent years. On the one hand, proponents argue that military service can provide discipline, training, and valuable life skills for young people. On the other hand, critics argue that the dangers of military service, particularly in combat situations, outweigh any potential benefits.

The motivations for enlisting in the military are complex and varied and can be influenced by a range of factors, including family background, personal values, and cultural and political views. Moreover, the decision to enlist can have long-term personal, educational, and career implications.

Real Research, an online survey app, attempted to gather opinions through a survey on why the youth enlist in the military.

Highlights

  • All respondents reside in a country where  military service is not compulsory
  • 27.45% view the military in today’s society as ‘very positive’
  • 17.23% said there are limited education and career opportunities for youth joining the military

Military Through the Lens of Society

The perception of the military in today’s society is complex and varies greatly depending on a range of factors, including cultural and political views. In general, most of the respondents (27.45%) view the military as ‘very positive,’ and another 26.26% see it as ‘positive.’ On the other hand, 12.54% perceive the military negatively, and 9.79% see it as ‘very negative.’

Just as there are various forms of military forces, there are several methods used to fill those armed forces that vary from one country to another– one of which is through compulsory service. Also known as conscription or draft, it is a system in which citizens at a specific age are required by law to serve in the military for a specific amount of time.

According to World Population, there are around 85 countries worldwide that have some form of obligatory military service. Based on survey findings, all respondents reside in a country that does not make military service compulsory.

Reasons for Youth Enlisting in the Military

The survey asked, “what factors would influence the youth to enlist in the military?” According to survey respondents, the reasons for youth enlisting in the military are the following:

Factors-that-would-influence-the-youth-to-enlist-in-the-military
Figure 1: Factors that would influence the youth to enlist in the military

The sense of duty to serve the country (13.36%), as part of obligations (12.36%), and for financial stability and benefits such as education assistance and healthcare (10.68%).

Drawbacks to Youth Enlisting in the Military

Next, the survey also asked, “what are the potential drawbacks of the youth enlisting in the military?” Most (17.23%) said there are limited education and career opportunities, and others listed the high risk of injury or death (14.53%) and the toughest challenges that always go with the military (13.76%).

Potential-drawbacks-for-the-youth-enlisting-in-the-military
Figure 2: Potential drawbacks for the youth enlisting in the military

Personal Growth in the Military Service

Many say enlisting in the military is a good way for the youth to gain discipline, responsibility, and leadership skills. 29.53% of survey respondents seem to strongly agree, and another 25.52% somewhat agree. In contrast, 12.97% somewhat disagree, and 10.67% strongly disagree.

enlisting-in-the-military
Figure 3: Aspect of youth’s life to be most benefited by enlisting in the military

The military can provide a challenging environment that encourages personal growth. The aspect of life that will be benefited the most from youth enlisting in the military, according to 18.32%, is the physical aspect. Others (18.06%) said it is their social aspect, while some (17.09) say it is the financial aspect.

Motivations of Youth Enlisting in the Military

Family influence, peer pressure, patriotic norms, and other forms of social expectations can play a significant role in a youth’s decision to enlist in the military. According to 21.94%, these expectations can extremely influence the decision of a youth to enlist in the military. 22.15% say it can be very influential, while 22.43% say ‘moderately.’

More so, 27.06% are definite that young candidates who enlist in the military have different motives compared to older candidates. 26.7% say ‘probably,’ while 19.8% say ‘probably not.’

Also Read: 36.34% Say BTS Members Should Get Military Service Deferment.

Methodology

Survey TitleSurvey on Why the Youth Enlist in the Military
DurationJanuary 24 – January 31, 2023
Number of Participants10,000
DemographicsMales and females, aged 21 to 99
Participating Countries Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, China (Hong Kong) China (Macao), China (Taiwan), Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greanada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Maldives, Maluritania, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar [Burma], Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.