What are the disadvantages of conscription?

Answer 1

The modern use of the term "conscription" usually refers to mandatory military service. Beyond the discipline and commitment that is taught in the military, it also provides a method to guarantee adequate military forces in time of war.

Addition:From a sociologist's or political scientist's viewpoint, mass conscription is also what could be described as a "team building" exercise. That is, mass conscription is a very socialist concept, where all members of society are brought together (regardless of prior wealth or social station) under the same set of rules and conditions. This leads to a very well-developed sense of shared experience, which can be the foundation for a solid sense of national image and identity. That is, conscription can be used to unify a nation, as the conscripts generally develop a sense of appreciation for all the other members of society (after all, they're all being abused by the same military, so they naturally pull together and form strong interpersonal bonds).

This is one of the major advantages that proponents of peacetime draft / conscription / national service advance. That is, conscription can help reduce conflicts due to regionalism, language, race, ethnicity, class, or wealth by forcing all members of society to participate, relate, and work together.

Answer 2

Conscripted soldiers sometimes have lower morale and less motivation than soldiers who volunteered. Conscription is usually unpopular and can lead to anger, resentment, and an increase in the number of soldiers who go AWOL.

Answer 3

Through conscription, your armed forces would obtain far times many more men than in a volunteer service, as you are forced to join through a conscription.