13. National Service in Australia
National Service (Conscription) in Australia
Saluting their Service - Grahame Old
Introduction
Conscription in Australia, also known as National Service following the Second World War, has a controversial history in the country which dates back to the compulsory military training and service in the first years following federation. National service is the system of compulsory or voluntary government service, usually military service, whilst conscription is mandatory national service. Since federation, the Australian Government has implemented compulsory military service four times.
The first scheme 1909-1929 (WW1)
The first system of compulsory military service was introduced in 1909, naval or military training for all Australian males aged 12 to 26. Cadet training took place in schools and men over 18 joined the Citizen Forces, later (1916) known as the Citizens Military Forces (CMF). This scheme however did not allow for soldiers to be conscripted for overseas service. In the early years of WW1 Australian men volunteered in droves for the great adventure, however as the casualty rate climbed volunteer numbers declined, mothers no longer allowed their sons to volunteer. Battalions on the killing fields of France and Belgium were rarely at strength causing the Government of the day to attempt to introduce compulsory conscription for overseas service. Referendums on conscription were held in 1916 and 1917, both of which were defeated, causing a bitter divide in the community. The first universal scheme was abolished in 1929.
The second scheme 1939-1945 (WW2)
At the outbreak of WW2 Australia’s Military forces were seriously depleted, the regular Army strength comprised a dismal 3000 men. A larger Citizens Military Force existed however legislation prevented the CMF from serving outside Australia or its territories, Papua and New Guinea. The British Government was calling for troops from the dominions to aid in the war effort and the Australian Government was eager to assist, the second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) was then raised from volunteers for overseas service. This resulted in thousands of experienced men from the CMF resigning overnight and enlisting into the 2nd AIF. To keep the CMF at strength the Government of the day then quickly introduced compulsory military training which commenced in January 1940. All Australian men aged 21 were called up for military training with the CMF. By 1942 the CMF had around 262,000 troops, while the AIF stood at about 171,000. The 2nd AIF was disbanded following WW2 and Australia reverted to a smaller regular Army, the CMF was also vastly reduced in numbers.
National Service Scheme 1951-1959
When the Korean War broke out the Australian Government of the day again introduced compulsory military training. Under this National Service Scheme eligible 18-year-old men had to undertake 176 days of military training. From 1951 through to 1959 around 500,000 men registered and 227, 000 were called up for service with the Navy, Air Force and Army. Those who elected to undertake their training in the army could break up their training requirements into two periods, 98 days in the Australian Regular Army and 78 days in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF). Those who elected to undertake their training with the Royal Australian Navy or the Royal Australian Air Force had to complete their 176 days in one stretch. National servicemen remained on the military service roll for a period of three years and undertook training twice a year for one month. Overseas service was mandatory for the Navy and Air Force whilst it remained voluntary for the Army. However none of the national servicemen in this scheme would see active service. Many well know Collie Boys were called up under this scheme which was discontinued in November 1959.
National Service Scheme 1964-1972
The last National Service Scheme was introduced by the government of the day in 1964 when conflicts in Southeast Asia and Vietnam broke out raising fears about Australia’s security. The Government of the day wished to raise the army's numbers to 40,000 in order to meet overseas commitments. This scheme commenced in 1965, with more than 63,000 men, selected via a birthday ballot, called up for service in the Army for a period of two years (this was reduced to 18 months in August 1971). The difference between this scheme and earlier schemes was the Government could send conscripts overseas. However it should be noted that most National Servicemen were given the choice of active service and the majority volunteered, serving Army officers at the time noted that more national servicemen were keen to serve in Vietnam than were needed. Commanding officers were reluctant to have any soldier who opposed participation in the war, serve in their unit. For most of the war the Government denied that this practice existed. In September 1971, with the level of Australian involvement in Vietnam decreasing, the Minister for the Army stated that although national servicemen would continue to be sent to Vietnam, they would not be compelled to go. Of the 63,000 men who served in the second scheme, more than 15,300 served in the Vietnam War, 200 were killed and more than 1200 were wounded. Around 150 also served in Borneo, with 2 killed.
Once again the issue of conscription provoked great social and political dissent within the Australian community similar to what was seen during the referendum debates of WW1. Unions refused to load stores bound for Australia’s force in Vietnam, Postal services refused to send mail to Soldiers in Vietnam, Politicians became involved in anti-war demonstrations and returning soldiers were openly snubbed. Led by Politicians and left wing unions, university students and other members of the community staged large anti-conscription and anti-Vietnam War demonstrations.
National Servicemen, particularly those who had seen active service, having been conscripted by a selective ballot, fought in Vietnam only to return home to be subjected to the scorn of some of the Australian public, a sad chapter in Australia’s military history.
Fast forward some 50 years to the aftermath of the Afghanistan War, Australian Soldiers again subjected to critical comment. And the Government of the day wonders why the military cannot attract volunteers, perhaps National Service is the answer?
National Service Scheme 1964-1972, Some Facts
1. Between 1964 and 1972, 804,286 twenty-year-olds registered for national service, 567,238 were balloted out (not required).
2. 3563 were granted exemptions for various reasons including; Theological students, ministers of religion and members of religious orders, physical or mental disabilities, conscientious objection (determined by court).
3. 35548 were granted indefinite deferments, the majority being either married before call up date or were members of the Citizens Military Forces.
4. 102134 were declared no longer liable to be called up for reasons including death subsequent to registration, already serving in the permanent forces, rejected as not meeting the required medical, psychological or education standards (the majority) and being imprisoned for refusing to obey call up notice.
5. Temporary deferments were also available to men on the grounds of exceptional hardship or compassion, and to students, apprentices and trainees at universities, teachers' colleges and technical colleges.
6. From 1965 to 1972, 63735 national service men served in the Army, 15300 (approx, 1 in 4) served in the Vietnam War, with 200 killed and 1279 wounded (Around 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War and 521 were killed).
7. 3787078 Sapper John Blacket of 21 Construction Squadron was the first National Serviceman to serve in a combat zone (Borneo 1966).
8. Two National Servicemen were killed (accidently) in Borneo 1966.
9. The first National Servicemen killed in Vietnam was 4717546 Pte Errol NOACK, of Adelaide S.A. he died of wounds received on 24 May 1966.
10. 1688 National Servicemen completed officer training at Scheyville NSW, many served as platoon commanders in Vietnam and many went on to distinguished careers in the Army.
11. 600 National servicemen who were teachers were promoted to sergeant and posted to Papua-New Guinea for 12 months to educate soldiers of the Pacific Islands Regiment.
12. In the well-known Moratorium marches of 1970 and 1971, more than 200,000 people gathered to protest against the war, in cities and towns throughout Australia.
13. The National Service scheme was abolished on 5 December 1972 by the newly elected Labor Government.
14. In 2001, the Australian Government recognised the contribution of National Servicemen to Australia’s defence preparedness with the award of the Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal.
Many Collie Boys were called up for National Service in the 1964-1972 scheme, the ‘NASHO’s, as they were known, completed their training and were posted to many different Corps in the Army. They completed their service admirably and most regarded it as a rewarding part of their lives. 35 Collie Boys served with distinction and honour in the Vietnam War and two were killed in action during that war; 5715633 Lance corporal Keith Ivan DEWAR and 5715978 Private James Mungo Thomas WHITE.
Remembered Forever at the Collie Cardiff RSL Sub Branch
‘Lest we Forget’