Why National Service was an education in life

HOW much I agree with the letter from Mr Michael Booth (The Yorkshire Post, September 11) about National Service. 
He was complaining about an earlier comment column 
by Professor Richard Vinen which was not very complimentary about conscription.

I was from farming stock and could probably have escaped being called up but I eventually volunteered and have no regrets. After the first three months of basic training with no complaints, it helped me to mix with all and sundry and to be able to see the other person’s point of view. Basic pay was 28 shillings per week with three shillings being deducted for National Insurance etc.

I can say nothing bad about National Service. I enjoyed my two years. I think today it would mop up a lot of individuals who think that life is about getting drunk every night, being obstreperous to people and generally being anti-social. Three months on the parade ground with my old RSM would teach them how to conduct themselves in public and show them what life is all about. However, I think today the Services have become more sophisticated and only those with a modest degree of intelligence would be admitted. What a pity.