Yes, of course it would help. It’s pretty much acceptedas part and parcel of life across much of Europe and varying places throughout the world yet inexplicably was stopped here many decades ago.
Pretty much everyone who went through it said it undoubtedly helped them in later life.
One only has to look at the former criminals, wasters, dropouts, miscreants and good-for-nothings who took part in programmes like Bad Lads Army and SAS style selection programmes to see the benefit and sense of achievement they gained, some having life defining moments of clarity, others just a fulfilling sense of achievement.
Sadly, the snowflakes of modern society would balk at the idea of National Service.
I was on the dole for 2 and a half years in the 80’s prior to joining HM Forces. Military service turned me from a lazy, good for nothing git who would be surfacing to face the day just as his Dad got home from his 8 hour shift at the pit, only to watch him start mowing the lawn whilst I stole a couple of his fags.
When I joined he told me I’d never make it. After 2 weeks I was ready for home.....but stuck it out, one day at a time it improved and before I knew it I was passing out in front of my parents, 10 feet tall, smart as a whip, looking and feeling like a million dollars as I and my pals gave an ‘eyes right’ to our cheering families and friends who’d seen us go from nobody’s to professional soldiers with careers and a sense of purpose.
Do I miss it? Every single day.
Would I do it again? Without question. Armed Service made me a better person and gave me life skills I’d never have gained elsewhere, not to mention circumstances and events that were part of history.
I’d recommend military service to anyone, you wouldn’t regret it.
Apologies for the long post, I’ll cease from waxing lyrical any further.