Cyprus-Forum.com

[natalia19]

Hello everyone

I am just wondering what your views are on the compulsory military service to the greek Cypriot army. What do young men actually feel about going to serve? I have a friend who is 18 and has to serve for the 26 months before coming to study here in the UK. To me, it just seems so unfair that he must take 2 years out of his life in such a way – but presumably all greek Cypriot teenagers will grow up knowing that this is something that they will have to do.

What do you all think?

Also, what is it actually like for young men (18 / 19 yrs old) to serve in the army? I mean do they have regular contact with their friends and family eg, telephone, internet, emails etc??? and what about their families/friends/girlfriends? How do they feel about this?

I am just curious to know really. If anyone has any views on this or has had the experience of serving the army recently, I would really like to hear your views.

Many thanks,
Natalia

[DT.]

unfortunately Natalia as long as 37% of our country is under turkish occupation we need to serve in the army. I think the majority of us understood and accepted this, there is a 1-2% of GC youths mostly of an extreme left or anarchist ideology that do not want it nor accept it.

[iceman]

unfortunately Natalia as long as 37% of our country is under turkish occupation we need to serve in the army. I think the majority of us understood and accepted this, there is a 1-2% of GC youths mostly of an extreme left or anarchist ideology that do not want it nor accept it.

out of interest here....was there compulsory military service for GC youth before 1974 or has it started after 1974?

[GorillaGal]

don't most european countries have compulsory military service for the men?
you should be proud to serve your country.

[iceman]

don't most european countries have compulsory military service for the men?
you should be proud to serve your country.

Is there compulsory military service in USA?

[natalia19]

Thankyou for your replies

i live in the UK and here it is not compulsory which is probably why it is surprising for me that greek cypriot young men our age MUST go to serve in the army.
i do think it is an honour to serve your country - and i do think it is a very admirable thing to do. however, it must still be very difficult to take 2 years out of your life in such a way.

what is it like for their families/friends/girlfriends? do they still have contact with the men during their time in the army?

[iceman]

what is it like for their families/friends/girlfriends? do they still have contact with the men during their time in the army?

ofcourse families/friends/girlfriends (and wifes) still have contact,they serve their service in military camps with regular home leaves..Also families can visit them in their camps on the weekends (at least that's how it is for TC army)

[GorillaGal]

i have a friend who is doing his time in the TRNC army right now, and he has emailed me and spoken of family visiting day. maybe he will make an appearance in this thread at some point....

[devil]

I had to do 2½ years in the British Army. I moaned like hell at the time, thinking it a waste of time etc. In retrospect, I don't regret it. It is character-forming and gives you a chance to meet guys from all walks of life, including people you would never meet, otherwise. Opens ones horizons and teaches you the meaning and value of discipline.

If the UK still had conscription, there would be far fewer drunken yobbos on the streets (OK, they may be in Ayia Napa instead, but that's another story!!!).

[iceman]

I had to do 2½ years in the British Army. I moaned like hell at the time, thinking it a waste of time etc. In retrospect, I don't regret it. It is character-forming and gives you a chance to meet guys from all walks of life, including people you would never meet, otherwise. Opens ones horizons and teaches you the meaning and value of discipline.

If the UK still had conscription, there would be far fewer drunken yobbos on the streets (OK, they may be in Ayia Napa instead, but that's another story!!!).

I totally agree,the best part of compulsory military service is that it teaches the youth the meaning of life and discipline and keeps them out of potential trouble (bad habits) at the age they need it most...