Dorset's 'Indiana Jones' supports call for national service

Colonel John Blashford-Snell CBE, 87, is an explorer who has travelled the world and served in the military and has been involved with setting up various groups with young people.

When he is not travelling the world on expeditions, he resides in Motcombe near Shaftesbury.

He said he "fully supports" the concept of national service but favoured the concept of "citizen service" to encompass non-military community service.

READ MORE: Dorset's 'Indiana Jones' returns from Mongolia expedition

The proposal which the Conservative Party has put forward would compel young people by law to complete a community programme over a 12-month period, or enrol in a year-long military training scheme when they turn 18.

Colonel Blashford-Snell assisted the late General Sir John Wilsey in the production of a paper called "Service to the Nation"  which reached the Cabinet and the desk of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the 1970s.

With the support of King Charles, Colonel Blashford-Snell and the Scientific Exploration Society launched Operation Drake (1978-80) followed by Operation Raleigh (1984-89) - which were initiatives taking thousands of young people on very demanding challenges abroad with the intent on putting something back into their communities.

READ MORE: Remarkable expeditions of 'Dorset's Indiana Jones' to be told in upcoming book

Colonel John Blashford-Snell atop a Mongolian Pony (Image: Sarah Jane Lewis)

Colonel Blashford-Snell said: "The cry for conscription is misconstrued, we need citizen service for the mutual benefit of the country and young people.

"We have got to instil a notion like John F. Kennedy of asking not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.

"We have got to expand our army reserves for if it ever came to defending ourselves.

"That is not calling people up to serve, but having people who are trained and self-reliant.

"We need a plan, not just the whim of a politician.

READ MORE: Dorset explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell plans next expedition

"It needs to be an imaginative programme that is interesting and worthwhile, I would incorporate Olympians and explorers to inspire the young.

"We have seen in Ukraine that regular armies start wars but it is civilian armies that win them.

"Time is running out, this has to be planned, but it needs to be done fast."

Asked whether the compulsory element of the policy may lead to young people not being interested in taking part, Colonel Blashford-Snell suggested they may have to be "shamed into taking part."

However, he believes from his years of experience working with young people that the "majority" of 18-year-olds would enjoy the opportunity.

He added: "There are bound to be some who won't like it, but I think the majority will.

"If people are not interested, then there will have to be a way to somehow shame them into taking part.

"It has to be worthwhile and interesting, so people say 'hey this is fun'."