What is national service? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of national service in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of national service

national servicenoun

dịch vụ quốc gia

/ˌnæʃnəl ˈsɜːvɪs//ˌnæʃnəl ˈsɜːrvɪs/

Where does the word national service come from?

The concept of national service can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Sparta and Athens, where citizens were required to undergo military training and service. The modern-day use of the term "national service" emerged in the early 20th century, particularly after World War I when the idea of a civilian service equivalent to military service became popular in some countries. In the United States, the term "national service" was first used in the National and Community Service Act of 1993, which created the Corporation for National and Community Service as a federal agency to promote volunteerism and service. The act also established the AmeriCorps program, which enables individuals to serve in a wide range of organizations and causes. Outside the US, national service has been adopted by many countries as a way to foster citizenship, security, and social development. For example, in Norway, national service (known as videregående kommandotjeneste) is compulsory for all males over the age of 19, while in the UK, national service (National Service Training Corps) was introduced in the aftermath of World War II as a way to train civilians in essential skills and reserves for the armed forces. Today, national service is still an essential part of many societies, addressing various societal needs from environmental conservation, education, and health to disaster management and infrastructure development. Although the specific nature of national service differs from country to country, it remains a powerful tool for building strong societies, fostering citizenship, and promoting a sense of national pride and identity.

Example of vocabulary national servicenamespace

  • Many countries have mandatory national service programs for their citizens to serve their country upon reaching a certain age.
  • John's overseas university education was put on hold for two years due to mandatory national service obligations.
  • After finishing her degree, Sarah joined the national service and spent a year working in a rural health clinic to address the shortage of medical personnel there.
  • The government emphasizes the importance of national service as a means of developing leadership skills and promoting patriotism among young people.
  • Research shows that national service programs can have a positive impact on participants' career prospects, particularly in healthcare and education.

Synonyms and related words for national service


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