About this record
This secret memorandum for Cabinet proposes an accelerated compulsory national service scheme to build up the strength of the Australian Regular Army. This advice helped shape the National Service Act 1964, which introduced compulsory, selective national service in Australia.
The introduction of national service
Australia had been involved in the Vietnam War from 1962. But it was a conflict between Indonesia and Malaysia over Borneo in 1964 that was the driving force behind the introduction of national service in Australia. The possibility that the conflict could spread to Indonesia's border with Papua New Guinea was seen as a critical threat to Australia's national security, warranting urgent consideration.
Professional military advice was provided to the Menzies government about how Australia could best be prepared to deal with the 'deteriorating strategic situation' and meet 'foreseeable future requirements'. 2 options were proposed to raise the number of people in the armed services to 33,000 by the end of 1966. One was a graduated compulsory selective national service scheme over 6 years. The other was an accelerated scheme over 3 years.
The accelerated scheme was subsequently adopted, as it was thought likely that Australia's future commitments in the region would need to increase. The Australian Government introduced a scheme of selective conscription by ballot in November 1964.
Acknowledgments
Learning resource text © Education Services Australia Limited and the National Archives of Australia 2010.
