Chapter 169: Military Service
Several days later, the base issued a notice: Effective immediately, compulsory military service would be implemented. All male residents aged 18 to 35 without serious illnesses must register for military service for a duration of one year. After completing the service period, one can retire or apply to be transferred into the regular military formations.
Every extraordinary period in human society has seen various systems of conscription, and the punishments for those who refuse to serve usually include imprisonment, hefty fines, or both.
For a time, the entire base was shrouded in gloom. The base’s ability team and Special Training Team had been recruiting soldiers from the public for some time; this was a voluntary army, and those who wanted to join would have joined by now. Why wait until now to join the compulsory service? Those who had not joined until now naturally didn’t want to, didn’t wish to. Not everyone has the courage to face the various dangers outside the base, and many would rather live in peace in their own little corner.
Lu Changyuan had been smoking significantly more these past few days, with a thick smell of smoke permeating the house from morning until night.
From the perspective of those in power, conscription is an excellent way to replenish troops quickly, filling the army’s gaps and stabilizing the situation. Having strong, young people firmly under their control naturally reduces the worry of disruption from the ranks.
But for people like Han Yi, having no one in hand is akin to a tiger losing its teeth or a wolf cutting off its claws.
So, it was impossible for Lu Changyuan not to worry. Their original plan was to leave some people behind to look after things. But given the current situation, it’s feared that once Han Yi leaves, those remaining will be sent to serve in the military.
After lunch, Lu Changyuan gathered everyone in the courtyard into the hall to see what they thought about the recruitment and their willingness to join.
Zhu Changfu held the conscription notice, turning it over and over twice, his smile a bit goofy, somewhat self-mocking, "It looks like only I, Zhu, am exempt from going."
Zhu Changfu was forty-two this year, beyond the conscription age range.