In Italy, the transition from compulsory military service to the universal civil service marks a turning point inspired by the common good. The Legambiente project stands out for its ability to combine the protection of the environment with the formation of awareness of consciousness and involvement in the construction of a sustainable future
The origins of compulsory military service: a national obligation
The establishment of compulsory military service in Italy dates back to 1861, in conjunction with theunification of the country. The lever was introduced not only as a defense tool for the “newborn” Italian state, but also as a means of forging a new national identity in a context fragmented from a cultural, social and linguistic point of view. In a nation still far from being united, the military experience became a social glue, an opportunity for young people from different realities to share common values and adapt to a system regulated by the discipline and sense of duty.
For generations, military service has represented an almost inevitable rite of passage. It was a path aimed, at least in its intentions, at educating responsible citizens, capable of contributing to the collective good. However, the experience was not without its shadows. The lever’s organization sometimes suffered from inefficiencies, and many young people found themselves performing tasks that had little to do with the origins of military preparation.
Evolution: from compulsory military service to new horizons
From the 1980s and 1990s, the perception of mandatory military service began to change profoundly. The number of conscientious objectors, young people who, for ethical, religious or ideological reasons, refused the idea of serving in the military sphere, in favor of forms of alternative civilian involvement. At the same time, the needs of the armed forces were evolving. The traditional model based on temporary recruits has always been adequate in the face of the growing technological and strategic complexity of modern defense, which required highly qualified and motivated personnel.
The crucial passage took place in 2005, with the official suspension of the mandatory lever. This event marked the transition to a fully professional army, composed exclusively of volunteers. The elimination of mandatory leverage was not only a technical reform, but also a cultural change.
With the end of compulsory military service, the civil service initially emerged as an alternative reserved for conscientious objectors. In fact, he offered the opportunity to serve the community without stocking up on guns. Since then, this formula has rapidly evolved to become a real resource for the country.
The universal civil service
From 2016, the establishment of Universal civil service has marked a real revolution. Boys and girls between the ages of 18 and 28 can now choose to dedicate a year of their lives to initiatives of collective interest, transforming an individual experience into a concrete contribution to the wells of society.
From aid to the most vulnerable people, such as the elderly, disabled and minors, to civil protection, with interventions focused on emergencies and natural disasters; From education and awareness in schools to the enhancement of historical, artistic and environmental heritage, the Scar offers a range of opportunities that respond to concrete community needs.
But the value of the civil service is not limited to social contributions.
A training experience
For young participants it is also a highly formative experience, capable of encouraging personal and professional growth. During their path, volunteers acquire technical, organizational and relational skills, learn to work in a team and solve problems, to develop a greater awareness of the challenges of contemporary reality.
In this sense, the universal civil service is configured as a bridge between training and the world of work, as well as a unique opportunity to reflect on the values of solidarity, active citizenship and social responsibility. But let’s get to the news.
Legambiente’s Project: Young Protagonists of Sustainability
One of the most representative initiatives of the scar, the project of Legambientean authentic model of excellence in environmental sustainability. For decades he has been a key player in the fight against climate change and promoter of sustainable lifestyles, the association offers young people the opportunity to contribute directly and significantly to the protection of the planet.
Volunteers who choose to join the project are involved in a wide range of activities, ranging from the reduction of pollution to sustainable waste management, from the scientific monitoring of environmental phenomena to the proposal of innovative solutions to address the most urgent ecological critical issues, to the promotion of respectful mobility of the environment. Legambiente’s national headquarters in Rome acts as an operational center for these initiatives and becomes a crossroads of concrete actions and training moments.
A training that goes beyond practical action
A distinctive element of the project lies in the care reserved for training. Volunteers not only perform operational tasks, but receive thorough preparation on environmental issues, acquiring knowledge on both a global and local scale.
For young participants, this experience represents much more than an educational opportunity. They become ambassadors of change and bring with them a wealth of skills, values and sensitivity that will accompany them in their personal and professional lives. The project therefore not only protects the environment, but lays the foundation for a new generation of responsible citizens and is committed to building a fairer and sustainable future.