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Q: Military training in universities
It's that time of year again when all the first years in university have to do the military training. I live surrounded by universities and walk through one to go to work. Every day I see them out on the sports fields mainly marching in ranks etc... And then later in the day when they've finished, all the restaurants and shops are filled with these students in camo gear.
So what is the actual purpose of this?
I have a Chinese friend who told me it's not so much about preparing them for the military, but rather preparing them for life, and teaching a lot of skills that the don't get taught in Chinese schools. But I don't buy it. I see it as just another thing that takes away free will and teaches that to succeed you need to conform.
The way I understand it is that it's just more 'patriotic education', like the political classes they have at school and the war movies where Chinese soldiers tear Japanese devils in half with their bare hands.
From what kids have said to me they tolerate it because they have to, resent it for being boring,being made to be in the sun and get a tan and aren't really influenced by it other than being glad when it's over.
I don't know if it teaches much about life skills other than this is what you're expected to say if asked. The wrong opinion could probably affect your work life so you should know what the party line is so you can toe it.
I will say though that a bit of discipline occasionally probably does the kids good so there's that at least.
The way I understand it is that it's just more 'patriotic education', like the political classes they have at school and the war movies where Chinese soldiers tear Japanese devils in half with their bare hands.
From what kids have said to me they tolerate it because they have to, resent it for being boring,being made to be in the sun and get a tan and aren't really influenced by it other than being glad when it's over.
I don't know if it teaches much about life skills other than this is what you're expected to say if asked. The wrong opinion could probably affect your work life so you should know what the party line is so you can toe it.
I will say though that a bit of discipline occasionally probably does the kids good so there's that at least.
China is not unique in doing this. Lots of countries also have compulsory national service too at a certain age.
My school had weekly activities for army, navy and airforce cadets. It wasn't madatory but 90% of students did it. I did it and learned some useful life skills and had a lot of fun. It may even give some a little direction in life. Who knows?
From what I have seen, most of it is marching around and a few fitness activities. I'm pretty sure it is the only exercise that lots of them get.
As Stiggs said, a bit of discipline occasionally probably does the kids good so there's that at least
"I have a Chinese friend who told me it's not so much about preparing them for the military, but rather preparing them for life, and teaching a lot of skills that the don't get taught in Chinese schools"
How about teaching them social skills? Chinese youth completely lack those for the most part.
Ostensibly it is the communist party's version of miliitary training which has a been a key feature of university life since the Duke of Zhou and the feudal era.
However like all forms of miliitary training it is designed primarily to train people in groupthink and remove all traces of individual thought.
roystetdoyster:
edit: I do know a couple of students in my 5 years teaching here who refused to do it outright and numerious students with shins splint related injuries and sprained ankles. For those refusniks I often wonder the repercussions are in later University life.
I thought they brought it in (or at least extended it) after a few students got a bit uppity in '89... it's a total crock that goes completely against the point and ethos of higher education.
I will let my Chinese wife answer this one with the term she coins....
"Anti-personality training"
It is meant to destroy the individual and assimilate them to conformity.
Makes it easier to drop the bomb on a nation without civillians.
