In 1951, the Government introduced National Service during the Korean War.

All Australian males aged 18 had to register, for 176 days of full time training, and two years with the CMF.

This was later reduced to 100 days of full time training and three years with the CMF.

I turned 18 in September 1957 and was caught up in the process, registering as requried. As I was undertaking my training as a Telecommunication Technician (1956 to 1960), I was granted a deferment until the end of this training.

There was a Birthday Ballot, which determined who would be required to undertake National Service training - I had never won a lottery previously, but that changed when I received an official letter from the Government advising that I had been balloted into the scheme.

This system was abandoned in 1959, which ended the concern and stress!

I received another kletter in 1959 advising that the scheme had been stopped, but I was invited to join the CMF if I so desired. I did not desire!

The National Service Act 1964 was proclaimed, a new scheme which provided for compulsory militaery serice for 20 yo males, also chosen by a Birthday Ballot.

This was for two years full time, and three years on the actrive reserve list, In 1971 the full time commitment was reduced ti 18 months.

All this ended in  December 1972 when the incoming Whitlam Labour Government repealed the Act.