RSL Joining in Honouring National Servicemen
They didn’t choose to serve – but when Australia called, they answered.
MEDIA RELEASE
Seventy-five years ago, the first cohort of young Australians were registered under the 1951 National Service Scheme. On Saturday, 14 February, we honour their service and that of all those who followed.
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) is joining a national commemoration on Saturday to honour the service and sacrifice of more than 280,000 Australians called up for national service in the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s.
RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley says these young men served Australia, often at significant personal and professional cost, and it is right that this is being recognised on the 75th anniversary year of the commencement of the 1951 National Service Scheme.
National Servicemen’s Day, 14 February, honours all those called up for national service in the 1951-1959 and 1965-1972 schemes.
Peter Tinley said this year’s milestone 75th anniversary provided the opportunity to remember the dedication, commitment and service of the more than 280,000 then young Australians who were called up.
“When the last national serviceman was discharged in 1974, more than 200 had died on active service overseas, others died while serving in Australia and many more were wounded or injured as a result of their service,” he said.
“While these affectionately called Nashos proudly served Australia, national service often came at great personal and professional cost.”
The original National Service Training Scheme ran from 1951 to 1959 and required nearly all 18-year-old males to be registered and undergo between three and six months of full-time training in the armed services, followed by a part-time service commitment in the Defence reserves.
With the escalation of the Vietnam War in 1965, the National Service Scheme was instituted and ran until 1972, with males turning 20 registering for potential military service. Those selected through a ballot system were required to complete two years of full-time service with the Australian Regular Army or six years part-time service in the Citizens Military Force.
Nashos in this scheme served in Australia and overseas, including in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Papua New Guinea.
“For too long, the service of our Nashos went under-recognised. Days like Saturday will help correct that,” Peter Tinley said.
“The RSL, as Australia’s largest veteran organisation, is privileged to be joining in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) national commemorative service in the Great Hall at Parliament House in Canberra.
“Our national servicemen went on to build the Australia we live in today as teachers, tradespeople, business leaders and community pillars. Their service didn’t end when they took off the uniform.
“Australia’s Nashos are special and share a respected place alongside all our military veterans. They may not have volunteered, but they served our nation when called.
“On Saturday, we will honour their service. But the best way to remember them is to ensure all veterans who answered Australia’s call - whether by choice or by ballot – always receive the support they’ve earned,” Peter Tinley said.
For more information about the commemorative event visit dva.gov.au/Nashos75
Community members are invited to submit a personal tribute on DVA’s Wall of Remembrance.