Michael Caine wants to bring back National Service in military: “It turned me from boy into a man”

Michael Caine has revealed he would like to bring back National Service.

Conscription in the United Kingdom was active until 1963, and the Oscar-winning actor has opened up about the impact it had on him when he was a teenager.

Writing in his new book Don’t Look Back, You’ll Trip Over: My Guide to Life, Caine explained (via The Times): “It’s pretty hard to exaggerate the impact national service had on me. Look, I’m 91 and, 70 years on, I can still remember it.

“I was 18 and sent to Germany as part of the occupation force in Berlin first and then it was on to Korea. It turned me from boy into a man.

“I learnt that you have to be self-reliant but also put your trust in your mates. You’re learning how to be an individual and part of a group with a shared purpose; that’s invaluable.”

Caine goes on to write that he “would bring back national service”, elaborating: “I don’t mean young people should go to war – nothing like that.

“I’d make it six months rather than two years, like it used to be. But being 18-years-old and serving your country, it teaches you a lot. You grow up.”

Last year, Caine confirmed that he had retired from acting following the release of his 2023 film The Great Escaper.

“I keep saying I’m going to retire. Well I am now. I’ve figured, I’ve had a picture where I’ve played the lead and had incredible reviews… What am I going to do that will beat this?” he told Radio 4’s Today programme.

Reflecting on playing a World War 2 veteran in the movie, Caine added: “The only parts I’m liable to get now are 90-year-old men. Or maybe 85. They’re not going to be the lead.

“You don’t have leading men at 90, you’re going to have young handsome boys and girls. So I thought, I might as well leave with all this.”

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