Compulsory Military Training (in New Zealand)
From Freepedia
Compulsory Military Training, (CMT) has been adopted in New Zealand on a number of occasions.
Contents |
First Introduced
CMT was first introduced in New Zealand with the Defence Act of 1909 It applied to all males from 14 – 21 years throughout New Zealand.
World War 1
World War I (1914 to 1918).
There were increasing criticisms of CMT voiced in Parliament, however the outbreak of war in 1914, provided sufficient reason for CMT.
In Mid War, Conscription was introduced, by the Military Services Bill (June 10 1916)
Mid-Wars
CMT was abolished in 1932 due to economic reasons.
World War 2
World War II (1939 to 1945).
The compulsory sections of the Defence Act were not invoked again, till nine months after the outbreak of World War II in September 1939. Under the National Service Emergency Regulations of 1940, conscription was reintroduced. Anyone aged between 18 and 46 became liable to be called up by ballot.
1945 to 1970's
On 25 May 1949, the Prime Minister, announced that a referendum would be held. This was held on 3 August 1949 and strongly approved the reintroduction of CMT. Under the Compulsory Military Training Act of 1949 all males, whether European or Maori, became liable for military service upon reaching 18 years of age.
CMT was abolished again in 1958 and replaced by the ballot system of conscripted service for randomly selected 20-year-old males, which operated between 1960 and 1972. In 1970 the Government announced the decision to end the ballot system.
Today
Today in the three branches of the New Zealand Defence Force, (Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force) and the New Zealand Army) are all volunteer services; there is no form of conscription, or CMT.
