Conscription

South Africa’s conscription policy

In the 1980's the requirements for all white males between the age of 18 - 26 was a 2 year call up for consecutive duty (National Service) and then 12 "camps" to be completed over the following 12 years which could be internal security based or being sent to the border. A camp consisted of a tour of duty which ranged from 21 days to 90+ days. Theoretically, you had completed your duty when you had served 720 days of camps - unless a state of war was declared! Failure to comply (conscientious objectors) generally resulted in 4 to 6 years of military jail (Detention Barracks).