The new school session has been preceded by heated discussions on the compulsory military training program for students. Some unpleasant incidents, such as a "skirmish" between students and drillmasters in Longshan county, Hunan province, and the sudden death of a middle school student at Nanle county, Henan province, have cast a shadow over the compulsory military training course.

The military training programs for school and college students, initiated in the 1950s, have instilled in many youngsters the indomitable spirit. The idea of "national security" can be more easily recognized and embraced by students who have gone through the semi-military drill than those subjected to hollow lectures. Accordingly, students who excel in the training sessions get the chance to serve the country as members of the reserve force or officers, which is important for the country's defense.

Besides, the military training programs give newly enrolled students the opportunity to bond with fellow students who they barely know and realize the importance of team spirit within a short time. The physical and non-physical activities, marked by strong teamwork and positive competition, help make students physically stronger and more disciplined. In fact, most of the students and parents, if not all, are in favor of moderate military training, according to some recent surveys.

Military training for students is not unique to China. Apart from being compulsory in almost all schools across the world, including China, in ancient and medieval times, military training was also included in the curriculum of Ecole Polytechnique, which was founded in 1774 in Paris. In fact, students in the premier French school had to undergo military training for one full year besides their two-year study.

The practice of nurturing youths to serve the country is a global phenomenon. In the United States, the Reserve Officers' Training Corps is associated with more than 1,400 colleges and universities, whose students have to undergo military training and have to qualify as at least lieutenants. And the United Kingdom and Russia have similar arrangements. So, there is nothing wrong with military training for students.