I've been thinking if mandatory civil service would result in more unity and empathy towards civil services and society in general.

In places like the USA for instance, people are very individualistic with a surprising lack of empathy for others, especially with the polarization of society and division based more on party lines. That of course and class structure in the US and other countries. The "other" are treated less as humans and more like data points at best or boogymen at worst, which is counterproductive.

This makes me think that having a mandatory civil service would go a long way to serve their community and actually interact with fellow members of their society. Plus, potentially basic skills to use after servixeas a side effect.

But maybe I'm naive...for those in countries with mandatory civil service, do you think it makes a difference in how people in your country are involved in society? Do you think it's been a net positive or negative? Have there been any unintended consequences (positive or negative)?