Israel says that their military conscription indeed lowers some class barriers and helps the "startup nation" work.
Details matter. If a conscription term lasts for 9 months and the richest people do their best to get their offspring exempted (which is how it worked in Czechia prior to professionalization of the army), I am not surprised by the lack of overall effect.
If a conscription term lasts 3 years and the local elite feels compelled to take part (Israel), the effect may be much bigger.
Note that college is closer to the latter in its parameters.
Talking to some older Czechs who experienced the system, perhaps teaching people … anything at all would prove superior. Apparently the worst thing about it was the complete disrespect for people’s time and talent.
Details matter. If a conscription term lasts for 9 months and the richest people do their best to get their offspring exempted (which is how it worked in Czechia prior to professionalization of the army), I am not surprised by the lack of overall effect.
If a conscription term lasts 3 years and the local elite feels compelled to take part (Israel), the effect may be much bigger.
Note that college is closer to the latter in its parameters.