Pre 1914, Australia Western Australia, 1912

The 1910 Australian Military Universal Service Scheme, also known as the Defence Act 1903, was a law passed by the Australian government to establish a system of military service for all eligible males in the country. Under the scheme, all men aged between 18 and 60 were required to serve in the military if called upon by the government. This was a significant departure from previous systems, which relied on voluntary enlistment.
The scheme also established the Australian Military Forces, which were responsible for the defence of the country. The Forces were made up of the Permanent Military Forces, which were a small group of full-time professional soldiers, and the Citizen Military Forces, which were made up of part-time soldiers who could be called up for service in times of war or emergency.
Under the Australian Universal Service Scheme of 1912, all boys between the ages of 12 and 14 were required to undergo cadet training in school. The scheme was designed to instill discipline, physical fitness, and military skills in young boys, with the aim of preparing them for potential military service in the future.
.It's worth noting that the 1912 scheme was a revision of the 1910 Universal Service Scheme, which made military service mandatory for all eligible men in the country. The cadet training was a separate component of the scheme, aimed specifically at young boys in school. The Universal Service Scheme was controversial at the time, with many people opposing it as an infringement on personal liberty. However, it was seen as necessary for the defence of the country, especially given the perceived threat from European powers.