Former Defence Minister Ron Mark says National's boot camp policy has merit because it's modelled around the "highly successful" Limited Services Scheme (LSV).
The LSV is a military styled six-week course for young people who are at risk of long-term unemployment and spend the time gaining skills, getting fit and staying healthy.
National has said its boot camp policy is largely based off the LSV scheme, which makes it different to previous programmes like it.
Mark, now the Mayor of Carterton and patron of the LSV, told AM the issue with the scheme currently is it's not long enough.
But he said if National's proposal is a 12-month programme and solid Government commitment to fund it, he would support it.
"[As long as it] gives these kids the type of guidance and kit they need outside of a youth detention center, then I'd applaud it."
Mark said one wouldn't have to look far to hear the success stories that emerge from the LSV.
"Go and talk to Pacific parents. Go talk to Māori parents. Go and talk to those people who've been through it."
He said the graduation ceremonies show how far some of the young people have come.
"These young people stand up and speak in a way that's just inspiring, they've come from where they were to where they are."
He added the quality of service from people in the military is high because it pays "particular care and attention to the quality, the calibre, the morals and fit" to those in charge.
Mark said it's not just military either, it's a multi-agency approach.
"It's people who are involved in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. These kids may go in with drug and alcohol issues, with abuse issues and they come out of that totally healed, and that's what is needed."
He said those who run the scheme aren't just people who want the job.
"[They] are specially trained, specially selected. Not everybody gets to be an instructor in that school because people just don't fit."
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