Hi Richard, the evidence we found in researching the Doherty case is that no one ever was coerced to join the IRA. Knee capping was a punishment for petty crimes in Republican controled areas. In point of fact, the IRA paid a reasonalble wage, and so, with high unemployment it was a job sought after by many. However, the IRA never put more than 300 volunteers in the field at one time, so as to manage the force fairly well, so it was a job that was hard to get.
War is never the answer, but after war, a truth and reconciliation process of some kind is needed.
Very best wishes, dear friend
Lorcan