Do you think that mandatory military service for all of age able bodied americans...?

Question

would help us as americans to appreciate, in effect take ownership of the country in which we live?

Answer 1

Until I got on Y! Answers, I had mixed feelings about it. Now, that I see all the people who bash the military, the president and even their country.....YES!! Although those really aren't the people you want protecting your back, it would still teach them a thing or two. They would truly learn to appreciate alot more than they do. They'd mainly learn that not all military are brainwashed. The brainwashed comment irritates me more than any other. I, for the life of me can't understand why someone who loves their job and believes in what they do is brainwashed in the opinion of someone who doesn't understand the life. I think a minimum of a 2 year service would make alot of people understand and appreciate more. You have to have your loyalties someplace and I think right now, Americans are getting lost in their loyalties. We all have rights and freedoms and that's what the military has provided for everyone. Sometimes, it's very hard to protect the freedoms of those people who find it so easy to criticize and protest the military. They forget where it comes from. Nobody should be allowed to sleep under that blanket of freedom without at least giving something back.

Sorry this answer is so long. I'm sure it's more than you asked for. As the wife of a soldier, I'm very proud of him. It's an honor to be married to one of this countries finest. He defends this country everyday and I'll defend him just the same. He loves and believes in what he does and for that I'm proud.

Answer 2

There is so much to this answer I couldn't possibly explain it here, but I will do my best. I do think every able bodied and qualified American Male should be made to serve before heading to college.
There are a few reasons why this makes sense. After serving two years of honorable service you will have money for college and have to depend less on loans and financial aid and parents for money for college.
Also I think that people will be more successful using the tools that the military can provide. Of course, these skills will not be used or applied by everybody, but the ones that know the importance of discipline, hard work, dedication, pride, honor, integrity, and excellance will do much better in school and life in general than those who have no graasp of such things. I am not saying that you can't get these traits anywhere, but in the military they are demanded.
You live here and it is your responsibility as a citizen to protect what it is you love about this country. I guarantee everybody has something they love about America. Even if it as simple as they hate where they came from. America is awesome and people should want to fight for that. I guess thas it for now I may edit the answer later though

Answer 3

YES!, Most Americans never leave their own country and really never appreciate how nicely they live and how they take for granted that by being born in this country how lucky they are. I firmly believe two years (at least) for all Americans. Rich, poor, black, white, whatever no one gets an excuse for not serving. But it will never happens, because liberal democrats would whine that it is unfair. Democrats only want to serve in the high government positions where they can be overpaid and get a very large retirement for life, god forbid they would actually join the military.

Answer 4

I don't think it should necessarily be mandatory MILITARY service, but I think mandatory CIVIC service, which could include the military, should exist. I think there are certain people, like my husband, who excel in the military, and others, like me, who would not. However, I have a teaching degree, and would have no problem doing mandatory civil service in an inner-city or poverty stricken region or something like that. Why not have a variety of civil service options so that people can direct their talents/education as efficiently as possible? Nursing/Medicine, Education, Emergency Services, etc. Mandatory civil service would benefit every one, and expose people to experiences they might otherwise never have. I think that would help people appreciate the country a bit more, but I think forcing EVERYONE to serve in the military would result in a lot of conflict.

Answer 5

No, the only time an American should be forced to serve his country is in dire need such as WWII. You put people where they don't want to be and then you are no better than Iraq or China.

The only way Americans will take ownership is to realize they have the power to do it.

Answer 6

Its a catch-22. I would hope that everyone would want to serve their country, but I really wouldn't want someone who doesn't want to serve covering myass in a combat situation. The other thing is, the left screams about the war now when its an all volunteer military. They will only scream louder during a draft.

Answer 7

Mandating military service would create deep resentment by those who really didn't want to do it. Several folks would do all they could to get out, and I don't want those people serving in an army that's supposed to protect me.

Veterans should get free tuition at the state school of their choice, a year of tuition for each year they served full-time active, up to four years.

Answer 8

Definately. Most overseas countries require their people to attend two years of military at the age of 18. This instills dicipline, leadership, among other traits throughout the society. Probably one of the reasons there is less crime in most overseas countries.

Answer 9

In theory, I would hope so. But I have to agree with The Man on this. The thing that makes our military "great" (opinions aside) is that it's all volunteer. You don't get there unless you choose to, and if you complain afterwards, it's no one's fault but your own. Not to mention there are enough negative feelings among those who did volunteer, it would kill morale to have so many people forced into something they didn't want on this scale.

Answer 10

No, but I think that manadory service (ala WPA/CCC) for MEN would help us have a nation made up of MALES, and less of metrosexuals/wimps. I'm sure the appreciation/ownership factor would go up, as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Works_Progress_Administration

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilian_Conservation_Corps