Federal Service?

Question

Who thinks that the US would be better off if all young people were required to serve their country in some capacity (like Israel or Australia). I don't think that the military would be good for everone but some sort of service to their country I think would be a good thing and instill a little responsibility in our youth before dumping then into an unsupervised college situation or the job market unprepared for life. Your thoughts please.

Answer 1

I think that the idea of Federal Service would be nice to implement for the youth of the United States because it would indeed instill some social responsibility in them (which is in desperate need today, I think). It would be nice to have a 2 year obligation right after high school, when teenagers are making the transition to adulthood. Hopefully it will also help them build character and maturity before entering higher education or job market. Or maybe they will learn something.

However, I would go one more level further and say that whoever does Federal Service earns the right to vote and take public office like in the government described in Heinlein's novel (not the movie) Starship Troopers. And the Federal Service would not be an ordinary office job; it is actually doing something like labor camps, military, community service, etc (again, like in Starship Troopers).

Answer 2

I've said it before, and I will say it again. I think that a mandatory service obligation would be a GREAT thing. Young people should be required to spend 18 months in the military OR 24 months doing some type of community service (meals on wheels, caring for the elderly, etc).

Answer 3

I, myself, do not favor a draft. That said, lets remember what JFK said; Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. I believe, as human beings, especially we Americans, should get involved, whether it be volunteering at the red cross, hospital visitations, chairing meetings in prisons, volunteer fire department, answer phones on a hot line, local search and rescue auxillary, what ever our community and country needs. President Jimmy Carter helps build houses for lower income people, and he is getting up there in age. Don't have enough time? WE HAVE TIME TO SIT HERE AT THE COMPUTER, DON"T WE?

Answer 4

there is such a policy being bandied about at the moment , it would also encompass those unable to serve in the mil. for health grounds they would do desk jobs / service within their abilities..........also college would NOT get you out of this service as you would still have to do the time stated........not sure how far it will get as a bill as this would ALSO include all the senators children / presidents children...........

As for your question I think it would be a good idea but how to put into effect would be another situation all together.

Answer 5

I think if that was the way it was young people would take more of an interest in government and politics. So many young people have total apathy towards their government.

Answer 6

look at past results of draft,over representation of african americans,rich draft dodgers ,poor morale- now look at the current crop of soldiers sailors airmen and marines by far the best ever and i was a soldier once myself and everytime i visit one of our posts or bases i am amazed at the fine quality of individuals in uniform! thank you ladies and gentlemen of the armed service!HOOAH!!

Answer 7

i wouldn't trust someone to watch my back if they were forced to join