The Draft....?

Question

How many think that instead of the draft, all males and females, when completed high school, went to Basic and Advanced training, and after that, had 4 years of service sorta like the guard or reserves (2 weekends a month), In return, the 1st two years of college is free. Think about it, we have a ready avaible defense force, and no more defaulted student loans. Plus, there would be no reason that a associate degree could not be the average level of schooling. Raising our educational level in the process.?

And the only way you could not is by a review board saying you could not physcially do it, not your parents or money or poistion in life.

Answer 1

Switzerland has something like that except that each person is required to serve 18 months active duty. No harm in it. There's going to be lots of whining about being forced to serve and individual rights but that's mostly from people who cannot concieve that nothing is free, most especially freedom.

Add a condition in there that those morally opposed to being a combat soldier serve some other society serving function such as assisting the needy, providing health services or helping in other countrie to build their infrastructure. Basically, something useful.

Answer 2

The draft is a good idea. But lets call it "Mandatory Civic Duty".
Other countries do it. Two years is about the amount of time it would take for basic training and then an advanced school. Offering some money for college along with a fair wage, medical and meals would also be included. Why wouldn't a kid coming out of high school jump on that? On a social level, I think it would help give the younger people a sense of purpose, and a feeling of being needed. Drug use and crime would drop dramatically.

Answer 3

Not a bad thought but you would have the same problem as a minority of the student populace would willingly participate but the upper crust would find ways out of it.

The only way a draft works is that when you reach age 18 within 6 months of your birthday you show up at an entrance stations with bags packed and your ASVAB determines which branch you go to. If your scores are low you become a grunt; if they are high you become an intel specialist. Male or Female it doesn't matter.

Then if you fail the physical for the military, you enter into government service in a support role at a GS-4/5 pay rate working in support of the troops at various locations around the world. All of the same benefits, food, uniform and housing except you are a NON combatant and have to serve two to four years. If you decide to continue you can elect to remain in civil service or go to college.

Answer 4

No On Draft, Why? ...
American public will not let that happen....

I say again will not ... period. American public had a very intense serious tough time with Iraq. US American people "are not" even serious about safe guarding America for as long there butt is not on the line. American people can not even safe guard their airlines and airports. You know folks; it's just a matter of time. Why? takes to much time... I'm in a hurry... This is bad customer service... my time is worth money... this is totally in convincing me... why we must to do this... why, why, why, these are one of many other reasons why it is taken so long in Iraq... cause of the out cry .. No more war ... I’m not going in the military...what would people think if we did that... I have rights ... vote Bush out ... Kerry for next President ... why don't you email me it ...hey my cell phone not working today ... where can I get that kind of IPOD... my DISH is not working today.....

You know who in there right mind wants a war folks... really no one. For the draft to take place in the NEW America, the “bad guys " would have to sit in your back yard having a BBQ with there feet up in your chair ... and ask you where the john is... then it would be to late. Currently ... the bad guys are abroad... if 911 didn't wake you up... nothing will. That's not a slap on you, go talk to the people New York... it's still very real. Maybe if you were there.... you would feel different on this subject matter.

We are a great country and of great people ...but were spoil... at times were cheap... at times “let the other guy do it “. Well the other guy is getting tired... on his 3rd or 4th hitch over there... I'm not a republican or a democrat... I'm just Mr. nobody private citizen, knows whom ever is the President forth coming. We as the people need to do a better job of supporting.

I guess you can do one thing:

stand behind your flag or
stand in front of it and protect this country.

History will solve this question of a draft and we will all read about it and shake our heads later. I think it will honestly take another 911 to crap a little more fear in your soul.... the welcome sign will not be needed, just the kind words of;

“pass me little more sauce for my meat“

Vet
1978-1992

Answer 5

Lots of countries already have compulsory service in the military, I'm actually amazed that we don't have something already in place. I went to Norway for a while when I was in school, and I remember being fairly impressed with how casually the guys there felt about it. Granted, Norway hasn't landed very many major military engagements lately, but they seem to have the feeling that "Of course you join the military, it's what you do." I think if we got past the growing pains of the rule, compulsory service would be a good thing for us.

Answer 6

No. I have better plan. In order to get a drivers license, all 16 year olds should complete a boot camp in the milittary of their choice.

Answer 7

Should anyone be forced to serve? What about individual rights? What about those who have religious views against it, like Jehovah's Witnesses and Quakers and Amish?

While it sounds good in theory, the implementation would deny basic rights under the Constitution.

What you propose was done in the Soviet Union under Communism. Is that really where you want this nation to go? I don't!

Best Wishes,

Sue

Answer 8

I like it....having said that, there are a lot of people out there who are perfectly qualified physically for the military but just couldn't cut it mentally.

edited to add: I like Doc's idea, too.

Answer 9

Difficult to tell whether this is mandatory or if rich people could opt out since their parents can already pay the tuition. WIth what you said, it seems like you could just buy your way out of it.

Answer 10

this makes great since, one thing though. there are so many cowards out there avoiding standing up for this country, there would not be enough graduates to keep the military strong and they would have to bring back the draft anyway.