Would You Condone Mandatory Military Service?

Question

A hot topic for anyone who takes a political science class, the thought always lingers, especially in todays environment. Would the US be better off initiating a mandatory military service draft? Let's compare with the State of Israel. Men and women are drafted at age 18. Generally, 3 years is required of you and afterwards, you remain in reserve into your 50's. Why is it we don't hear of complaints of serving their county? Is it because they are surrounded by unfriendly people, who are sworn to drive them into the sea? Are there no complaints because Israel consists mainly of Jews, people with a common religion who know what is expected of them, to defend the Promised Land and their people? Does it work because Israel is a small country with close people, compared to America's large mass of culturally different people? Never mind the current conflict the has divided and confused Americans, but think of the general idea of it. What do you think?

Answer 1

I'm not a big fan of mandatory military service, however, I would like to see some kind of mandatory civil service. People, today, lack the appreciation of just what our government means and does. I would like to see us become more nationalistic and become more patriotic and less divisive.

We are our own worst enemy.

I used to believe that we could argue with each other and that would be ok but when someone else jumped in on us we would pull together. That's not happening, today. There are many out there who would rather jump on the EU bandwagon and blame America first.

Maybe some civil service would help them appreciate what they have.

Answer 2

No, I would not. I think a lot of people could use the direction and discipline and skills, but I would rather see military personnel who join because they want to and believe in what they're doing (regardless of whether or not I also believe in it). Some people are simply not cut out for military life and can't handle it; that's fine, and it doesn't make them any less of a citizen nor that they can't serve their country. Just not on the battlefield, and not everyone should be entrusted with the responsibilities and duties of a soldier, I can't imagine that it's easy. Not even all volunteers make it through basic training.

On the other hand, I would condone mandatory civil or community service, which I know that Israel also has. I think it teaches better compassion and understanding.

Answer 3

I vote mandatory military or civil service for a 4-year term prior to college. This prepares young adults for the REAL world and will help them focus when it comes to deciding what to do with themselves (rather than wasting tens of thousands of dollars on a 4-year keg party).

Conversely, State college education should be offered tuition free in exchange for this service. This will raise the median educational level for our workforce (like what the Irish did the past decade).

The problem today is young adults have not been exposed to foreign cultural issues that they THINK they know something about. They don't understand true tyranny, don't recgonize real poverty and can't conceptualize genuine hatred. Having exposure to these things via military or civil service will put these emotional feelings into context, rather than making them parrot the rantings of some Liberal anti-war professor who never got beyond his own egocentric agenda.

Answer 4

Yes I would it is my belief that each person male or female should serve our country for at least 4 years go in out of high school regardless of family income, this should include the Kennedys, Kerry's, Bush's and all of them. Than maybe more people would appreciate the freedoms we have here, if someone is here legal and they join the military then they should have immediate citizenship upon Honorable discharge. It would allow young people to grow up and become responsible for their own actions which most don't seem to be in this country anymore.

Answer 5

No it wastes Money only 18 % of americans make it into the Military the rest is rejected so Forced military service would Lower the standards By 82%

Answer 6

I have lots of Israeli friends! Do you know that people pick them up if they are on the side of the road? Israelis are so helpful.

I think this would be great and it could be combined with a national service, like England had.

I can't wait to serve my country!

***Edit***usarmorsoldier I agree with you...Matt, I never looked at it like that before, I cant wait to be a devildog, but the draftees may complain and be useless****

Answer 7

I was in the military in the draft era and the volunteer era. The quality of soldier in the volunteer Army is higher than the drafted Army. Volunteers want to be there. All draftees don't.

Answer 8

Only if it became mandatory so that the Bush twins would HAVE TO SERVE.Besides, Bush is always proclaiming that we have enough volunteers, and that more signing up everyday.
Personally I would love to see each and every member of the House and Senate serve at least one year, despite their age. At least half doing the cooking and repair of vehicles, and the other half in combat. At the end of 6 months, they would switch jobs.
If they were willing to do that, then I MIGHT consider a mandated draft.

Answer 9

Mandatory Military Service will only apply to middle and low income eligible citizens because all the wealthy citizens will buy their kids out of the service. Does Bush and Vietnam ring the bell?

To answer your question, no, I would not condone it.

Answer 10

I think they should do a mandatory draft to all the people on death row and stop killing all of our innocent people. It doesn't make sense why store away all of the bad guys when you can use them for a better cause. They'll do anything to stay alive won't they?