Mandatory Service idea?

Question

Before I start I am a veteran of the Air Force, and I will say that I now have a great job and a great life because of the skills and knowledge i aquired during my service. I wont say it was only the AF, BUT it contributed greatly to my success now. And i might have done as well without the AF, but i can only talk about the experience i've had so far.

Now my proposition:
2 years of mandatory military service, either after high school or after college, making you either enlisted or officer.

MANY countries in the world have service like this. I think it has many benefits to the nation as a whole; better trained workforce, they get to see the rest of the world, and realize that there really ARE other coutries, people, and cultures out there.

Good Idea?
Bad Idea?
What problems do you think it solves?
What problems do you think this causes?

just curious what people think.

Dont mistake what i am saying for a draft. I said Mandatory Service.

Coast Guard, Border Patrol, Customs, DHS, Immigration, etc...in addition to the military services.

So i'm really advocating a mix. I think there would still be plenty of people that would choose the military side over the civil side, basically keeping the voluteer force volunteer, but not quite :)

actually looking back i DID say mandatory military service in that section! Sorry you guys, i didnt mean to throw that in...it was on my mind and slipped its way out my fingers!

I said it right in the question at the top though, Mandatory Service :)

Answer 1

a two year national service commitment would do much to improve our citizens and make them appreciate this country more IMO. It would also give them time to grow up and actually think as an adult when they begin making the decisions that will affect them the remainder of their lives. I'd allow those who volunteer to enter the military services with better incentives than those who want to do non-military service. Those not joining the military could do public works, mail sorting and delivery and other government and quas--govermental jobs that this country needs donw but now pays too much to get done. They should only go on to college after this two year service because mosy that go younger do not apply themselves and get the education they should from a university so lots of time is wasted by students, universities and our society.

Answer 2

As a current AF member I too have thought of the mandatory military service. As you know however the service is not ment for everyone and though it would probably help more people out in the long run there will be the many that will be tossed out and will then have problems getting a decent job. Also by making it mandatory it may cause an uproar in the civilian world feeling that their freedom and rights were taken away. My family and friends thought I was the last person in the world that would join, 12 years later I am still here. It puts food on the table and pays the bills, and free college and not to mention free medical, may not be the best but none the less free. I can't complain but I can't wait for retirement just the same.

Answer 3

Mandatory civilian service I can agree with. I would like to keep the volunteer aspect of the Military. However I have spoken with Veterans of the draft age and they say that the army was better with the wide spectrum that they had. I on the other hand enjoyed the fellowship that all of the soldiers on my left and right were there because they wanted to be created.
If the aim is to create a better workforce then perhaps it would pay to incorporate some sort of education in the service. Not like local schools though. More of a hands on on the job training sort. If it had the option of the individual to decide what their occupation would be then it would be great. Of course many are going to contend that such plans are against personal freedom. That's what I think.

Answer 4

I think it would teach young Americans to appreciate what they have here. Too many high school and college-age kids expect things to be handed to them, and complain about the state of the country. I get tired of hearing people complain about the war and the military in general when they have no first hand knowledge of it themselves. I had a 20 year old college guy - whose parents were paying all his bills still - tell me that my husband joining the Army was a "cop out" because he "couldn't cut it" in the real world. What's more real than fighting in Iraq? Most people don't realize the sacrifices our military makes so that they can enjoy the freedoms they take for granted every day.

I've been saying for a while that we should have mandatory military service. If you want to gain citizenship or earn the right to vote, I say serve a couple years in the military.

Answer 5

Good question. I don't believe every citizen should necessarily serve in the armed services but do believe there should be some kind of mandatory service to our country. Perhaps a requirement but a person could choose from the armed services, mandatory community service, Job Corp or something. Armed Services get extra credit. I personally would have been happy to serve in some capacity and believe it would have been a good thing, as you said.

Answer 6

I doubt some thing might be essential. I truthfully do not see how it is a dangerous factor to supply folks a danger to volunteer and support their possess nation or neighborhood. Instead of crying approximately how dangerous matters are and anticipating anyone else to repair them why no longer flip off the PC and cross out and do what you'll be able to to make matters greater. You might be amazed how well you're going to believe when you determine it out that it isn't all approximately you.

Answer 7

Bad Idea.. We are supposed to be the land of the free. I dont see how i am free if the goverment had the right to take my life away from me and force me to inlist in the military even for 2 years. Even the draft in my opinion is criminal, not that they have used it but the fact if men dont sign up for it we can face jail time and be fined. For the people that choose to server our great country all the power to them.. But if the government was to force me to server it i would probably rebel and try to overthrow it, at least that way i die for something i truly believe in.

Answer 8

I am in favor of mandatory service. I think there would be a greater sense of pride and patriotism in this country. I served 10 years in the USMC. I have fought for my country and I would do it again.

I am fed up with all of the bra-burning leftists that have never done anything for their country.

Answer 9

Let's face, today's Armed Forces are considered professionals, meaning they volunteer. I don't want people with attitude serving our country, to an end, these soldiers are our ambassadors and hence we do not want disgruntled Vietnam type of soldiers. I am not taking nothing away from Vietnam vets, they did a great job but many of them were drafted and it showed in their lack of professionalism.

Answer 10

I think that an all-volunteer force is the way to go. Then the people who are there, want to be there. An all-volunteer force has less discipline problems, and is more effective.