Should homeless people in the U.S. be recruited to serve in the military?

Question

* This would significantly reduce the homeless problem in the United States.

* It would fulfill the personnel needs for the military for quite some time.

* Those who are accepted would be serving their country valiantly.

* Those who are accepted would be taught a skill that they could use in the civilian world, or be able to work towards a military career. They would also receive necessities that they aren't now such as food, shelter, medical care, etc.

* They would be given a chance to earn an education.

Granted, some would not be accepted due to physical and mental health issues, but the same can be said of the non-homeless. This seems like a win-win situation to me.

Your thoughts?

Answer 1

The sad this is most of the homeless fall into the category of having some type of disability or illness, so it wouldn't be the best plan.

Answer 2

I see families on the side of the road with signs asking for help with small children. These people if they have no mental or physical problems should be in line for signing up for the military. Because then there children would have a roof over their heads and food on the table and medical benefits while their parent or parents learn a skill. But there are so many homeless that are drunks and druggies those would not make the cut in the military. The military has lowered its expectations of new recruits but not so much that they would take drunks and druggies.

Answer 3

The reason many of them are homeless is because they can't handle a military like regime. I don't know what percentage are veterans (a lot I know claim to be), some are mentally ill, others are drug addicts.

Things like the military, university, missions, and other stressful occupations and traumatic events trigger mental illness. It's best to identify people with the tendency toward these illnesses first, and not have them in the military or university.

It's not for a lack of skills that they are homeless either.

And unfortunately, part of the problem is that the military does not screen for mental illness. That's why so many veterans are homeless, because instead of treatment they get shellshock.

Answer 4

Considering that most homeless people either have a mental illness, are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, and are malnourished, I'm going to say "no." Would you really want those types of people defending our country? Think about it.

PS: I'm not saying ALL homeless people fit into the above categories. Some people become homeless because of circumstances beyond their control.

Answer 5

I think you'll find that most homeless people have serious social, emotional, and psychological issues. You will find the occasional homeless person who only lacks money to get into permanent housing, but I think that will be the exception.

Those most against your suggestion probably would be people in the military itself. They are looking for young, stable, impressionable people, preferrably straight out of school. Homeless people will probably have seen way too much to be easily taught and indoctrinated by military instructors.

Answer 6

No. The reasons that people are homeless vary greatly and to have the government 'recruit' them for military service would only shift the burden, from them being responsible for themselves to the government taking care of them while they are being trained for mandatory military service.

This concept is not a viable solution to either the homeless problem or bolstering military personnel or service.

Answer 7

I didn't realize that homeless people were excluded from recruitment. I think all citizens should be given the opportunity to serve their country if they so choose. I also oppose any type of induced service, including the selective service. We should have an all volunteer military.

Answer 8

Actually, I read a news story a year ago about a homeless person who reenlisted in the army after a ten year break.

The problem with enlisting homeless people is that the vast majority are have mental problems, health problems, and drug and alcohol problems.

Answer 9

Well this would be drafting and if you go that far what about people in prison what about convicted felons would you send them too. What about if you break a law like speeding or go the full mile and instate a full draft. Or one better every one have to do 3 years of military they will then gain all of the same aspects as you said. Wait a min you say that's not fair? we are all quick to judge what others should do and not what we should do.

Answer 10

2/3rd of high school seniors CANNOT get in the military. They are not qualified to serve for a variety of reasons (too fat, too dumb, too criminal, medical problems etc) That said, if most high school seniors cannot get in, I assure you that very very few homeless people can meet the standard.

Today's military requires educated, intelligent individuals who can make quick, accurate decisions. In order to pass a MEPs physical you can't have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, a criminal record, no mental of physical problems (past and present) and must have a high school equivalency. Most homeless people have abuse issues, legal issues, and mental/physical issues.

Answer 11

yes i think it would be a good idea. If the homeless people they bring in are physically and mentally healthy and they are not drunks, I see no problem with it. I see it as a win win situation also for all of the reasons you listed above.