Would America be better off having mandatory military service?

Question

The military teaches many things you dont get in college, like work ethic, leadership, discpline, respect for elders. It gives you a greater appreciateion for people who served their country. many of todays youth have no direction and home and thats is another things military life provides, you grow up fast and learn how to fend for yourself. Im not saying everyone has to have a combat occupation, and it would be only for 2 years. I have greatly benefited from the military and I think America would greatly benfit from it.

Answer 1

The things you point out like work ethic and discipline would take a severe hit if every young person in America was thrust into the service.

Imagine your local high school and picture all of those boys and girls showing up at a training facility tomorrow. Do you really think that the high standards of the military could be maintained with the influx of that number of immature people going through training at one time?

It wouldn't be "military" service, it would be "national" service and I think the average participant would not benefit greatly like our military people do today. It would end up looking more like some form of exaggerated "campus" setting.

We simply don't have the resources to manage it under the current system.



g-day!

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

All true, it would be of enormous benefit,
and while we're at it, lets do away with the Libtard
civilian leadership.

This might become essential, and given no choice
in the matter, with the very survival of the USA on the line.

In addition to protracted the ongoing campains in Afganistan
and Iraq.

The growing list of worldwide enemies, and those
on the potential and imminent "hit" list includes,

Iran
Syria
Pakistan
Lebanon
N. Korea
Venusella
Cuba
Burma
Russia
China
India.

Did I miss any ?
There should be enough there though.
China in particular will be an interesting chalange
for the US military, in light of the fact of how long it's taking
just to deal with Afganistan and Iraq.

I could see the USA virtually continously at war, and a constant state of war being embraced as a way of life, for the next 100 years easily.

Sign up today, for the Uncle Sam world tour,
coming to a town near you soon.

LuvUall, Ba-bye.

Answer 4

Work ethics, ROFL, military only teaches you a job, and then grinds you to dust doing that job.

Simple fact, forced service doesn't work, as you see, we are not brought up to support the military. Look at how many ppl are bi.tching at what we do in Iraq. And those are volunteer troops, do you really think if FORCED into service we would get the same outcome? Hell, no, you'd have to much, anti-crap going on, you'd be fighting that first, then actually fighting.

It's the way we are taught, and the values of our people. It would never fly in this country, as we expect way to much for our FREEDOMS, but don't want to support it.

Answer 5

Nope, the purpose of the Military is to defend the Republic, not teach the things parents are supposed to teach.

Answer 6

Many people don't need a drill sargent screaming orders at them to learn "work ethic, leadership, discipline, or respect for elders". Our parents taught us.

Perhaps you should move to China? Or North Korea?

Answer 7

Mandatory military service isn't a good idea. The military doesn't teach work ethic, it forces soldiers to obey without question. It also teaches people to kill other people.
A better idea would be to require all high school students (whether they graduated or not) to perform two years of community service before they enter college. This service could be working on environmental programs; joining the military; rebuilding infrastructure; helping the homeless; working in veterans' hospitals, or any number of other government projects. They would be paid minimum wage, and would earn credit toward their college education. By the time they completed this two years of service they would have earned a new respect for those less fortunate in our society; received a better understanding of what government does for its people; and matured sufficiently to pursue their college or career instead of pissing away two post-high school years of partying and debauchery. -RKO- 10/04/07

Answer 8

The military does not teach you a good work ethic. It just enforces it. You need to get your ethics from your parents, or as parents you need to take responsibility for what you breed and not expect our military to fill in where you've fallen short. This would be expensive and a absolutely NOT needed.
USAF Veteran

Answer 9

I think universal national service would be a very good idea but I would allow people to chose what they did during their service period. Those who objected to the military could work for the forest service or on national health projects.

Answer 10

For some men/woman it really teaches those things you mentioned. On the other hand you would be inviting a bunch of dirt bags in who really don't want to be there.