Should we have mandatory military service for everyone 18-22 to be considered at true American?

russkimuzhik

Yes, including illegal immigrants.

USA will solve 3 problems with one shot:
1. War in Iraq will be over.
2. Illegal immigration will end.
3. All sissies will flee to Canada.

Mary B

I don't think it needs to go as far as military service, but I do think everyone should have to work in at least a civil service job for at least two years out of highschool/college.

jeeper_peeper321

Nope, thats way to many people.

There are 2 million 18 yr old males
There are 2 million 18 yr old females

Same for 19, 20, 21 and 22 yr olds.

That would be 20 million people.

We don't have the military bases, housing or money to afford 20 million people in the military.

donronsen

You must be 23 years old.

cutiessailor

I do not want manditory military service for all people out of college. I would love to see manditory civil service. I actually am fond of the concept used for the political system in the Sci Fi classic "Starship Troopers." You have to serve either as a civil servent or in the military in order to vote, hold governmental office, or work in fields that directly affect the nurturing of our youth(teachers, pastors, etc.....)

The idea of you have to serve the society before you can make or influence decisions in the society appeals to me. Most of the jobs that are restricted are actually pretty low paying in comparison to most forms of empoloyment. There are many opportunites for success without service.

futurefbiguy

The military is for our protection, it shouldn't be seen as a "maturing period" like some people want it to be.

I'd rather have the guy standing next to me WANT to be there, rather than standing there because he has to.

Deathbunny

I think training in basic marksmanship, personal hygiene, first aid, "field skills", and the make-up and function of the US and local governments should be required with summer training camp for high school Juniors and Seniors. Follow high school graduation with a six month or a year "service project", perhaps a term assisting border patrol, putting out forest fires, maybe a foreign aid project, or some form of service to the country or state...

Make it easier to qualify for college money for participating or higher pay grades if you actually enlist in the military. Make it a prerequisite for State or Federal employment (or military service if you show up here as an adult).

Not something totally militarizing, just enough to make people better citizens, better able to handle themselves when things don't work out perfectly, and to teach people to work together in small groups better.

Endex

No. I don't want someone who doesn't want to serve to be fighting beside me. He is much more likely to abandon his comrades during combat. If you have soldiers ready and willing to fight you will be much more successful.

During the Korean war, there were problems with South Korean deserters because they have a mandatory service.

ssracing

no forced service is good service.

ckamk1995

So are you saying that only those who serve in the Military are "true Americans"? What about those that are handicapped or have some sort of disablity? They can be "true americans" also. We have many people who aren't in the military who support our service members by sending care packages, letters, cards, meet them at the airports, and say their prayers for them. My husband is currently serving in Iraq for his 3rd deployment. and I support him and all the other military members. But because I am not serving in Iraq myself doesnt mean I don't consider myself a True American.

dude

Interesting, forced service - what good would that do forcing someone who doesn't want to be there be there. Also that sounds like slavery to me.
Also, not everyone is fit for military service.
Wouldn't a "true American" volunteer to serve instead of waiting to be forced?
How would one be a true American if not given the choice to serve or not?

Milmom

Unless you have served in the military you cannot honestly answer this question. It's unique, its a band of "family" tho hbo says a band of brothers. they forgot the sisters.
I did meet German soldiers when I was there and they were forced into military service. They hated it, but now when I write to them, they say they are sorry they were so against it, because it gave them the best experience of their lives.
I do not belive military service should be forced on anyone, but I do believe that everyone should experience it. Sounds contradictory, but how are you going to understand something unless you experience it?
I just think it installs within you a sense a pride a sense of self confidence and those things you take thru life.

darrell m

maybe you can force people to serve in the military, but you still can't force them to be"true Americans" serving in the military will not make you any more American than the guy working at the local factory who would rather not serve.
as for the ones saying that we should do a stint in the civil service i just want to know why? i have no desire to do any civil service, nor do most people i know.

Nightstalker1967

I agree with Mary B. There should be mandatory civil service for everyone with those who want to volunteer going into the military and others doing public service jobs and public works jobs just like the CCC did to help break the Depression. Maybe a few tens of thousands could be used for border patrol and security at airports, malls and public events.

brainstorm

The rich would still avoid it.

mar036

YES, how is that for an answer

onelife2shyne23

Yes definitely, I believe every male should have to serve one year of service. Then just maybe people will have a little more respect for this thing called freedom....

jhong

No. A country that raises its men to be soldiers is called fascist.

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