Alright...I may be stepping on toes here, but I am curious of your thoughts.
The United States military now maintains a force of around 1.4 million active duty personnel. In times of relative peace, this is sufficient to protect U.S. interests at home and abroad. If needed, the United states may institute the draft. (keep in mind it is mandatory for all males to register with SSS(Selective Service System) at the age of 18).
As the Mom of two Airman, I prefer an all-volunteer military. If there is such a thing as 'peace of mind' when your child serves our country...I find a calm in the notion my sons are surrounded by others who have chosen to serve.
This being said, some countries such as Denmark have a mandatory Army service of 4 months at the age of 18 and Singapore has a mandatory service period of twenty-four months at the age of 18. Should the United States consider Conscription for the sole purpose of national service. More and more high schools are requiring community service credit hours in order to graduate. Isn't serving our nation a form of community service? Upon completion of high school, if a young man (and woman????)were to spend 2 years in the Reserves or National Guard, would we grow to be a stronger nation? Would our young people take more pride in defending our nation?
Your turn.............
6 comments:
Personally, I think we have a hard enough time with the volunteers. Conscription is Russian, we're Americans. I volunteered. Everyone should volunteer.
Besides conscription would take away all the motivation the government has to make the military an even remotely attractive career choice.
To hell with a draft or any kind of mandatory service. I only want volunteers watching my entirely too large ass!
Later,
Love you Virtuamom...
No one that I know in -'on the ground' service-including the enlisted-want a return to the draft....
We must be careful ---the words 'national service' troubles me...as it 'smells' of 'brown shirts'....
C-CS
As the mom of one about to head to Southern Afghanistan and a second almost old enough to follow in his footsteps, I vote for all -volunteer all the time. I like knowing that my 2nd son has the CHOICE to follow his brother and isn't MADE to.
Hallie
After serving in Korea and watching how their military works mandating all males serve a minimum of 2 years in some type of force (military or police), I have to say I have that there are times when I have felt this would be a good trend for America to follow. I think it would help our society's current sense of entitlement that they are owed something.
I can see where some would consider it a "draft" of sorts but I don't think it's asking too much to serve your country, it might make you a better person. I have hope that at some point we won't be spread so thin and the military will go back to the "prepare for war" mentality instead of "living in a time of war" that we currently live with.
AM,
Oh boy, I am odd man out. Here goes. I am for Military Service for all, quote "all" 18 year olds, male and female to do a minimum 2 years of military service. This is not as Christian Soldier says "national service, ie: Brown Shirts" This would be true ARMY, Navy, Air Force, Marine or Coast Guard service. My reasons are here.
1. This is the greatest country in the world. Mud Puppy and his unit, my son and his unit and your son and his unit would agree, I am sure.
2. Most, not all, but most 18 year old kids don't have a clue of the real world, what they want to do and think they know everything. I know this to be a fact as I was 18 once and qualify. Please remember I raised, along with ABNMOMMA, 3 kids.
3. My son, like the other soldier want a volunteer in the foxhole with them as they don't respect (trust) a draftee. Excellent point. HOWEVER, if all 18 year old kids went and this service was looked upon as supporting the greatest country on earth and as an honor and privilege I believe it would become acceptable too all.
As my example examine Israel and its system. The national pride is to put the masses before the individual. Sort of a G-d, Country, then the individual.
Just my thoughts.
Pops
I dunno. but A) we're Americans and tend to value our freedoms to choose such things and rebel when told we don't have a choice therefore I don't think it would work here the same as other countries. and B) hubby was in Uncle Sam's Canoe Club from 1970 to 1993. He says the morale, performance etc of the military as a whole during times of draft went straight to hell in a handbasket. The "military or jail" option isn't his fav either so I'll vote NO!
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