How does everyone feel about mandatory military service in America?

2016-09-12T09:46:33-04:00

I think this would strengthen the ties that bind Americans together as a nation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 9:52 AM

2016-09-12T09:52:47-04:00

Im all for it, maybe our next generation will learn a thing or two about what serving your country is all about !!!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 12 at 2016 9:56 AM

2016-09-12T09:56:51-04:00

No thank you

Response by COL Lee Flemming made Sep 12 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-09-12T09:59:40-04:00

It would be extremely expensive, but I could absolutely see societal benefits. I am also not convinced that it would make our services any stronger!

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Sep 12 at 2016 10:09 AM

2016-09-12T10:09:52-04:00

There are already enough knuckleheads to deal with (that dreaded 10%) without having to deal with Soldiers who don't want to be there.

Response by SSgt Joshua Hart made Sep 12 at 2016 10:35 AM

2016-09-12T10:35:53-04:00

I do not think it would be in the best interest of our military. Like previously stated there are already enough "Knuckleheads" to deal with as well as those we have joined for the wrong reasons or because they had nothing else to do. Which some of those that joined because they had nothing else have molded and became good Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and Seamen. But I don't think a requirement would be a good idea because not everyone is cut out for the military and its also not something that should be given anything other than full effort. I understand the need to fill boots but requiring service and basically recruiting trouble is not something I want to be a part of. You want to bind Americans together? That starts when you're child and are raised correctly to be a Patriot and love this country and your neighbor. Love our Flag and respect those that wear a uniform in service of others for a living. Change the thought process of our society. The real question is how...

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 12 at 2016 10:57 AM

2016-09-12T10:57:39-04:00

I am not a fan of this at all. It was hard enough leading volunteers but leading troops forced to be there would be even more difficult. Considering Soldiers cannot be hit anymore, this would not work very well at all.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 11:10 AM

2016-09-12T11:10:51-04:00

I served on active duty from 1960 to 1975. During that time we had the draft and in the Air Force we had the volunteers who did so to avoid being drafted. Most were good troops, but there was a few who were not.

No I do not agree with mandatory service unless that man power need can not be met by those who truly want to serve.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 12 at 2016 11:36 AM

2016-09-12T11:36:37-04:00

We had serious problems with troops that didn't want to be there in Viet Nam.

http://home.mweb.co.za/re/redcap/vietcrim.htm

Fragging and Combat Refusals in Vietnam

Incidents of fragging and combat refusals by US Forces in the Vietnam Conflict.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 12:00 PM

2016-09-12T12:00:24-04:00

Absolutely not. While I do think it would create an increased level of awareness among the citizens of our country, I think it would have detrimental effects on the military. You cannot make somebody do something if they legitimately do not want to be there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 12:15 PM

2016-09-12T12:15:15-04:00

I would like to see 18 months of Public Service, however I don't believe that service should be only military. It should cover everything from fixing roads and other public projects at the state and local level to forest service to picking up an EMT certification and supporting the local fire department. Military service could be one of the options, however it should be one option among many.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 5:13 PM

2016-09-12T17:13:05-04:00

I prefer to have a military with individuals that WANTED to join. Especially with my generation being a bunch of complainers, not thank you.

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Sep 12 at 2016 6:38 PM

2016-09-12T18:38:12-04:00

would be wonderful...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 11:37 AM

2017-01-24T11:37:02-05:00

Honestly, I'm down for it.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 11:41 AM

2017-01-24T11:41:24-05:00

While it may seem like a good idea on the surface for instilling pride in one's country, and investing people into its defense, it is not always such a good idea. Not everyone is cut out for or compatible with the Armed Forces.

As a member of an all volunteer force I want someone who wants to be there to watch my back, not someone who is forced to be there. The motivations are entirely different. Someone who does not want to be in the military will likely not put forth his/her best efforts towards accomplishing the mission. Heck, we already have people who volunteer and don't put forth the required effort.

In the subject of retaining skill, why would you spend the time, money, effort, and resources on training someone who will only be in the service for a few years? Yes, there is the potential that someone who is forced into service will come to like it and adapt to the lifestyle, but in financially austere times, that is a big risk.

Bottom line, NOT a good idea.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 11:43 AM

2017-01-24T11:43:54-05:00

I'm generally opposed to it. Some draftees would likely be more of a burden than an asset. We should find ways folks who aren't suited to military service can still serve. I'm a fan of GEN(R) McChrystal's national service approach. Question is, how do you do it?
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/07/you-dont-have-to-wear-a-military-uniform-to-serve-your-country/491765/

‘You Don’t Have to Wear a Military Uniform to Serve Your Country’

A national service year would teach young Americans tolerance and team-building while restoring political and civic responsibility—and in the process help to heal a wounded nation.

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made Jan 24 at 2017 11:46 AM

2017-01-24T11:46:20-05:00

Not a fan. One of the basic things that this country is formed on is the freedom to choose your own path. IMHO Being obligated to serve it does not align with that. Now conscription during time of immense need is a totally different issue.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Jan 24 at 2017 11:49 AM

2017-01-24T11:49:06-05:00

As a practice doesn't it lower the quality of the force? It would seem that leading people who have chosen to be there is a less difficult endeavor.

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Jan 24 at 2017 11:49 AM

2017-01-24T11:49:30-05:00

I still believe that every 18 year old still has to go to USPS and sign the SS form. It's a fallback plan. Doing away with it and mismanaging troops will lead to less boots on the ground for a war of this century that turns on a whim within nanoseconds.

Response by Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. made Jan 24 at 2017 11:51 AM

2017-01-24T11:51:49-05:00

At 19 I was drafted, obviously then immediately volunteered and stayed for a career. I don't think enough young males during the Vietnam War would have volunteered to meet combat and mission support efforts. So my answer is - it depends on the size and scope of the situation. Iif we wind up in an all out declared war - we will need the draft.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 11:54 AM

2017-01-24T11:54:47-05:00

The last period of drafted soldiers were paid less than those who volunteered to enlist. Also ROTC was used as a replacement for being drafted by college students. We have way too many people in college now a days. A major need personnel would be required to bring back the draft. Unless there an invasion on US soil proposing the draft would be political suicide. Also basic training would need a different mind set. Drill Sergeants would have to motive recruits differently since there would be a large group really don't want to be in basic training. We know the vast majority of politicians will do whatever it takes to stay in office. A "diamond in the rough" or some good soldiers might come out of it. I don't think the efforts to bring back the draft will bring out the quality soldiers.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 11:55 AM

2017-01-24T11:55:43-05:00

I'd like to see a mandatory two year service for everyone when they reach 18. Doesn't have to be military, there are a lot of other service areas they could serve. IMO, this would help build a sense of belonging to something larger than the community they grew up in and expose people to other ideas and parts of the country.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 11:56 AM

2017-01-24T11:56:32-05:00

Big fan Sir and think some form of military/national service should be compulsory.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 11:58 AM

2017-01-24T11:58:00-05:00

Having worked with the "volunteers" who only volunteered to avoid being drafted to a branch they did not want, I would say only if the need is not met by volunteers. Making people do what they have no desire to do sometimes does not work.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jan 24 at 2017 12:18 PM

2017-01-24T12:18:18-05:00

The first question would be is it really needed? Does the military currently need to be bigger than what an all volunteer force can sustain? The procurement standards for the services fluctuates on its authorized end strength. Downsizing = higher standards, fewer waivers. Upsizing = relaxed standards, more waivers. The Army was able to meet its increased recruiting mission in the '00's at the cost of lowering standards and waiving more applicants that would not have been otherwise qualified. Despite there being obvious drawbacks to lower standards, the military was still being manned by volunteers. To make military service compulsory, the standards would have to be lowered even further or thrown completely out the window, and compounded by the fact that those SM's would not be there under their own free will. That in itself would be a detriment to good order and discipline. Perhaps it would be a necessary trade-off in a conventional WWIII scenario where the military needed tens of thousands of replacements for casualties. But currently speaking, it would not be practical let alone necessary.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jan 24 at 2017 12:20 PM

2017-01-24T12:20:18-05:00

I would say that it is a valid solution to a problem that does not exist (at least for now). When I asked my father in law (a Vietnam era Army Colonel) the same question, he was of two minds. Some of the smartest and most capable soldiers he had were draftee's but that was countered by his worst discipline problems coming from draftees. The discipline problems along with a surprising number of soldiers at the time who could not read was enough to sour him on the draft. From my experience in the Air Force Safety world, I think it would be a mistake to bring back the draft. Day to day tasking's are more complicated and when someone doesn't want to be there doing his job and doing it well, that person is likely to get himself or others hurt/killed.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 12:20 PM

2017-01-24T12:20:46-05:00

It is good in theory but our country is too large for it to be put in practice. So very brief research puts the average amount of US citizens turning 18 each year around 4 million. So if only 25 percent out of that is qualified to serve (ie medically, criminally, ASVAB scores, ect) that puts 1 million new members in the armed forces each year. The logistics cost and support needed to train and maintain a standing military of that size would just be to large to put in practice.

Response by SGT David T. made Jan 24 at 2017 12:25 PM

2017-01-24T12:25:56-05:00

Given that I did not have the best of experiences with folks from the IRR called up, I am opposed to the idea. I would instead be in favor of a public service requirement that was more holistic. Military service could be part of it but I do not want to see that being the only way. I think only doing a draft would be problematic to say the least. Give people a choice that offers them a way to match their talents and interests to public service. I think in this way, we would get more buy in as well as help to rekindle the idea of being a community and not just a collection of separate individuals.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Jan 24 at 2017 12:29 PM

2017-01-24T12:29:07-05:00

Yep. Plain and simple. Earn your rights.

Response by SGT William Howell made Jan 24 at 2017 12:32 PM

2017-01-24T12:32:17-05:00

I am against it. In 2004 we took anything breathing and would volunteer. As an MP investigator I can't tell you how much my workload increased. No telling what senior NCOs had to go through for things that did not make it to criminal investigations. These were people that thought they wanted to be in the military. I can't even imagine what would happen to good order and discipline if we forced people to join. In my humble Buck SGT opinion, we are much more combat effective with 2 million professionals than with 4 million problem children.

Response by TSgt Dawn Premock made Jan 24 at 2017 12:37 PM

2017-01-24T12:37:12-05:00

I agree that every American citizen should go in the military, but it should be for more than 1 year. If you think about it, the first year is mostly training. I was sent to Korea for my first assignment in 1986. That gave me a greater appreciation for our freedom and our country. The generation today needs to learn respect.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jan 24 at 2017 1:10 PM

2017-01-24T13:10:21-05:00

No compulsory service of any kind, unless required to protect the nation in times of war.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 1:13 PM

2017-01-24T13:13:09-05:00

Sir, I am going to post a few links which may be helpful in your discussion. Not sure what if any research you have done on this, but I have a couple links bookmarked from a previous RP post on the subject.

Link 1: http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a573814.pdf

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 1:14 PM

2017-01-24T13:14:39-05:00

Link 2: http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2010/10/19/compulsory-national-service-would-strengthen-american-citizenship

Access Denied

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 1:15 PM

2017-01-24T13:15:02-05:00

Link 3: https://www.nationalservice.gov/impact-our-nation/state-profiles

National Service in Your State

CNCS State Offices and State Service CommissionsView state information by choosing a state from the "View Your State" dropdown&nbsp; &nbsp;The Corporation for National and Community Service

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 1:17 PM

2017-01-24T13:17:18-05:00

Link 4 (last link): http://www.the-american-interest.com/2008/01/01/a-call-to-national-service/

A Call to National Service

A bold proposal to reverse America's decline in civic participation.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Jan 24 at 2017 1:40 PM

2017-01-24T13:40:36-05:00

Seeing how millennial's behave today Id say yes, but having said that I think the standards in the military need to go back to the way they were when I served and before, there should never be any discussion of a soldier being able to question a NCO on anything unless it would risk life or limb.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Jan 24 at 2017 2:42 PM

2017-01-24T14:42:06-05:00

1. MANDATORY four year enlistment for any public servant/government official. Cannot run for office/hold office without serving a four year enlistment. Might run for office in the future? Get your enlistment over with now. No officer or non-com. Enlistment will be 2 years at sea and 2 years "in the field." No promotion past E-3. E-4 possible if volunteering for combat duty. All politicians/future politicians will have to use the VA for their medical whether active duty or not. Swim in your own shit pool, suckers... Watch how fast *THAT* system changes... Exception will be made for those in the Navy onboard a ship. But once the ship comes back from sea...back in that long line suckers...

2. Penal enlistment. In jail for something other than murder/rape/child abuse? Like for example drug smuggling or forgery or petty theft or 900th DUI, then get charges dropped with a six year enlistment. No promotion past E-3. All service in a combat area (get two years dropped if submarines are chosen). All pay sent to your family. No leave, but family are allowed to visit on "Tiger Cruises," etc. R&R schedule will exist as per combat rotation policies but you will still not be allowed to leave the base. You will stay on base in billeting and your family will be allowed to come visit/stay for the duration of your R&R period.

3. Penal enlistment part 2. Bring back sending "trouble kids" to the military instead of jail. Mandatory two year enlistment if under 18. Four year enlistment if over 18. No promotion past E-2.

4. Public Service Enlistment. "I want college/I want citizenship." Mandatory four year enlistment. Any branch. At the end of the enlistment you get full college tuition/citizenship. No rank limitations but you start as E-1. No jump start for being a good guy, having prior college, etc.

Anyone serving in the military gets free medical care for life for them only.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jan 24 at 2017 3:34 PM

2017-01-24T15:34:24-05:00

@SSG Steve Magnus SSG Steven Mangus, When going into the fray, I take a platoon of volunteer over a regiment of conscripts... period.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jan 24 at 2017 5:42 PM

2017-01-24T17:42:21-05:00

All should serve who are qualified.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2017 7:51 PM

2017-02-03T19:51:22-05:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member No sir! I saw what that did at the end of the Vietnam War. So, I respectfully disinclined to agree.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2017 11:14 PM

2017-02-03T23:14:27-05:00

Our nation struggles to fund the relatively small percentage of volunteers. I don't know what age would be compelled to serve, but let's assume somewhere in the 18-24 range. I would guess conservatively that this is about 15-20% of the population at a given time. We don't have the military infrastructure to support this (housing, food, training costs...etc)

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2017 6:41 AM

2017-02-04T06:41:48-05:00

I think every young adult owes this country for the freedom they enjoy. At this point in our country's history only 1% sacrifice for those freedoms. I think every man and woman age 18-26 should be available for some type of conscription (or whatever you would like to call it). No exemptions; college, family etc. MG Dennis J. Laich, USA-Retired makes a good case for a return to the draft in his book "Skin In The Game: Poor Kids & Patriots". His recommendations include drafting for the Reserve Components also. However, service to our country can be accomplished in several ways. In addition to the military component I would include an international peace corps type component and a national peace corps type component. The details of such a blending would depend on the needs of the country at any particular time. Such national service by our young adults would be their contribution to our freedom and they would have some ownership in that freedom. As stated by others it would strengthen the ties that bind Americans together in a freedom loving nation.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Feb 6 at 2017 10:50 AM

2017-02-06T10:50:00-05:00

I'm in favor of mandatory service of some type, not necessarily limited to military, for everyone. Posted on this somewhere else, but there are many different government programs that use volunteers, https://www.usa.gov/volunteer that could be expanded into paid mandatory service positions.

Public Service and Volunteer Opportunities | USA.gov

There are numerous opportunities to volunteer through federal agencies. Find one that suits you and help benefit the environment, local communities, veterans and more.

Response by SSG Wally Lawver made Feb 6 at 2017 11:08 AM

2017-02-06T11:08:19-05:00

we should be doing it.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Feb 6 at 2017 11:11 AM

2017-02-06T11:11:09-05:00

I think there would be a renewed appreciation for the military if they had a mandatory two year enlistment. No loopholes, no get out of enlistment cards for anyone. The Israelis have a mandatory two year enlistment for all men and women. I think its a good idea. In fact with 3 square meals a day and a place to live maybe it would be another trade idea for student loans. Serve two years and your two year degree loans forgiven. Four Year degree and your four year education loans are forgiven. It might get these millennials out of their mom and dad's basement apartment?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 6 at 2017 12:02 PM

2017-02-06T12:02:05-05:00

I believe mandatory national service for all persons over age of 18 who have completed their secondary education is a good idea. It builds into the young person's life a period, perhaps 2 to 4 years, where they experience real work under close supervision for the good of their country. Military service is very good in this respect; however, it isn't for everybody, so national service in the Peace Corps or some rebirth of AmeriCorps would be great. Each person serving gets some "skin in the game", learns the value of honest work, may acquire a salable skill, and has time to mature before entering the civilian workforce or starting post-secondary education. Adding more "civilian" work situations to the program would allow those not suited for military service to still contribute to the nation.

The military could absorb the influx of new young people if they changed their dependence on contractors. Extra manpower could be used to take over Service Support jobs, such as plumbing and electrical work, landscaping, or working in dining facilities. These were once military jobs and could be again.

Response by SP5 Steve Powell made Feb 7 at 2017 1:20 PM

2017-02-07T13:20:46-05:00

SP5 Steve Powell
SP5 Steve Powell 1 m
PO1 John Crafton - Captain Hogan, et al...I'm IN more along the lines of CPO1 Crafton...Rights aren't earned per se but I strongly support the defense of our Rights and that begins with a strong defense of our country and our way of life. I see benefits in Compulsory Service in some manner but am at odds over what FORM that might be BECAUSE as it sits currently we have Choice here in America (we are fundamentally safe & secure...not looking for a Debate on this issue). I pray that I am not lecturing BUT Israel (every citizen is part of the military (IDF)...and I don't care what the actual form is) and Switzerland (I witnessed citizen soldiers carrying their TA-50 and automatic rifles on the trains there when traveling...(male mandatory & female volunteers accepted)) are stark comparisons to the U.S. Fyi, Israel is about the size of New Jersey and Switzerland is the size of Vermont & New Hampshire combined. So, the point? Those countries have NO CHOICE b/c their security depends upon every citizen defending their rights, their borders and their way of life. What "specifically" is the point of this Thread? Is it to punish non-serving Citizens in our country? Is it to provide a larger military force (at greater cost$ according to some earlier postings)? Is it to educate Gen X or Millennials how to wash clothes, cook and take care of themselves in the wilds of American culture? Personally I believe in NEED and Cost-Benefit-Analysis. If this can be accomplished under the current "volunteer" scheme then great. As pointed out by SSG Waldo Yamada young men are still required to register for the "draft" and be available according to Law if and when it's activated. Just my nickle here....
Edit

Response by C Marrone made May 26 at 2023 3:47 PM

2023-05-26T15:47:34-04:00

I think it would be a valuable resource for the youth male and female of today to learn honor, integrity, respect, responsibility, compassion and resilience for their country and fellow Americans