In your opinion, should we have Mandatory National Service (e.g Join the Military, Peace Corps, etc.)?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 09:48:53 -0500

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Nov 17 at 2016 9:50 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 09:50:23 -0500

I prefer that we as a nation should have the right to choose. That is what makes us great.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Nov 17 at 2016 10:01 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 10:01:02 -0500

May sound good on the surface to have more citizens truly get involved in their country; however it kinda runs against the American value of personal freedom and choice to have the government dictate that you have to do something for it. Besides--and this I think is especially true for the military--motivated people who choose to be there aren't terribly thrilled to have to deal with those less-than-motivated folks conscripted to be there.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Nov 17 at 2016 10:01 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 10:01:10 -0500

Yes and no. I do believe everyone should serve their country because I believe it is an eye opening experience. I do not believe everyone should be forced to serve their country though because I love my Marine Corps and I would hate to see it brought down by people who are only there because they were forced to.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 17 at 2016 10:50 AM

SFC George Smith — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 10:50:39 -0500

Personally I thing it would Help the majority of the Entitled generation to understand something beyond them selves... provide them a source of reality beyond their on little safe world...
most of the folks I've know, who have been in the military or Peace corps came back with a totally changed Attitude and a Much better grasp of reality...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 10:56 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 10:56:05 -0500

I think if you volunteer, it should be actually a voluntary act. I do think it should be encouraged and not for a resume. Who wants a toxic attitude ruining the experience. SGT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 11:03 AM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 11:03:02 -0500

Easy one. No.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Nov 17 at 2016 11:31 AM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 11:31:27 -0500

Absolutely. It would be a win/win.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Nov 17 at 2016 11:35 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 11:35:14 -0500

One thousand percent YES. People need to take some responsibility. Learn NOTHING IN THIS LIFE IS FOR FREE. Get them into the real world. Once people learn some responsibility attitudes most the time change.

Response by SPC Makissa Lewis made Nov 17 at 2016 11:41 AM

SPC Makissa Lewis — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 11:41:13 -0500

I think only those who want to serve should serve. By forcing service another will end up with people not taking the job seriously resulting in more accidents and fatalities.

Response by CPL Brandon Olheiser made Nov 17 at 2016 2:25 PM

CPL Brandon Olheiser — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 14:25:04 -0500

We should reform our P.E. programs in school. Have students pass a basic P.T. test on a regular basis. Teach students land nav. Instruct them on basic outdoor survival skills. Have everybody qualify with a weapon and require all students to learn gun safety. Have students work in teams and teach them the benefit of it. Teach all students basic life saving skills, CPR, covering open wounds/ stopping major bleeding, etc.Basically, a basic training course that teaches and prepares an individual to not only survive in a case of emergency, but also prepares them for military service if they choose to join.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Nov 17 at 2016 2:37 PM

Col Rebecca Lorraine — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 14:37:46 -0500

I would love to see our country require some type of service. Peace corp, public health, corps of engineers, military, coast guard, vista, americorps, anything for one to two years minimum. Each year would be paid and good conduct would award education benefits for equivalent time. I think it is critical.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Nov 17 at 2016 4:22 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 16:22:07 -0500

yes

Response by SSgt Mitch Tucker made Nov 17 at 2016 5:12 PM

SSgt Mitch Tucker — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 17:12:59 -0500

Yes. Kids coming out of high school don't have a clue what they want to do with their lives. Many of them waste 2-3 years of college jumping from major to major. Need to spend a few years growing up in the military. They will be less likely to walk over or burn our flag, they will hopefully have a better understanding of what they want to do for a career, and will have the GI Bill to help pay for their college.

Response by SP5 Ken Patton made Nov 17 at 2016 9:02 PM

SP5 Ken Patton — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 21:02:02 -0500

Yes I do.

Response by SPC Phil Norton made Nov 17 at 2016 10:30 PM

SPC Phil Norton — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 22:30:01 -0500

I believe there is a strength in an all volunteer army

Response by PFC Nick Lopez made Nov 17 at 2016 10:43 PM

PFC Nick Lopez — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 22:43:35 -0500

Response by MAJ Bob Allen made Nov 18 at 2016 5:40 AM

MAJ Bob Allen — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 05:40:03 -0500

Yes, there is nothing wrong with learning how to help others and learning discipline along the way.

Response by SGT Jesse Low made Nov 18 at 2016 10:40 AM

SGT Jesse Low — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 10:40:51 -0500

Though I believe that the youth of today would greatly benefit from a stint in any branch, I also think that it would adversely effect the integrity of our military. As we have all seen, not everyone is cut out to wear the uniform. I like the idea of an all volunteer military and I believe forced service is actually socialism.

Response by MSgt David Bremer made Nov 18 at 2016 11:03 AM

MSgt David Bremer — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 11:03:19 -0500

Learning to follow orders and help your fellow citizens is always a good thing!!!

Response by Cpl Jj Wyse made Nov 18 at 2016 11:57 PM

Cpl Jj Wyse — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 23:57:07 -0500

Absolutely! We owe our country a debt of gratitude. When we serve, whether it be in the military, Peace Corps, Park Services, VA etc, it gives one a sense of ownership, responsibility and pride, knowing that they were, or are, a part of something that is greater than themselves. Further, for the most part, it gives them an opportunity to learn a skill set and develop the knowledge of team work, which makes them more marketable upon separation from their obligation, making them an asset to their community instead of a burden. JJW

Response by PO1 John Johnson made Nov 19 at 2016 6:33 AM

PO1 John Johnson — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 06:33:07 -0500

No way. Been there, seen the tail-end of the Vietnam Draft results. In the summer of 1979, I enlisted in the USCG because I was a freshly graduated 17yr old from HS who under no circumstances wanted to go to college so I took the bus to Philly and walked into the first service recruiter I came upon. Upon arriving at my first unit after Boot Camp, I noted that drugs, alcohol, disrespect, slovenliness, shirking duty, general malaise, etc., were rampant from a certain percentage of the "older" Coasties, who had enlisted in the CG to avoid the Draft and then being forced into the Marines or Army. I thought that this was the way things were actually "supposed to be". Fast-forward 2 years later and I was a 19 yr old E-4 with 35-40 yr old Non-Rates (E-2's & 3's) working with me and for me. I witnessed people smoking weed in the berthing areas of the Cutter I was assigned to, and people stoned out of their mind on and off watch while underway, including a few Officers. Then in late 1980 came the election of President Reagan, who instituted the "Reduction in Forces" (RIF) Program. Out went the deadwood, and the CG turned back into a professional branch of service within a couple of years that I was proud to be a part of for 20 yrs. If it was that bad in the Coast Guard, I can't imagine how bad this must have been in the Army, Navy or Marines. After having witnessed this, I do not believe a "mandatory" civil service would benefit any of the Military branches.

PS: This post is not intended as a slight to the Vietnam Vets of any service branch who served Honorably. This is just an opinion from someone who witnessed some of the unintentional consequences of mandatory service ie: the draft. It might work with non-military agencies, but I have no experience with them to say for sure.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Nov 19 at 2016 6:24 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 18:24:39 -0500

Absolutely. Even if it's driving an ambulance in Baltimore for a year.

Response by SSG Bruce Roff made Nov 19 at 2016 9:30 PM

SSG Bruce Roff — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 21:30:56 -0500

DRAFT RENEWAL. NO SAFE SPACES. LOL.

Response by HN Damaris Tate made Nov 20 at 2016 6:02 PM

HN Damaris Tate — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 18:02:10 -0500

No I don't. Why, because there is something specoal to be said about a person who loves their country enough to serve her, to defend her constitution. To serve is voluntary, those who don't want to for whatever reason shouldn't. How could I trust that person who doesn't want this life, who isn't invested in the principles of our land? No thanks, stay home and serve in the best way you can. Look, I believe that people have lanes they stay in, when you veer off to a lane that ins unfamiliar, you can easily wreck, stay in your lane. It didn't work in Vietnam, one reason I believe there were so many deaths and things that happened that shouldn't have happened, and if it didn't work then we shouldn't make it mandatory now.

Response by PO2 Robert Schultz made Nov 22 at 2016 6:22 PM

PO2 Robert Schultz — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 18:22:36 -0500

Absolutely!

Response by SPC Jose Toribio made Nov 22 at 2016 11:18 PM

SPC Jose Toribio — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 23:18:46 -0500

If you want free college and medical. Yes not necessarily mandatory but you should have a choice.

Response by 1LT Tommy Shearer made Nov 23 at 2016 12:30 AM

1LT Tommy Shearer — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 00:30:00 -0500

Yes!!!
No question!!!!

Response by SSgt Dennis Murray made Nov 23 at 2016 4:37 AM

SSgt Dennis Murray — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 04:37:15 -0500

People believed in something bigger than themselves after serving in the military that you don't have now

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Nov 23 at 2016 9:26 AM

SFC Dennis A. — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 09:26:03 -0500

I think it would go a long way in getting some of today youth to grow up, take some responsibility and learn some respect.

Response by SGT Patrick Hebert made Nov 23 at 2016 10:46 AM

SGT Patrick Hebert — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 10:46:29 -0500

Yes

Response by Jen Sting made Nov 23 at 2016 12:26 PM

Jen Sting — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 12:26:28 -0500

Absolutely.

Response by A1C Wayne Hoard made Nov 24 at 2016 6:52 PM

A1C Wayne Hoard — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 18:52:16 -0500

Yes

Response by Cpl Brian Johnston made Nov 25 at 2016 2:07 AM

Cpl Brian Johnston — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 02:07:32 -0500

Rather instead, give military veterans an extra vote!
"Mandatory" only leads to rebellion.
Some democratic countries punish you for NOT voting - wrong approach IMO.
Instead, pay everyone who votes $10.

Response by SPC Chuck Eckler made Dec 1 at 2016 8:03 AM

SPC Chuck Eckler — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 08:03:05 -0500

Yes

Response by Cpl Charles Long made Dec 1 at 2016 6:02 PM

Cpl Charles Long — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 18:02:19 -0500

Yes definitely

Response by TSgt David Jones made Dec 12 at 2016 9:01 AM

TSgt David Jones — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 09:01:52 -0500

That's a really tough question and it's one u've been turning over and over in my mind recently. There are both pro's and con's to this. Not everyone is suited for military life. It would be extremely trying serving with a influx of people who don't want to be there. We all wanted to be there. And I for one, wouldn't have wanted to be assigned as Dirtbag Airman's babysitter. And that's exactly what would have happened. Sure, some of them would be reached. And those that are reached could be successfully trained and turned into a valuable asset to their branch of service and this great country. But, the majority would just be oxygen thieves wasting our time and our effort.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2016 6:35 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 06:35:35 -0500

I think there should be an option of some kind of service if you want to qualify for any federal benefit. Tax payers pay for services, if you want tax money, be of some service.

Response by CPT Rock Amick made Dec 31 at 2016 9:16 AM

CPT Rock Amick — Sat, 31 Dec 2016 09:16:20 -0500

Yes, in fact, I believe that a national service requirement would be the single most significant positive change agent for our country. In my ideal program, military service would only be one of many choices. Every 18 year old would serve for 2 years serving in the military, civil service, Peace Corps, Americorp or any other of the myriad service opportunities out there. The key is to live a portion of your life in service of something greater then yourself; to create an outward focus as opposed to "me". The Greatest Generation was great because of this sense and their commitment to a greater, shared mission.

Response by SrA Robert Hubbard made Jan 14 at 2017 5:42 AM

SrA Robert Hubbard — Sat, 14 Jan 2017 05:42:17 -0500

I would say yes, because then the people of this country would know what the cost was to have the rights we enjoy today

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 17 at 2017 1:58 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 01:58:08 -0400

Yes one year of service for one year of college...No Choice on that...You serve or you do NOT go to college...no matter how much money your family has...

And, if you choose NOT to serve you can NOT Vote or hold public office in ANY capacity.

Service does NOT have to be military but does need to be more than 2 hours a day reading at a library.
Service should be HERE in OUR Country. The Peace Corps has a place But NOT as National Service, want to go to a foreign country and dig wells and clean up the place, go to poor regions of OUR COUNTRY and clean up the place.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 17 at 2017 2:01 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 02:01:28 -0400

Response by SPC Robert Gary made Jun 17 at 2017 12:46 PM

SPC Robert Gary — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 12:46:00 -0400

I think it would be a good idea

Response by CPO Garth Peterson made Mar 5 at 2018 12:32 PM

CPO Garth Peterson — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 12:32:00 -0500

I think that we should offer a one for one trade. Every year you serve in the military, Peace Corp or any other type of service to human kind, then the government pays for one year of post high school education. Trade school, college, ...etc.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 13 at 2021 11:02 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 23:02:45 -0400

Without Question and Without Exception EVERYONE should serve some form of public service. Rich, Poor, male, female, EVERYONE.
Everyone needs to learn that there is something more important in this world than they are. Some type of public service, minimum of FOUR years with a year of college at an in-state school for every year completed honorably, and a prohibition of college for NOT completing it. Yes, I said it...If you don't do your service you don't go to college.
Military service to being teacher's aids to working in a nursing home. EVERYONE should serve somehow.