Should "Universal Service" be required to become a citizen instead of birth?

I like this idea as long as it doesn't end up stove piped into the military only. I think the person should choose where they serve and in what capacity but they should serve. A sense of community is something that we are lacking in most places. This might help to bring that back.

Pretty much my repose to your other question: We should have mandatory conscription for all able bodied males. Just two years to either the military, police, or other civil service sector......if they go one to a full career great....if they don't great also but at least they have gotten a taste of what is it like to server your fellow countrymen and serve with them and sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with that......anyway just my two cents

good idea.. most countries have this.

I think this is a great idea.

I did, 2 years in the Nam and 1 year state side duty. But that did not give me citizenship automatically, still had to get sworn in

Absolutely not. This is not "Starship Troopers" thinly veiled nazi utopia that administratively divides society as privileged citizens or as freeloaders with no right to vote. I am for voluntary universal service and I am a proponent of citizenship by blood, inherited from parents regardless of the place of birth. Say, if US were to adopt this most common form of citizenship in the world and the foreign parents happen to reside here, then the solution is simple. Anyone residing here for 5 years and paying taxes (current law) should have the right to become a citizen, with universal service making it possible only after 2-3 years with an added bonus of wiping the college debt. No more "anchor" babies. However, there should be no connection ever between compulsory service and the right to vote. This would disenfranchised many for whom universal service is not an option or choice. Ethical and moral society should not allow creation of a class of sub-citizens unable to vote because they cannot or will not "buy" into the universal service.

Here are my thoughts.....

we should bring back the CCC and WPA.

At age 18 all people should be mandated into service in either military, CCC, WPA or something else...two years. The Military would be by choice only...we do not need to bring back the draft...it would serve to weaken our force by flooding it with people who dont ant to be there. but if we could have a choice for these people, working with the dept of ag, or interior...doing that stuff, I would be ok with it..

Robert Heinlein thought so...

This sounds great, but most of the people in the country don't understand the concepts of selfless service and sacrafice. I'm sure this wouldn't even make it to a vote in Congress. It's unfortunate, but I think the majority of our citizens are of the, "What can you do for me", mindset and this concept goes completely against that.

Once you sort out the deferment issues ...