Would military service reduce the prison system's strain on tax dollars?

2014-10-08T21:23:06-04:00

Ok, before bashing on me, please read this through. I've given this alot of thought over the years. Our country's prison system is overcrowded yet our country could use some able hands to serve..... Why can't we let prisoners with good behavior records ( at least while in jail ) have the option to serve their country in exchange for time reduced from their sentence/charges dropped/expungments, etc.... of course the trade-offs would be adequate in comparison for what they did to begin with. I understand trusting your life in a combat situation could be tough when the guy next to you is a felon/prisoner, which is why guide lines should of course be considered. ( I.E. Exclude prisoners convicted of violent crimes or with mental disorder related crimes. )

This could serve several purposes. Our tax dollars feed these people, lets at least get some purposeful use out of them. Serving could potentially help them learn how to become a useful citizen for society when their sentence/time served is over. And of course, it could serve several more purposes that more educated people than myself could think of...

opinions? country, lessen the strain on our crowded prison system, if our tax

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Oct 8 at 2014 9:41 PM

2014-10-08T21:41:16-04:00

So, you want to infest our professional military with criminals...oh, but only the 'good ones'?

Wow...just wow.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Oct 9 at 2014 7:34 AM

2014-10-09T07:34:23-04:00

Many of the "non-violent" convictions are for things like drugs and thief (large dollar). Not my idea of a good people to put where zero drug use is the standard and places where millions of dollars of equipment is available. We have enough problems with folks in the military doing those things without pre-existing convictions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 11:27 AM

2014-10-10T11:27:33-04:00

We have to remember what this organization was built on. It's not about that able body; it's about being a citizen who represents the Nation.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 15 at 2014 7:00 PM

2014-10-15T19:00:19-04:00

It would make more sense to just bring back chain gangs if we want to get some use out of them. Let them clean and repair highways under armed guard and leave the Military to the professionals.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 8:07 PM

2014-10-15T20:07:54-04:00

First of all no because it defeats the point of what our military represents andddd then corporations wouldn't have free or cheap labor.

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Oct 15 at 2014 8:49 PM

2014-10-15T20:49:03-04:00

I don't see this happening for the simple fact that the prison industry is America's main source of cheap labor.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 10:21 PM

2014-10-15T22:21:11-04:00

If we truly want to get use out of non violent prisoners and have them help society the absolute best thing we can do is not put them in prison in the first place. No one who committed a victimless crime should be in prison. Think of all the people who's lives have been ruined because they have a prison record. Now think if those people held down jobs and we're part of their communities.

Putting them in the military or other government service is just socialism, let them out and do whatever it is that they do best.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 10:28 PM

2014-10-15T22:28:39-04:00

We just did this over the last 13 years. I for one am glad we are raising the standard. Some people got in and should not have. We all had to deal with them.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 4:40 AM

2014-10-16T04:40:45-04:00

Yea i wouldnt trust fighting or living with a convict but this guy would approve

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 6:06 AM

2014-10-16T06:06:40-04:00

SN Kevin Townsend,

Some good, loyal service members are currently being denied the opportunity to re-enlist because there aren't enough slots for them in our shrinking force. There are honorable veterans being denied the opportunity to rejoin our ranks for the same reason. Seasoned officers are being involuntarily separated, many of whom have multiple deployments and no black marks against them. This being the case, it would be a slap in the face to all service members if the services were to let prisoners join.

Serving in the military is an honor and a privilege. That privilege shouldn't be squandered on people who chose to take the low road.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 16 at 2014 9:12 AM

2014-10-16T09:12:21-04:00

I thought that's where we recruited Quartermaster? ;o) BADUM TISH!

I'm kidding, don't get angry...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 4:34 PM

2014-10-16T16:34:42-04:00

Umm, NO! Serving this great nation is a privilege not a right. The honor or wearing this uniform or any uniform is reserved for those that exemplify a certain standard. Yes I am aware of people with criminal history serving past and present and as a former recruiter I can say I was disgusted at what was "accepted" in times of war.
I would not support such a program.