Military/Public Servcie Required!

[Bifferwine]

Originally Posted by lightcs4

Personally, I don't want to serve with people who are forced to serve with me. However, I do like the idea of two years required service to our country, just not necessarily in the military.

Lights is right on that one. One of the big problems with a draft is that you have people that are forced to serve, and if they don't want to be there, they won't get the job done correctly. They will be more concerned about other things.

I think a mandatory program of some sort would be good for our country, but disconnecting it from the government and/or military would be even better.

[Hornet]

Originally Posted by RyanG

History has a way a repeating itself, the Romans farmed out everything at the end of their dominance including military defense. Anyone noticed how many Defense Contractors are in Iraq currently?

Last article I saw sometime ago said there was around 180k contractors in Iraq. That 180k included American civilians, foreigners and Iraqis all on our dime.

We (USA) need to do all possible to make sure we don't repeat the past.

[dustin_P74]

Originally Posted by RyanG

I am of very close to the same oppinion, heres my take on it. If you want to go to college you go to the military for two years first. Male or female tuition, loan or scholarship. If you choose not to go to the military two years required service of some sort.

ok thats dumb (no offense) because then even less people would go to college then they do now just because they dont want to serve, and the last thing we need is more people only living with a GED

[RyanG]

High school diploma doesnt have anything to do with college my friend. I believe that if you want to reap the benefits of our great nation you should have to earn it. Being an American is a birthright or an earned right(like Jce's parents : ) I have a ton of respect for naturalized citizens.) This is a right that may of todays youth take for granted, freedom comes at a cost it should be born by all not less than one percent of the population. We a nation of big talkers with a yellow belly, be a patriot and serve your nation that you expect to serve you.

[cthegame]

Ryan has good points, i think. I have a hard time understanding what you just wrote...

Anyways, i dont necessarily think you need a college diploma to take advantage of all the great benefits this country has to offer. Remember, i truly believe America is the land of opportunities for everyone with a brain, not necessary an college degree. If you have the know-how, amercia has all the opportunities regardless of a diploma.

I also agree with rayan about alot of american taking this cuntry for granted. I see so many imigrants (especially here in L.A.) making the most of their lives, earing incredible money and truely enjoying all the benefits of this country. Why, because back home they dont have these opportunities and they understand this and appreciate america for giving them hope, a future and so many oppotunities.

I really believe that imginrants have just as much to be thankful for on "thanksgiving" as american citizens. I would even bet that they are more thankful because they know how hard life really is in their own country. Most born american have no clue how well they have it here.

[RyanG]

For those that wonder why I have such a disdain for college I will clue you all in. I graduated in the top 10 of my class, when I decided to enter the military my peers informed me what a waste I was. I also had several teachers and administrators tell me the same. 10 years later I currently make as much as a few of them and quite a bit more than most of them and dont have 80k in student loans to pay off. I ran into one of my "friends" that I havent seen since graduation, when my career came up she still insisted that I was wasting my time. She has a four year degree, cant find a job in her field and is working in retail and Im the waste. That is exactly why I dont like most college graduates, they typically have a holier that thou attitude. Rant over.

[daugherty]

Originally Posted by RyanG

For those that wonder why I have such a disdain for college I will clue you all in. I graduated in the top 10 of my class, when I decided to enter the military my peers informed me what a waste I was. I also had several teachers and administrators tell me the same. 10 years later I currently make as much as a few of them and quite a bit more than most of them and dont have 80k in student loans to pay off. I ran into one of my "friends" that I havent seen since graduation, when my career came up she still insisted that I was wasting my time. She has a four year degree, cant find a job in her field and is working in retail and Im the waste. That is exactly why I dont like most college graduates, they typically have a holier that thou attitude. Rant over.

that is so true many people get that degree and as soon as they do they are better and smarter than anyone else. i do go to school but i have a job that does not need a degree but make more money than many people do that have one.

[Hornet]

Originally Posted by lightcs4

Personally, I don't want to serve with people who are forced to serve with me. However, I do like the idea of two years required service to our country, just not necessarily in the military.

I basically agree with you. Forcing everybody to do 2 years of service is a bit extreme. I still remember being around some people during my military years that did not want to be there. Those individuals could be kind of distracting at times. As an alternative to military service some type of public service would be beneficial for most and enlighten people a bit more. Preferably something that involves work in a community/country outside of their normal surroundings.

Aside from military service straightening out some bratty spoiled kids the main reason I think it would be good is because it would give more of our politicians a truly personal connection to the soldiers that protect our interests. There are not very many Senators and high ranking political officials that have children being sent to battle due to their voting history.

That said I'm very impressed to see that both VP selections have children in the military.

[lightcs4]

OK, I'm back from camping. As far as people who go to college, they are just like anyone else. There are some that are arrogant and need to get a clue and some that are very easy going and have a great attitude. I've met the same extremes with those without a degree. However, I have seen the best attitudes from those who aren't given a degree or career by their folks (the hard work Biffer is putting into her PHD is a good example), although I have also seen some who appreciate what they were given.

As far as service, I still like the idea of some sort of service, but I don't want someone forced into the military watching my back. I wouldn't trust them when its time to pop smoke.

[Hornet]

Originally Posted by lightcs4

As far as service, I still like the idea of some sort of service, but I don't want someone forced into the military watching my back. I wouldn't trust them when its time to pop smoke.

They don't have to be on the battlefield. There's a lot of jobs in military that don't involve handling weapons and being in battle situations.

+1 on your view of people that work extra hard to finance their degree.