Military/Public Servcie Required!

[Hornet]

I think this could make for an interesting topic of discussion given the diverse group of people that frequent LR.

I'll start off with my thoughts. First of all I am former military, I served 9 years in the USAF. While in the military I learned a lot about myself, the world, and people I likely would have never had interactions with outside of the military.

I am a believer that a requirement of at least 2 years of military service would do a world of good for the advancement of this great country we live in. I suppose that there are some circumstances where some people could not serve in the military and in those cases I would say those individuals should be required to complete 4 years of some type of designated public service.

OK let me have it

[Bifferwine]

I agree with you...partially. I don't think MILITARY service should be required. But I do think that some sort of public service should be, whether it's military service, teaching school in low-income neighborhoods, going to 3rd world countries to teach underprivileged communities better agricultural practices, etc. Requiring military services is tantamount to a draft, and I don't think that is right, morally/ethically. If some mandatory public service period was implemented, I think it should be done in the last year of high school.

[daugherty]

i think that would lead to a socialist country and where is our freedom it just went out the window. just my 2 cents

[Hornet]

I see how my suggestion can be likened to a draft. The key difference is my suggestion would require everybody to participate.

Things I think could be achieved:

1. Establish a more personal stake for our politicians and lawmakers that make decisions that would send our military to war.

2. Give everybody a look at this country from a different point-of-view. (A task/function that benefits more than just yourself or your family.

3. Give everybody a point of reference to compare, where they can then hopefully see that "man I do have it good!" or it could be a lot worst.

[daugherty]

the draft is there if we need it.

[Hornet]

Originally Posted by daugherty

the draft is there if we need it.

The draft serves a purpose other than what I've stated earlier.

I realize this is a totally hypothetical situation and would never be allowed to happen. Just thought I'd throw that in before somebody says it .

[cthegame]

I dont trust our government in more ways than one. The last thing i want for me or my future kids is forced character lessons from the military. No tank you.

[yote]

I'd just about support that Hornet.I think it would go a long way in straightening out some of these smart assed punk kids.JMO.

[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.

[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.

James I think that a mild socialist nation(IE Canada, Switzerland) is exactly what this nation needs. Our economic system is what is destroying our nation just as communism destroyed the USSR. I liken our country to an enormously obese person who is unable to move, we are now relying on the rest of the world to feed the monster. 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?