Should people at the age of 18 serve at least one year of military service?

Samantha Conner — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 15:56:50 -0500

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2016 4:06 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 16:06:02 -0500

If our country could get a better stabilized stance.....then yes I agree that all people (that physically and mentally qualify) should serve a three year term. But, with the way the country is now, it isn't possible.

Response by PFC Jim Wheeler made Nov 8 at 2016 4:40 PM

PFC Jim Wheeler — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 16:40:08 -0500

The greatest thing about our military is that it is a volunteer force.

There are very few instances where our government should be forcing free citizens to do something.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 8 at 2016 4:40 PM

SFC George Smith — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 16:40:14 -0500

I think they should serve at least 2 years...
The learning curve would be drastically increased and the Grasp of reality would be instantly increased...
If they want free collage this would be the best way to accommodate them...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2016 4:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 16:48:08 -0500

Yes to mandatory service, no to one year of military service.

1) 4 years military or civic service
2) Civic service should focus on helping Americas impoverished people via specialized job training (carpentry, etc.)
3) Similar college programs for both (part time college while serving, GI Bill style coverage of full service is completed)
4) Option to drop early at 2 years, no GI style benefit

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2016 5:02 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 17:02:08 -0500

No to military service, yes to civil service.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2016 5:05 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 17:05:16 -0500

Samantha Conner The military is not for everyone. We should keep it a volunteer military.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Nov 8 at 2016 5:06 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 17:06:13 -0500

It should be two years. The military needs to be as tough as it was back in the 60's. If we were to reintroduce the selective service system and 18 - 20 year olds would grow up and learn to take care of themselves and stop depending on the government that ill afford supporting them. I enlisted in 1968 for a term of 3 years. I would do it all over again and men and some women that did not have the opportunity to serve really missed out.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Nov 8 at 2016 5:06 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 17:06:35 -0500

Not necessarily military service but public service of some kind. Especially if you got government assistance to attend college. Just my two pennies.

Response by SPC David S. made Nov 8 at 2016 5:24 PM

SPC David S. — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 17:24:41 -0500

While it seems like a good idea there are many just not cut out for the military. Imagine some kid who's been gang banging since they were 7 who turns 18 and is forced into the military. To much work and to many resources will be devoted for such individuals.

Response by SSG Steven Mangus made Nov 8 at 2016 5:45 PM

SSG Steven Mangus — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 17:45:52 -0500

I am all for compulsory service whether civil or military..it is not what the nation can do for "you," it is what "you" can do for your nation..

Response by PO3 David Fries made Nov 8 at 2016 5:52 PM

PO3 David Fries — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 17:52:40 -0500

Honestly, I'd say no. If you have read Starship Troopers, I'd rather go that way. Not everyone would make it through boot camp. Now, make some sort of federal service, even something like Peace Corps, mandatory, and I'd be better with that.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2016 5:54 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 17:54:54 -0500

Training costs are too high for just one year, all other arguments aside.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2016 5:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 17:55:30 -0500

Some European nations had mandatory service so why not us.

Response by SFC Bruce Pettengill made Nov 8 at 2016 6:40 PM

SFC Bruce Pettengill — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 18:40:24 -0500

No the miliatry is not for everyone, let the leaders focus on the people that want to be part of something.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Nov 8 at 2016 7:14 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 19:14:18 -0500

I've always felt that some public service commitment by our younger folks is a good thing. They should have to commit to service in the Military or the Peace Corps or Vista or some other approved public service commitment-1 or 2 years like many other countries require.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2016 11:42 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 23:42:17 -0500

I would like to see that, but America does not work that way. I think it would do our country a lot of good. Unfortunately, such a move would be unconstitutional, against everything we have ever stood for, and very bad for those of us who are currently serving.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2016 12:53 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 00:53:47 -0500

Yes I think so. Now 1 year of regular service would be pointless and a waste of time and energy toi the Armed Forces. So what I think might be possible is a 1 year term of service in something similar to the National Guard & Reserves where they learn basic skills and assist the Military and the country with various tasks and home missions without being deployed.

If it was for 2 years then I would say regular service.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2016 7:45 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 07:45:43 -0500

I think that with this option, it will provide a way for some to take better care of themselves both physically and mentally. It will help with self-discipline and that running your mouth doesn't really get you anywhere but face down on a deck doing pushups.

Kinda like a re-boot on the body and mind, since kids today are attached to social media, electronics, video games and not going outside to play or go on "adventures".

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2016 8:26 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 08:26:03 -0500

Heck no!! I would not want people who do not want to be there.... Samantha Conner

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Nov 9 at 2016 9:28 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 09:28:39 -0500

A while back I was all for the idea. There are many countries that do this. Israel does it and it works great. I have spoken with many former Israel military. However I don't think that would work well in the US. Even being an all volunteer force we have a number of unless dirtbags that join. We all know that 10%. Now if it is mandatory for all, I could see that number jumping substantially higher.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Nov 9 at 2016 10:32 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 10:32:44 -0500

I would like them to because I believe it's a valuable experience that gives you a deeper appreciation of the Country and Freedoms that so many take for granted. But no they shouldn't because not everyone is cut out for military service (despite the fact that serving would improve the nation's health overall). Forcing people to serve would only weaken our fighting forces. I'd rather be crawling in the dirt with someone who wanted to be there than someone who would turn tail and run because "they didn't sign up for this".

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Nov 9 at 2016 10:50 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 10:50:38 -0500

One year is hardly enough time to train and unpack yr gear, let alone get into a serving mind set. It would cost more to administer such a program than possible benefits.

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Nov 9 at 2016 12:34 PM

SSG Stephan Pendarvis — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 12:34:53 -0500

yes!!!

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Nov 9 at 2016 3:07 PM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 15:07:13 -0500

One year of service...military as one option.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2016 9:50 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 21:50:03 -0500

No 2 years

Response by SPC David Glines made Nov 10 at 2016 1:10 AM

SPC David Glines — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 01:10:01 -0500

Hell yes that way civilians would know what its like and instill some morals before the grow up and run around whining about MPH my pussy hurts syndrome

Response by SPC Ronald Sharp made Nov 10 at 2016 11:30 AM

SPC Ronald Sharp — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 11:30:34 -0500

Yes, and the first year should be mandatory for all Americans regardless of physical or mental status. If all they do is lick stamps, it would guarantee every American will have a horse in the race.....then for those that want to continue service, then assert pre-qualification for most.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2016 2:19 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 14:19:29 -0500

I am torn. while I would love to see the youth of this nation perform in some form of national service, the costs might be prohibitive. There are approximately 3 million high school students who will graduate in June of 2017. That is a lot of heads that need a bed and to be fed. It might break the bank just adding all of those extra folks into the military.

Also a year is usually to short to learn to do much of anything in the high tech military we have. you barely get through training and you would be out the door. I just looked up infantry training in the Army. to go from civilian to finish basic infantry school (OSUT) takes right around 26 weeks. So now you only get that soldier for another 6 months and they are out. You either need a longer period of service or do something else with them besides the military. If you go to a 2 year program now you have 6 million new service members every two years. That is a heck of a lot more heads that need a heck of a lot more beds and places to be fed.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Nov 11 at 2016 10:45 AM

LTC Joseph Gross — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 10:45:43 -0500

I would never serve with someone who did not volunteer to be there. For reference, please read the St. Crispin's Day speech.

Response by PFC Ronald Guy made Nov 11 at 2016 2:33 PM

PFC Ronald Guy — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 14:33:54 -0500

At least 2 years.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Nov 11 at 2016 6:07 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 18:07:36 -0500

No. But we should revitalize the Constitutional Militia of the several States, in each State respectively, both because it's still Constitutionally mandated and because community defense is a moral imperative.

Response by Glenn Glorioso made Nov 12 at 2016 12:12 PM

Glenn Glorioso — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 12:12:17 -0500

Either two years in the military or two years in the peace corps. Maybe even two years in a public safety field. But definitely need to serve. We've created generations of sad sad people with no sense of duty or country

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2016 11:42 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 11:42:22 -0500

No, compulsory service is incompatible with freedom

Response by PO2 William Howell made Nov 13 at 2016 12:50 PM

PO2 William Howell — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 12:50:27 -0500

No. We are a force of volunteers, if you don't want to be here then we don't want you!

Response by LCpl Ben Spalding made Nov 13 at 2016 3:03 PM

LCpl Ben Spalding — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 15:03:22 -0500

Oh hell yes. Get these low life kids into the military and get some bearing, and discipline. Beat the shit out of all of them.

Response by Sgt Patrick Bolwahnn made Nov 14 at 2016 11:36 AM

Sgt Patrick Bolwahnn — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 11:36:39 -0500

I think more like at least two years of service - military, peace corp, or civil service. This would allow our young people to gain experiences outside their community, discover what they like or might like to do as a career.

Response by CPL Kevin Bright made Nov 14 at 2016 6:17 PM

CPL Kevin Bright — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 18:17:34 -0500

I have always thought that the United States should do like the Germans do. You graduate high school at 16, then do 2 years trade school of your choice ,then at 18 manditory 2 years in the military. On your 20 the birthday you then have the option of reen listing in the military or working in the trade you learned.

Response by SSG Steve Newbern made Nov 25 at 2016 10:44 AM

SSG Steve Newbern — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 10:44:29 -0500

18 is too young ya can't even buy a beer yet.21 might be a more considerate age

Response by TSgt Michael Hamilton made Jan 15 at 2017 7:18 AM

TSgt Michael Hamilton — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 07:18:36 -0500

Yes. 2 years

Response by MSgt Bob Lecuivre made Mar 26 at 2017 7:40 PM

MSgt Bob Lecuivre — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 19:40:31 -0400

Min 3 yrs min

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2017 8:12 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 20:12:51 -0400

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2022 3:50 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:50:35 -0500

IMO, there should be a mandatory two year conscription in service to the country. Some could go to the military, or park service or any other federal services so they have some ownership in the USA.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Feb 22 at 2022 4:45 PM

SFC Stephen King — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 16:45:14 -0500

In theory this sounds good but

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Feb 22 at 2022 5:06 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 17:06:13 -0500

No - we shouldn't have mandatory military service. What would one year even teach anyone? Basic is what - 10 weeks? 11 weeks now? And then AIT would be at least 8 weeks and some longer. That's most of the first year of service. My AIT was 16 weeks.

The military isn't for everyone. Civic service probably isn't even for everyone. I don't understand why people think the military is this benchmark of greatness. There are a lot of people in the military who I wonder how they made it as far as they do or even through basic.

I don't even think we should keep the Selective Service. Let's be real, if we get to the point we need to draft people to fight a war, I think this country is pretty well f*.

I thought this was posted today. I just saw the date...

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 23 at 2022 1:20 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 01:20:19 -0500

It all depends if the people of the United States want to pay for that in time and money.
- every 18 year old in the country, that met entry standards, would cost billions to train and equip. I have another post on RP that grinds out numbers.
- the services would have to find meaningful functions for them to perform, otherwise they’ll resent it…causing sweeping discipline and UCMJ issues. Each installation would have to have CCF/brigs.
- Company Commanders and NCOs in general would have to have carte blanche to maintain good order and discipline. In the age of prolific social media, it’s going to be a wild ride.
- existing ships, installations, and facilities would be inadequate. They’d have to carve Them out of virgin land.
- one year would be a waste of resources. You’d have to serve 2-3 years to make it useful. IET can last up to 6 months. Technical MOSs like maintainers take an entire enlistment to get “good” and produce useful output.
- the American people would have to push for this as none of the services want this.
- ineligibility loopholes would need to be closed. Drug use would be a hard thing to deal with with all the 420 states. A baseline drug test at induction would have to but people on notice, they fail any in their enlistment, they finish their enlistment in prison with a felony conviction.
- expect public school physical fitness to ramp up significantly to meet service
Entry requirements.
-exceptions to service would need to be draconianly narrow, otherwise it’s not fair and people resent it, playing the system.

Response by Capt Rich Buckley made Jun 4 at 2022 12:05 PM

Capt Rich Buckley — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 12:05:52 -0400

As a young man I used to feel it would be beneficial to have mandatory service with options. As a senior citizen I have come to see it is not in our long term best interest to require mandatory service. The complexities of assurances of such power are too great to legislate to assure the outcomes we desire of freedom, liberty and general prosperity.

Mandatory service rewards personality types that tend to place Science over the love of God (the Great Cosmic Eternal Wisdom). Countries that place Science above the love of God quickly devolve into tyranny.

Mandatory tends to reward power-authority traits of sociopaths, control, lying, deception, abuse, blackmail, self interest, corruption and murder. As a result society devolves long term to the world we see today.

https://www.buckleyrealty.com/us-on-wrong-side-of-this-war-march-2022

BAMBOOZLED AGAIN: USA ON WRONG SIDE OF THIS WAR (JUNE 4, 2022)

US ON WRONG SIDE OF THIS WAR (JUNE 4, 2022) by Peace And Conflict Resolution.Org a series on The Nature of War and Violence (aka - https://tinyurl.com/tdwpt3kr) May God show each of us a pathway to respond to all this with love and nonviolence. - Nemast...

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2022 1:32 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 13:32:32 -0400

Mandatory service will do absolutely nothing to benefit the United States, nor will it benefit our branches of service. I’d rather go forward with volunteers vs go forward with people who don’t want or need to be in the fight…not to mention that we already of plenty of indiscipline in the service that needs to be addressed and attacked.