Posted on Jan 23, 2019
Should Young Americans Be Required To Do Public Service? Federal Panel Says Maybe
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Didn't Hurt Me None. Had No Idea It Would be a Life Passion Though
Should Young Americans Be Required To Do Public Service? Federal Panel Says Maybe
Posted from npr.orgPosted in these groups: 
Military serviceSelective Service System
Military serviceSelective Service System
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 7
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Before jumping on military conscription bandwagon, there are issues that need to be addressed even with previous drafts in US history...
1. Logistical limits: There are certain numbers available in basic training units (i.e. infrastructure, cadre, equipment and uniforms to issue, etc.). Current training bases may not be able to accommodate a swelling of numbers of new draftees.
2. Exemptions: During war, rich and privileged often use connections to avoid military service. This means poor are often disproportionately drafted into unwanted and unpopular positions instead. While some may propose no exemptions, this issue also occurs in countries that already have draft force (e.g. South Korea, Taiwan, Israel, etc.)
3. Quality of recruits: During the Vietnam War, Project 100,000 drafted unsuitable recruits to meet personnel needs. Some had criminal records, mental retardation, medical issues or poor English skills. Many of those either died in combat due to weak aptitude or committed war crimes. If we draft, we may increase quantity at expense of quality.
4. Veteran / retiree benefit costs: Some conservatives dislike Post 9/11 GI Bill and other benefits based on expense. If we draft, our nation must also be financially prepared for surge in obligations of medical, educational and other care of former service members.
1. Logistical limits: There are certain numbers available in basic training units (i.e. infrastructure, cadre, equipment and uniforms to issue, etc.). Current training bases may not be able to accommodate a swelling of numbers of new draftees.
2. Exemptions: During war, rich and privileged often use connections to avoid military service. This means poor are often disproportionately drafted into unwanted and unpopular positions instead. While some may propose no exemptions, this issue also occurs in countries that already have draft force (e.g. South Korea, Taiwan, Israel, etc.)
3. Quality of recruits: During the Vietnam War, Project 100,000 drafted unsuitable recruits to meet personnel needs. Some had criminal records, mental retardation, medical issues or poor English skills. Many of those either died in combat due to weak aptitude or committed war crimes. If we draft, we may increase quantity at expense of quality.
4. Veteran / retiree benefit costs: Some conservatives dislike Post 9/11 GI Bill and other benefits based on expense. If we draft, our nation must also be financially prepared for surge in obligations of medical, educational and other care of former service members.
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I am of mixed feelings on this.
1. We all owe our nation for the privilege of living here.
2. Individual freedom is paramount to our country's continuance.
3. Protection of that freedom is essential.
4. That protection should be provided by as wide a selection of our society as possible, not just from the underprivileged.
So, I am more inclined to expanding the format of how a young person could serve the nation without making it mandatory. I have always respected the old CCA as a means of service, education, and work experience combined. Get a couple of years of service and offer higher education tuition free or reduced greatly. (just one example)
No simple answer here.
1. We all owe our nation for the privilege of living here.
2. Individual freedom is paramount to our country's continuance.
3. Protection of that freedom is essential.
4. That protection should be provided by as wide a selection of our society as possible, not just from the underprivileged.
So, I am more inclined to expanding the format of how a young person could serve the nation without making it mandatory. I have always respected the old CCA as a means of service, education, and work experience combined. Get a couple of years of service and offer higher education tuition free or reduced greatly. (just one example)
No simple answer here.
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LTC Eugene Chu
Other countries have conscription, but offer civilian alternatives along with military service (e.g. Germany, Israel, etc.).
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