How does you feel about requiring young people to engage in some sort of national service?

Question

I'm talking about requiring all Americans ages 18-26 to be active in some sort of program such as the military, the Peace Corps, the Red Cross, the Americorp, be trained as first responders, or some service designed to clean up after national disasters.

I've got to write an argumentative paper for an english class about some controversial aspect of the military draft, and I'm really stretching for ideas that I can work into an effective paper that is the appropriate length.

Answer 1

No, I think they should all do two years in the military, period.  Start college a little later with a little more maturity and some real-life experience to hang their hats on.

Answer 2

I'm against it. My personal review of many of the questions and responses which are associated with young people give me pause. I don't want any of them involved in any work involving the infrastructure of our society until such time as their level of maturity and competence rise to an acceptable level that doesn't spell peril to me.

Answer 3

Seems to me they would need to pass a constitutional amendment to bypass the 13th Amendment which prohibits involuntary servitude. You can't make a law requiring people to serve against their will.

Amendment XIII

Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Answer 4

Good idea. Looking back I wish I would have served my country in some capacity besides paying taxes.

Answer 5

I think that's a great idea but it sounds similar to what Israel does.

I would love to see everyone have to do some kind of national service as a requirement for citizenship. It certainly should help lower our taxes and spread out more evenly the responsibilities. I see no reason why every person can't be involved in some way.

Answer 6

Ideally, after high school EVERYONE (male or female) would be *required* to serve in some capacity, in the military or National Guard. They would all go through basic training, and be trained in basic firearms, self-defense, and martial arts. No one would be exempt.

We all know the truth of course: the rich would find a way to get out of serving (or get their kids out of serving). Same with fat people... they'd probably rather die than exercise daily.

Answer 7

very good idea, have always thought that.

Those that cant make the service cut, should be cross trained in community service of some type.

Go 1 step further and allow them to keep their service weapons when they get out.

There you have cured several problems. Auto reserves if we are attacked and kids learn >Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country

Answer 8

im all for it

Answer 9

I like it, in fact, I would take it one step further and not require national service, but if you wanted a vote in this country, you would have to have enlisted in a national service.

Robert Heinlein used this as the basis of several of his books.

I think the idea has merit.