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by AnonymousGirl on June 8th, 2009
No, thank you. I'd take away from the military more than give to them. I'm definitely nowhere near suitable for the job. Therefore, I believe it is a HORRIBLE idea to force people to spend time in the Military. The military should be for people who want to be there, not for people who are forced to be there.
by Sid on June 8th, 2009
Nope, it should be a voluntary basis only.
by RosieGHM Jetpacker on June 8th, 2009
Aaaaaarrrrrrgggggghhhhhhh! No.
by bagicide stayed 10 months too long on June 8th, 2009
I think it would be a great thing if every young adult had to give a year of service to the country. That wouldn't necessarily need to be military service, but it could be. There are so many other viable outlets for that youthful energy and so many projects that need to be done. I wouldn't mind a bit if they had a choice of volunteering to a charitable organization for a year. Can you imagine what Habitat for Humanity could do with a few thousand eighteen year olds for a year? What could the Salvation Army, or Goodwill do with that level of volunteerism. Of course, that truly should be happening without the government requiring it. A democracy is much more about responsibility than about rights. A government can only continue to protect rights if people live up to responsibilities without prompting. Once the government has to step in to make you do the right thing, you no longer have rights.
by Millenium - The Mysterious M. . . GONE! on June 8th, 2009
Yes!!!! Male. . . . . . . and. . . . . .female!
by XOXMSperfect on October 24th, 2009
Of course not, the military is for those who choose to join, noone should be forced into it.
by Tveg on June 8th, 2009
Absolutely not!
by MrJosh on June 8th, 2009
I'm torn on this issue. I think that an all volenteer military is a strong military, on the other hand, service in the armed forces can teach young adults a lot of valuable skills.
by 23Skidoo on June 8th, 2009
I am beginning to think so.
Of course, I'd make sure the leaders who send young people into harm's way go there first.
But, the military could also help with other, peace time missions while not killing foreigners.
by Tree Hug on June 8th, 2009
The only effective fighting force is a voluntary fighting force. Do you want to trust your freedom to a bunch of kids who wont mow the yard for mom, or would you rather trust the most well equipped gung-ho volunteer fighting military in the world?
by themyelinsheath on June 8th, 2009
Absolutely no.
by RC loves ice cream on October 24th, 2009
Absolutely not.
by Anonymous on June 17th, 2009
I like what Germany does now with college grads; military service, or community service: the graduate's choice.
by IntotheForge on June 17th, 2009
I live with a big Russian guy who grew up over there and had to do 2 years mandatory service there. From what I've seen it does wonders for one's self-confidence and discipline. But when he was in it was either get out alive or wind up in one of the many asylums. I wonder how many Americans would be broken in the head after boot camp and all that structure? I would just kill myself if I asked why to an order and didn't get an answer.
by Thinker on June 17th, 2009
No! Why should everyone be required to be canon fodder for the rich power elite?
Don't get me wrong, a country needs a military force for protection IF your country is invaded and force out any enemy, but attacking someone in another country is not only wrong it only makes the rich power elite richer on the dead and mutulated bodies of their countrymen.
I served in the US Navy so do go there either! And was alive during WWII.
by Scifisuz on June 17th, 2009
I think that before graduation from high school, every student must do 6 months of service somewhere - Military, Peace Corps, Habitat for Humanity, Vista, something productive and foreign to the lifestyle of the student, to provide perspective and humility and gratitude and also to contribute to the betterment of society.
by Anonymous on June 13th, 2009
No, i'd prefer to see all young people learning how to make peace, not war.
by urk on June 8th, 2009
In countries where military service is mandatory, yes. Otherwise, no, I don't think it is for everyone.
by Retired Military on October 26th, 2009
Just like selective service, EVERY 18 year old person should HAVE to sign up for military service (service of their choice) for a minumum of two years. Suitable, whats that? Is there a specific quality for a servicemember? I think not. A HUGE majority of 18 year olds have no idea what they want to do for the rest of their lives or what's next after High School. Two years of discipline, training and structure would be a wonderful start to evry young adutls life. If after the two years you wanted to stay, you would re-enlist in the REGULAR service, if not you would seperate and go your own way. In this two years you would go through the same Basic Training, pick a trade and attend the technical school for that trade and learn it. No WAR service, no Over-Seas service. If the job you selected had short training then you would be moved transferred to a stateside base that had a need. For those people selecting trades that had extended training times (more than 2 years) they would sign a waiver saying they underrstood that the service was longer than the expected 2 years but they would join anyway (or chosse another trade). KIDS, I said KIDS (18 year olds are STILL KIDS) would learn all aspects of being away from home...like having your own place to pay for, money management, life skills. Giving back at least a part of what EVERY SOLDIER, AIRMAN, MARINE or SEAMAN gave for you. If it's not your gig, move on, go to college or sign uo for the REAL Service. My bet...more productive society, less gangs, less teen pregnancy, less welfare, less debt, less prisoners, more educated/technical society, less govenerment hand outs!
by SgtThor on October 3rd, 2009
Damn right. It is the least that someone could do. A little sacrifice is good for us all.
by raylrodr on June 13th, 2009
Absolutely, yes. Todays young people need to learn some discipline and respect. Most importantly, the military way of life would teach them that they are not at all as special as their Mothers would have them believe. Learning a usable trade is something that our school systems no longer teach and would be of great value to our society. The military has many jobs where the experience would carry-over to civilian life.
by Have A Nice Day on June 13th, 2009
I'd say yes, but not all of them should see combat or even leave the country. Something like the Swiss system, where every house has to have a gun and everyone has to defend against an invasion. Then again, that only works there because everyone is, and identifies themselves as, Swiss, whereas here there's a big push AWAY from national identity.
by engineer is Terminator on June 13th, 2009
Military is a respectable career.It's not a place of experimentation for youngsters.It should be joined with interest and dedication and not by anyone's advice and force.
.
After all, those men deal with the business of protecting lives and it's no school kid's play.
.
The brave sons saw their motherland in danger.
the enemy has ruined the village and burnt the field.
They set out to teach the creeps a lesson,
they took the spear but forgot the shield.
..
Miss you Poppa.
by Moongrim on June 10th, 2009
Definitely yes.
Makes you appreciate your rights, after you've not gotten to enjoy them for so long.
by Blackberry. on June 10th, 2009
No. If they aren't in it of their own accord, they will slack off and get someone killed. We already have enough of those people in the military and it's hard enough weeding them out.
by Tree Hug on June 10th, 2009
I don't listen to media, or politicians. They are all full of wind.
by Bohemian is back on June 10th, 2009
I know that many people are against it in the UK. However, considering the crime, lack of respect and discipline, I think it might be a good idea. For some, it is horrendous. For others, it makes them. But over all, I think it is quite a good idea.
by Jen-Jen on June 9th, 2009
No, I don't and I think the military should stop trying to recruit at high schools.
by leeks5229 on June 9th, 2009
Yes, I think it is a good proposition. In my country youths at the age 17+ would be randomly picked to attend a three-month national service which has basic military training as part of their training program.
by iDeath on June 8th, 2009
There was a time I would have said yes...Not now.
by LarryH54 on June 8th, 2009
It would have done me a world of good. I still regret not going. Even in peacetime, the military teaches necessary skills, as well as basic maturity.
by DukeG on June 8th, 2009
Yes it would give them a great appreciation for what our soldiers do for us.
by Ed the Jetpacking Headbanger on June 8th, 2009
No. There are many people who aren't menatlly or physically capable of military service.
by Takei-Shihan on June 8th, 2009
... from age 13 to age 19 they should pass 6 years in cadets, then from age 19 to age 25 they should pass 6 years in the reserves ...
... then, only the really serious can enlist full time regular force if they want to ... those not interested in full time may still stay reserve ...
by cunning stunt who u calling chicken on June 8th, 2009
I think all young people should serve at least a year in some kind of capacity - whether it is military or social.
I prefer social and maybe they should serve in both.
The amount of self esteem gained from knowing ones strengths is invaluable to young people who are readying themselves to enter into the world.
by Twisted Taco on June 8th, 2009
Absolutely not. The military are the killing forces of the elite
by Fiddle Playing Creole Bastard on June 8th, 2009
No, for several reasons:
The cost
It would reduce morale among the soldiers who volunteered
In my opinion, yet not the opinion of the courts, unfortunately, it violates the 13th amendment.
by kazi on June 8th, 2009
Yes, I think it's so important for both male and female...It not only teaches the ways of war...but also other aspects too...love for country & people, discipline, courtesy, proper utilization of everything...and mainly the chain of commands...and thus to build their own life...
by everton on June 8th, 2009
too right teachb the little gits some respect
by supergirelelone on November 29th, 2009
It would be scary if it was made mandatory because if they were to be sent to war and die they could loose their chance of having their desire life.
What are blockades?
by Answerbag Staff on January 13th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
Friendly fire? Nothing friendly about it. Is there such thing as friendly retaliation?
by angel1000 on July 26th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
If you were in the military, how many guys did you know or hear about who got kicked out or let go, and what for?
by Amorphous Blob on April 5th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Would the military tell us the real truth about the status of our various wars? Doesn't the military have a vested interest in war?
by RosieGHM Jetpacker on June 9th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What happens when a drill sergeant gets flipped off during Basic Training?
by Running, Fall Up on June 2nd, 2011
| 6 people like this
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Comments
Thank you for your answer :D
by CT on June 8th, 2009
You're welcome, CT. What is your opinion on the whole thing?
by AnonymousGirl on June 8th, 2009
I'm in two minds on the whole thing..I think yes..it would be a great idea..as long as there's no fighting involved..if they wish to stay on and fight thats up to them..but another part of me thinks of my younger siblings and fears the worst..so in many ways yes I agree..for discipline and to help gain a career maybe..but no fighting or war..
by CT on June 8th, 2009
I agree.
by kazi on June 10th, 2009
Many countries have mandatory national service. For most people, it means going in the military. However, those non-military types can go into some other government service. It works well.
CT - as a military man I can tell you that war takes all the fun out of being in the military.
by SgtThor on October 2nd, 2009
Thank you SgtThor for your imput..I have the greatest respect for anyone who joins the military..but the downside of the job *war* saddens me so much..
by CT on October 3rd, 2009
what I think, everyone [able bodied] must come to the military...it should be made a compulsory education as others....but the definition of the military should be changed...in most cases, the whole defense system passes time idly...IT'S REALLY A WASTE OF HUGE NATIONAL RESOURCE...if, the regular force were used in different sectors [or, better say, if people in each sector were made to join the national defense], that would be more useful...I know, sometimes a defense personnel have to render service of such kind...but, that's not what I meant...
and, another thing, many would say, that'd make the state unstable...I believe, that's only a sentimental bully!
by kazi on October 3rd, 2009