“I couldn’t agree more: earn it - not necessarily by learning civics lessons, either. By serving. “But what about people who can’t physically serve, yadda yadda yadda?”. Very narrowly delineated exceptions - flat feet doesn’t cut it. And if you want to get a college deferment, fine: add a year to your mandatory service for each year you defer.”
Very good ideas. My father was turned down because of flat feet for all branches of the military during WW II. He served in the Merchant Marines during WW II and some years after.
I got out a Corporal (E-4). If I’d stayed in any longer I would have been an E-1. Too much fun off duty the last six months or so and a fight on duty prior to that.
As a former Circuit Defense Counsel, I hear ya - and represented a bunch just like ya! It took me 4 tries to get in, due to an eye issue, so I consider every day I get to serve a privilege and a blessing.
Colonel, USAFR