As on who has been there and did that for over 30 yrs, both as a Non-Commissioned and Commissioned officer, I disagree with your idea.
Providing basic training and individual combat techniques (whatever that is for Airmen and Sailors) to every citizen and later give them the choice to stay or go back to civilian life I think, at worst, could make more efficient criminals. Reasons are:
— Basic is by many young peoples’ opinion hell to leave and never return; you would likely not retain many assuming basic is what it should be (military indoctrination);
— Many troops do not learn camaraderie and love of service (the glue that holds people together in combat) until they reach their permanent duty station and units;
— Will not address pay since if you love what you do, pay is not a major motivator.
If you are to conscript citizens at all, do it for at least a year. Give the young troop a chance to learn to appreciate and love the mission and the history of the units they serve with in the field.
One of my old platoon sergeants used to say, “Serving is like a driver’s license, a privilege not a right which is why the military discriminate at MEPS stations.” You want top recruits and a strong military, stop the radical liberal social experimentation. The military exists to dissuade potential adversaries through strength, and if that fails, to defeat them in combat (kill their troops and destroy their wares). This is a job too important to allow any meddling with its core ethos.
Regards.
I know that. I just don't get going through 3 month basic training would prepare or create incentives for the many that hate Boot.
"My son, ̃ years in the army, says, too, that the tech training instead of AIT is a loss for most but necessary because of the short duration of too many enlistments."
So, your son is saying why bother to train the Basic graduates in logistics and tech support, even if only for a 2 year enlistment when those MOS's are needed for the warrior guys?
I guess this old salt is not getting your gist. Unless strictly infantry grunts, there are countless tech/logistics positions needed for various billets within all the branches. So your saying 3-6 months draft in basically a tough summer camp just to acclimate our youth would make them more inclined to enlist?
"The type of Draft I see as the best would obviate all that. We would have both a universal draft and a fully volunteer military."
Hardly a universal draft according to your standards. It would be nothing more than a "Tough Love" regimen that many juvenile delinquents endure and learn to hate and drop out. Even Marines quit or fail Boot because they hate the physical and psyche problems. I haven't even mention the re-trained or new type of Drill Instructor costs, not to mention re-training Recruiters. Sometimes thinking outside the box is not always the best answer.
I repeat, I have no problem with a draft for Reserves of at least 2 years for 18 year olds that includes tech/logistics training. Another reason I'm opposed to your idea is that NAVY and AIR FORCE are highly technical branches. Yes, the Army and Marines have their pilots, crew members, ground mechs and other tech/logistics supporting billets. However, every Marine is rifle carrying warrior first and have the most difficult Basic training. Does you idea include them?
Your idea is unworkable. 3-6 months basic and you think they would enlist without having the experience in the air, ground, and sea comraderie? They would get some in a 3-6 month Boot, and then leave it behind. Kick it around with other military and Veterans. I've been known to be wrong.