Instead of a draft we ought to have a mandatory service for ALL Americans.
No exemptions with the possibility of those who are immobile or mentally incapable of caring for themselves. The term should be a minimum of 2 yrs and their duties would involve those jobs currently considered non combat. The idea is to free up the volunteer military to assume tasks more related to the national defense.
The military prefers volunteers because they are better motivated and easier to lead and train.
We have 334 million people in the US. Its not possible or even a good idea to make service mandatory. The Democrats under Obama tried to pass a bill similar to what you are discussing. Its foreced labor and thankfully unconstitutional. What were you thinking?
Agreed!
And, Boot Camp for all should be as much like Parris Island and MCRD as possible!
I’m retired Navy, but in 1964, when I went through the Naval Aviation School of Pre-Flight in Pensacola, the military portion of our training was staffed and run by USMC Sergeants, the Class Officers were USMC Captains, and the Officer in Charge was a USMC Major.
For 16 weeks, for all intents and purposes, it was as if we were in a USMC boot camp! It was a great intro into the military and outstanding training experience!
OoohRaaah!
I have long thought something modeled after the Swiss or Israeli system might work for the US...It’s been said of the Swiss...”Switzerland does not have an army; Switzerland IS an army”...
After HS graduation (say 18 yo) all able bodied males receive basic training and then train in a military specialty (infantry, artillery, armor, aviation, MP, etc), followed by a year or two of paid active duty, and after active service, a reserve commitment of several years...
Then remain subject to periodic reserve drills and call up during a declared national emergency or wartime until age 45 or so...Details to be worked out...Admittedly, it would take a major attitudinal shift among American men to make something like this work...
Universal military training and discipline might go a long way to reduce the problems of fatherless boys falling into a life of crime...
Not a cure-all, but might help...Just a thought...
A society of free people last only so long as it has a responsible citizenry. Part of that responsibility is to be prepared to defend that system. Basic military training should be taught in high school; small arms qualification, drill, manual of arms, et c.