[LN2Campy]

I have very mixed feelings on this -- I VOLUNTEERED for the US Navy (Reserve)- and while I appreciate the libertarian argument about the virtue of a volunteer force, there is something to be said for the "levelling" experience of boot camp for all factions of society. The way it is now, anyone with a good job, a comfortable lifestyle and a college degree who volunteers for service is viewed as an oddball both IN and OUT of the service. (My own case).

This is wrong -- guys like me who have a good deal in this country have the most at stake and should be the first to volunteer to protect it -- sadly, that's NOT the case. We are becoming the new Rome -- relying on the underclass (no place else to go) and mercenaries ($$$ for college, right?) to protect us.

My apologies to my shipmates from the South -- the only part of this republic who appear to have a vestige of the citizen/soldier ethic left.

[steve-b]

there is something to be said for the "levelling" experience of boot camp for all factions of society

Great moments in social leveling.