How do you feel about this? In the USA, a mandatory 2.5 years in government service, NOT THE MILITARY, UNLESS?
444736
I think it's a great idea too. Everyone should, at some point in their life, contribute something (other than taxes) to the country they live in. Making it mandatory would make it less enjoyable, however. People should do it because it's the right thing to do, not because it's required.
556227
I love it.  Everyone sees this issue only in black and white.  What happens to those that can't serve for whatever reason?  Medical, mental, hardship, etc.\n\nMost European countries have the right of it.  They have a mandatory 12 months military service, with the option of continuing on if the soldier wishes.  They are paid a minimum amount of money during the 12 months, but everything is provided for them.\n\nIF they cannot do the military for whatever reason (medical, mental, hardship, etc), then they will do 24 months of community service (volunteer fire dept, meals on wheels, etc).
237440
I think it is great. I think 5 years is more than enough time for illegals to get their things in order and gain citizenship or leave. It's not because I think we are better than them. It's because I live in Northwest-Arkansas. And for those of you who don't know. There is a sign on the US side of the Mexican border that says "Come to Northwest-Arkansas for work" Well, that's great...because half of the people I know...can't get jobs, because illegals are taking them. How is that fair? This is the first right thing that Bush has done. Why protest it? I DO believe that illegal immigrants should have the right to the American Dream, if they gain citizenship. But when you think about it, The money that is taken out of your weekly paycheck, that is supposed to go to the Social Security Fund, (to help you and your family out later on in life) is paying for their healthcare and their housing in some cases. So, tell me, how is it fair that the people who are citizens, get to pay for the illegal immigrants' needs and get nothing in return. Do you think  there will be any money left, when it is your turn to need the Social Security money?
533041
I think it's an excellent idea.  Public school don't teach what is expected of an employee in a work situation, nor do they teach the values that employees need to be able to succeed in a work situation.  Most young people fumble through their first few jobs until they learn what is expected of them.  Two years of community service would alleviate this very painful transition in the lives of young people and build confidence in them with employers.
810389
In other countries military service IS mandantory for at least 2 years for all able bodied people, men or women.\nIt would serve to teach some much needed job skills and maybe some people would not have the desperation that makes them commit crimes. This is my humble opinion, I wish I had been able to go in but I am "4-F"
51181
12 years active duty. I would have to say I agree for the most part... But I also want to add "my 2 cents" If a country brings the fight to us we should by ALL means, hunt them down and if that means fighting in Iraq, Cuba, Mexico or Mars then lets get it on!!
970631
The standard is 2 years.  It might also depend on the branch of service.
293733
First of I find it very insulting as a former soldier for someone to say the military is just a bunch of troubled people and criminals. I personally served alongside some of the best this land had to offer. Keep in mind it's a volunteer military and they have stood up to defend YOUR rights. They're reason for doing so is they're own and moot.\n\nTo answer the question, Young people do alot of growing up between the ages of 18 and 24 (standard 6 X 2 enlistment). Sometime they're views and oppinions change. As a result some don't want to fullfill the long commitment.
1003130
if they are enlisted, they should spend the remainder of their obligation in the brig. if they are a officer, they should be stripped of their rank and and also locked in a brig for the duration of the war or crises, then they should be made to repay what their degree would be worth if they got it from a 4 year university back to the government.
372047
I agree...maybe we should institute mandatory service, like they have in Israel.  When you're 18, you go into the service and serve 2 years.  Make every American earn the rights that they take for granted.
476964
Actually how about putting every male graduate that DOESN'T graduate high school be required to join the military. I'd think that makes more sense.
1054140
It's just so screwed up, we are just little pawns in the governments quest for power, our lives don't mean much to them apparently. I'm 20 years old and my boyfriend and I are constantly harassed about going into the army by recruiters and there is never any talk of war just promises of money and career advancement, that's how they trick you into signing up what they don't talk about is that you may not come back alive to reap the benefits! I wish I could buy a beer bottle and break it upside their heads!!!
828325
There have been so many changes in the government--I don't feel the military is effected at all.  I'm not in the military but have been a dependent for the past 20 years (daughter and wife).  My father has disliked several people who have run our country and its department of defense.  Did that make him go into early retirement?  No.  I've notice the people I know (not all) who are in the military don't really care about officials.  Sure, they vote but in the end they have sworn to be a part of the military.  Despite who is "in charge" they will continue doing their job.  I also believe the benefits will continue to convince people to join because it seems that's all people care about these days.  This is why I do not feel it will effect the military.
414307
My Father retired from the Air Force, it provide he and the family opportunities that we may never have had. We got to live all over the world.  My Husband is Special Forces, Air Force.. He left after 2 years, but regrets not staying in longer.\n\nI think it takes a strong person, mentally and physically to give 4 years of their life to their country. Make sure you are doing this for you and not what others think you should do.
963865
I've just come to believe that people are stupid...they think the military is going to give them a job and a paycheck, and that they'll never have to give anything back. \n\nAnd it's not 1 person who went AWOL it's 220 at this point.
101400
Small scale criminals, yes, I think that would be a worthwhile idea.  However, I would wonder how many of them would fulfill their committment.\nThe idea of the military being professional is true, and there are certain requirements that must be met.  I see no reason why these individuals couldn't get the education, etc that they need to serve while serving prison time.
738031
It seems that once a young person starts getting situated into a good job, strong relationship or marriage, financial independence, owning property and having babies, their life changes.  Their priorities change.  Their values change.  Many of them become slaves to their own economic burdens, like paying a mortgage, payments on a car, hospital debt from having a baby, vacations with the family, tuition payments for the kids, etc.  \n\nThe idea of joining the military service goes on the back burner when all of this happens.  These same guys will respond in a true national emergency, but right now they're content with letting the youngsters handle it.\n\nMany combatants are between the ages of eighteen and twenty five.  The military service tries real hard to get these people before they get involved as described above, because once they get involved with all the creature comforts of life, including a wife, they probably aren't as effective as a young, freshly trained youth with no outside responsibilities, but plenty of dedication!