Yes

by Dean Ralph

Created on: July 12, 2011

This is a difficult one for me to take sides on. Having been in an all volunteer military and seeing the types of people that enlist makes me say that Military service should not be mandatory. Let me explain by first making it very clear that the United States Military has got some of the most dedicated people, as a whole I would never even begin to insult their integrity or their honor. On a smaller, individual scale, however, I have seen what happens when you get people in the service for reasons other than service to their country. People that have enlisted only for the college or health benefits. Many of these people leave something to be desired by any employer or fellow employee, let alone those in an occupation in which your life may very well depend on the performance of those around you.  

My second and final objection to mandatory Military service is quite simple. Freedom of choice. People should not be forced into a job, whether it be the military or flipping hamburgers. Because of those that willingly serve in the military defending the rights of others to have that freedom of choice, military service should not be mandatory.

I know, right about now you are thinking that I am writing for the wrong side on this issue, I am supposed to be writing in favor of mandatory Military service. Here we go. I am in favor of mandatory Military service for all able bodied individuals. People that are physically capable should have one of two choices upon graduation from High School, or in the event that they dropped out of school, their 18th birthday. The first choice being Active Duty Military service for a minimum of 2 years. During that 2 years they will learn discipline, hard work, moral ethics and gain experience in the world of today. They will get job training, an opportunity to meet people from different social classes and ethnic backgrounds. They will have no choice but to work along side of these people every day and get to know them and with that they will hopefully take away a better understanding of inner city people, Suburbanites or country folks. People they would never meet if they never left the security of their hometown and all they have ever known, whether it be for financial reasons or personal reasons.

The second option would be attending college after High School. The catch here would be that it must be through a ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Course) program. Upon completion of the program they must serve in the Reserves or National Guard for a period of not less than 4 years or sign up for active duty for a minimum of 2 years.

I am all for the individual right to freedom of choice, however, I am also a firm believer that before you have a vote in whether or not to send our brave Military Men and Women into harms way, you should have a worn the uniform yourself first. Before you protest outside the memorial service of a fallen American Service member, you need to have marched in their boots. Every Politician needs to have served, needs to have "been there, done that". They also should have in their minds that their child or Grandchild will be serving in the Military and take that into consideration when the vote for or against war or Military funding.

I believe that the Military offers opportunities to many financially disadvantaged people, that they don't even know about. With the Wars we have been engaged in these last several years, many people look at the Military and think, "I would, but I don't want to get killed." When I was in High School in the '80's it was an attitude of "I want to go to this country or that country.", or "I want to be a police officer or a pilot, but I don't have the money for College, or I don't have what it takes to go to college." It had nothing to do with being proud to serve. That didn't hit you until after you graduated basic training and AIT (Advanced Individual Training). Walking through the airport with your Class A dress uniform on and then getting off that plane and seeing your parents waiting for you, beaming with pride themselves. That is when pride really kicks in. The Patriotism is a whole other story. You either have that when you enlist or you don't. Military service just makes it shine through a little bit brighter than it did before.

I know from experience that the Military has a lot to offer everyone that joins. I also know from experience that it is just like anyother job. The more you put into it the more you will take away from it. The main difference between the Military and your job at the local factory or 7-11 is simple. You cannot just quit the Military without reprecussions. You can't call in sick because you partied too hard the night before or because the game is on. You have no choice but to take responsibility for your own words and actions. Then again maybe if those guys at the 7-11 had joined the Military they wouldn't be mopping floors on the late shift hoping someone doesn't come in and rob them. Maybe the would, but most likely they wouldn't.

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