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If a country imposes a military draft, all young citizens should be forced to serve. There should be no discrimination based on gender, race, creed, or sexual orientation. Just as all lay claim to the rights and benefits of citizenship, all should be obligated to give time and energy to the defence and protection of the homeland during periods of tension or conflict.

There are many occupations within the armed services in which women can serve. While they may not wish to fight on the battlefield, there are many areas of service where their particular aptitudes or talents would be useful. The medical corps, communications, working in enlistment centers, record keeping or teaching in the base schools are examples which spring to mind. Moreover, if they choose to serve in a position similar to their peacetime occupation, a period of military service included to their curriculum vitae would be an impressive addition for future employers.

A wide selection of assignments should be presented to each recruit, both male and female. While background information should be scrutinized to help ascertain a suitable placement, the greatest effort should be made to comply with an individual's request for a particular area of service. It is likely that the grandest and most worthwhile efforts will result if the service person is comfortable in the work, feels able to fit in and work as a team member with his or her comrades. For example, it would not be appropriate to place a dedicated nurse in the base kitchen, even if there was a critical need for another cook.

In the first batch of female recruits there may be some young mothers for whom the draft was a surprise. If they have no reliable caregivers for their children, special arrangements may have to be made for them. In subsequent incoming waves of new personnel, this should no longer be a problem. These young women were aware that military service was required, and should have postponed motherhood until the obligation to their homeland was satisfied.

In the twenty-first century, the criterion for any and all employment is equality of opportunity. In the military service, all positions should be open for anyone qualified and willing to serve, regardless of gender, race, creed or sexual orientation. Our young people today know themselves and their life goals. They have had the advice of school guidance counselors, and windows on the world of work through television shows and high school co-op programs. By following their lead as to appropriate placement within the military service, everyone will benefit, the recruits themselves, the military, their fellow citizens, the allies, and last but not least, the homeland, the country they serve.

Learn more about this author, Carolyn Tytler.
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