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Mandatory Military Service: Should It Be Required
Effects of lack of education in our society
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“The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or ruin.” -Sun Tzu The modern world accepts laziness, disrespect, rebelliousness, and mediocrity. The days of hard work and discipline are long gone; replaced by decaying morals and nonexistent parenting. If this nationwide contagion continues to develop, the result will be a country unable to sustain, govern, or defend itself. The solution is evident: military service. Mandatory military service in the United States for individuals 18 years of age for a period of two years would have numerous benefits, as well as alleviate many problems facing America. Compulsory military service gives a second chance to high school dropouts. StatisticBrain.com reports that 90% of jobs in the States are not available to dropouts. These dropouts more than likely will end up on the streets, wreaking havoc and harm upon law-abiding citizens. 75% of U.S. crimes have been committed by a high school dropout (“High School” 1). The simple fact is that high school dropouts are a detriment to society. Another problem that can be fixed by military service is the overall mess of America’s youth. Have a conversation with any elderly person and the discussion will quickly become a lecture on how America is going to pot and that youth today are rotten punks. These aged members of society are known as the Baby Boomer generation. All Baby Boomers were born after World War II, and most of their fathers had fought an evil hell bent on crushing the nation they loved. These warriors’ children were regularly disciplined by way of the belt or switch and mistakes were rarely made twice. Baby Boomers understood the world owed them nothing and that it was ... ... middle of paper ... ...://www.elitedaily.com/life/the-20-differences-between-the-baby-boomers-and-generation-y/>. “The Art of War." Trans. Lionel Giles. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2009. Web. 7 Apr. 2014. . Thompson, Mark. "Would National Service Be Better Than the Draft?" TIME Magazine 30 Aug. 2007: 1-12. Web. 14 Apr. 2014. . Walker, Bill. "How the Swiss Opted Out of War." Antiwar.com Original. N.p., 2 Feb. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. . Yates, Christopher. "Bring Back Mandatory Military Service in the US and UK." Theguardian.com. Guardian News and Media, 30 Aug. 2013. Web. 20 Mar. 2014. .
In 1960, at the age of twenty-four, Philip Caputo enlists in the United Sates Marine Corps in hopes of escaping his relaxed lifestyle in the quaint town of Westchester, Illinois. Caputo is interested in proving himself a man and earning respect in response to President John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address to the nation. “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” are the famous words that pushed many young men into the patriotic world of enlistment, in order to defend American ideals. Caputo’s expectations of the war in Vietnam are to achieve heroic acts, finish his missions quickly and efficiently, get out in one piece, and return home to a supportive country interested in his heroic adventures.
The Art of War. Translated by Samuel B. Griffith. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1963. Von Clausewitz, Carl. A. Translated and edited by Sir Michael Howard and Peter Paret.
War is the means to many ends. The ends of ruthless dictators, of land disputes, and lives – each play its part in the reasoning for war. War is controllable. It can be avoided; however, once it begins, the bat...
Tim O’Brien finds himself staring at his draft notice on June 17, 1968. He was confused and flustered. O’Brien does not know how or why he got selected for the draft. All he knew was that he was above the war itself, “A million things all at once—I was too good for this war. Too smart, too compassionate, to everything. It couldn’t happen” (41). He was also demented on the fact that he, a war hater, was being drafted. He felt if anyone were to be drafted it should be the people who supported the war. “If you support a war, if you think it’s worth the price, that’s fine, but you have to put your own precious fluids on the line” (42). His draft notice was when he first carried his thought of embarrassment. He instantly thought if he does not support the war he should not have to go to war. The only way not to go to war was to flee the country so the draft council could not find him. He had a moral split. “I feared the war, yes, but I also feared exile” (44). This quote is so true in young adults, not only then, but also now. Peer pressure, the thought of being embarrassed if we do not do something, pushes many young adults to do things they do not want to such as pushing Tim O’Brien to enter the draft. The thought of being judged ...
One thing that stands out is the author’s approach to the betterment of the community. Aside from trying to recruit individuals into the service, I believe he might also acknowledge Grossman for what he’s doing to the homeless citizens of Los Angeles. We can assume the author appreciates creating a better and easier life for people. Most importantly, however, it is agreeable to say that the article implies that the military is what the author remarkably values. I feel this way because in all corners of the article, it is touched upon. For example, the author prints, “The qualities you acquire while in the military are qualities that stay with you forever,” and “Today’s Military: See it for what it really is.” Additionally, he informs us that Grossman has been featured in magazines highlighting those who have served in the U.S. Military. He’s complimented the military multiple times in his work. I believe he also wishes to expose some admirable things about the military and shine light to it, in hopes of gaining followers and supporters for the
Prior to war and the passage of the GI Bill the average American could only dream about college and owning a home. Designed to be used for college, technical or vocational courses, apprenticeship/on-the-job ship/on-the-job training, certificate programs, flight training and correspondence courses and home loan guaranty, the GI Bill has been credited with establishing the foundation of today’s middle class. By 1984, when the GI Bill was revamped, 7.8 World War II Veterans had participated in education or vocational training programs. The updated program became known as the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), after former Mississippi Congressman Gillespie V. “Sonny” Montgomery. His goal was to continue education programs and the VA home loan guaranty for the latest as well as, future generations ...
Over forty years has passed since the United States inducted the last draftee through the Selective Service System. The Selective Service System is an independent agency of the United States, which gives the President the right or power to conscript men for military service. There have been different Acts passed by congress since 1917 that require men of various ages to register for service. Although, the name of each Act and the age requirements of the registries changed, the Acts were all similar in nature. They all gave the President the right to call men to war when he deemed necessary. In January 1973, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird announced the creation of the all-volunteer service, retracting the need for the draft (GAO.gov). Under current law, all men between the ages of 18-25 must register within 30 days of their 18th birthday, however this information is used mostly for recruitment purposes and in case of any future crisis. There has been much controversy over this matter since the Vietnam War, when people started to realize the draft was unfair due to loopholes and draft exemptions making the draft unfair for working men. At one point in time the military draft may have been necessary, but today’s all-volunteer military has eliminated the need for a draft.
War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning, written by the talented author Chris Hedges, gives us provoking thoughts that are somewhat painful to read but at the same time are quite personal confessions. Chris Hedges, a talented journalist to say the least, brings nearly 15 years of being a foreign correspondent to this book and subjectively concludes how all of his world experiences tie together. Throughout his book, he unifies themes present in all wars he experienced first hand. The most important themes I was able to draw from this book were, war skews reality, dominates culture, seduces society with its heroic attributes, distorts memory, and supports a cause, and allures us by a constant battle between death and love.
"The Internet Classics Archive | The Art of War by Sun Tzu." The Internet Classics Archive | The Art of War by Sun Tzu. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Mar. 2014. .
Carl von Clausewitz, “What is War?” On War. Edited and translated by Michael Howard and Peter Paret, 89-112. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1976.
Article writer Stewart Walker believes when President Nixon ignored the fact that an all-volunteer army is very expensive, he made a big mistake (Walker, 6). The budgetary cost may be lower for a draft military than an all-volunteer army (higher pay is usually an incentive for enlisting); however, draftees have a lower reenlistment rate (Goodman, par. 2 & 5). Thus, efficiency is diminished and training costs are raised (par. 2). Walker also believes the argument that the draft undermines patriotism since every citizen should feel obligated to serve (Walker, par. 6). Americans are endowed with the right of individually liberty, but the draft constricts the very thing we are fighting for (Should, par. 5). Innocent Americans are having their liberty taken away so that they can be used as human shields to fight a war they wanted no part in (Henderson, par. 2). Walker even mentions that over thirty percent of Vietnam War deaths were draftees (par. 8). Americans are also endowed with the freedom of religion. Many religious worshippers are pacifists, and forcing them to fight would take away a common American freedom. A draft also contradicts American’s importance on voting (Editorial par. 2 & 5). Every year, politicians stress urge young Americans to vote; however, the draft registrations scares young votes (par. 2 & 5). Despite disregarding innocent humans dying, Walker mentions how
American military history has the potential to inspire greatness in not only youth but people of all ages. When people read about historical figures, even if they aren 't well known, who went above and beyond the standard they gain a sense of inspiration. However, in addition to a sense of inspiration many people gain a better sense of duty even if they do not actively serve in the armed forces. Additionally, another quite remarkable trait the military possesses is the ability to perform in high stress environments under less than ideal conditions. An example of this would be soldiers continuing to execute missions after weeks and months of little to no sleep, food, and
Most people have, at one point or another, considered what they were going to do with their lives. Whether a person would like to become an activist, an artisan or a business professional, the military has something for everyone. Finding a path in life is often filled with uncertainty and procrastination. The United States military is a path in itself, should one wish to retire from it; however, should a person wish to make their own path, there are benefits for that as well that can remove all doubt and curb procrastination. Due to these many benefits, I believe that it should be mandatory for all adults to enlist for a minimum of twenty-four months.
(Isaac, Newton). Analogous to the duty of Americans to protect and serve for interest of country. Two years of compulsory service can provide useful skills to young adults for a life time and the reason to enact conscription. To most young adults the first question is,” how is this going to benefit me?” “What do I get out of it?” First, military service can give a young adult direction in life. If a young man or women is not sure of where or what they want to do or be in life they can fulfill their commitment to two years of service while they decide what they want to pursue in life. Service can also provide opportunities to pursue new interest, new trade skills or finite and master skills. Compulsory service can also provide a young adult with life skills that can be beneficial throughout life. A two year commitment can insure communications skills which will be beneficial in the future and are essential skills to both personal and professional lives. Additionally, implementation of conscription builds leadership and the keys to success. Service can also provide young adults with healthy choice in life, whether it be physical fitness, mental stability, being an active member of society or having self-confidence. These are all attributes earned by serving and a reason that compulsory service is useful to young
...datory military service can provide a way for people achieve a greater life. With the military young adult in need of a better environment would become improved in what ever those people were going to do in life. This will give people job opportunities and more dedication to life. A mandatory military service for all people between the ages of 18 and 24 would only bring good to society.