Mandatory Military Service
What right do we truly have to claim our freedom? Have we earned it? Have we worked for it? Have we toiled and struggled and served in exchange for freedom? The answer for most is no. The majority of citizens in the United States do not feel obligated to work for their freedom, which can be considered problematic for our nation’s future. Would military service in exchange for earned freedom and citizenship be a solution to this problem? Or could an argument be made that there is no problem at all? Opinions on this subject differ drastically from person to person. In the essay, “What You Can Do For Your Country,” James Herbert Bushman speaks of instituting a mandatory military service requirement of three years, starting before the age of twenty-four. Bushman states his belief that as a requisite of citizenship, you must serve in a branch of the military. He claims that a necessary service will benefit more than only the military, but will benefit individual people as well by increasing the feeling of unity, the knowledge and skillset of the individual, and will grant equal pay and benefits for all in service. Bushman suggests that everyone who is unwilling to serve their country is no better than a freeloader or a beggar on a street corner, mooching off others’ efforts and earnings. Similarly, he repeats the old phrase ‘freedom is not free,’ and insinuates that everyone must work equally for their share of freedom. Additionally, Bushman suggests that mandatory military service could potentially help quite a few people. One group that would be favorably affected is those who can’t afford college. Military.com has an overview of how the military will pay for up to $4,500 in Tuition Assistance during service. Once in the military, they could attend college without the weight of paying full tuition. Though, we must think of the cost of increased military personnel. The United States already uses roughly fifty percent of its total spending on the military (about 600 billion), as stated in the chart for discretionary spending found on nationalpriorities.org. Would the country and government be able to support a military of increased size? Could the country supply the
In today's society where opinion matters, people have been extremely vocal about the lack of support the government has provided to our veterans. Many feel as if the government should do more, while others feel as if they are doing enough. Everyone will have a difference of opinion no matter if they have severed in the military or not. No matter how one may feel, is extremely important to take care of our veterans. As they have sacrificed their lives, time, and family to protect our country. Contrary to one's belief, the government provides a substantial amount of programs, which support the veterans. Honestly more could be done. On any given day you could see women and men standing on the corner holding signs implying they are homeless veterans and will work for food. A few programs the government offers our veterans are funding for mental health services, The Wounded Warrior Project and Vocational Rehabilitation and Education, which will be discussed throughout this essay. When you research the programs, they make it sound as if all proceeds are going towards the best treatment and care money could buy.
Serving the United States Military comes with many responsibilities as well as pressure and accountability. However, the military isn’t for everyone, but it offers so much for those who serve. One thing that must be known and dealt with is that this career could be a life threatening one, and there are many obstacles one must go through beforehand.
Post 9-11 military enlistment numbers spiked because individuals wanted to serve and protect our recently attacked country and our way of life. If individuals are forced to participate in a military campaign, the government will be relieved of one of the checks that help prevent them from engaging in unpopular or unwarranted campaigns.
There are a lot of graduates fresh out of high schools that make the decision to use the military. There are some people that join the military because that is a fast and easy choice for them. The military gives everyone a wide variety of options. College for instance, the military allows you to serve your country and still have time to attend college and get a degree if you choose to do that. People that choose to join the military get the option to go to college anytime they feel during their military career. The military pays for part or all the tuition. The military has four different branches, Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. Each branch offers different trades. Air Force for example, teaches people to fly, have mechanical skills,
With all the controversy surrounding mandatory military service, past and recent incidents have shown a greater need to protect ourselves from those who wish to do us harm. Continued decline in enlistment, and a
Throughout human history, war has permeated the lives of billions of people. From early conflicts such as conquests to control vast swaths of land by Alexander the Great and Cyrus the Great to modern, global wars such as the World Wars, the concept of war has been at the forefront of humanity’s mind for centuries. However, in recent years, opposition to war and lack of participation in the military has become a common theme in many countries, including the United States. To help alleviate the troubles caused by lack of participation, the United States instituted a law allowing for the conscription of its citizens. Conscription, which can also be referred to as a draft, is defined as the compulsory drafting of citizens into military service (What). The Draft has been utilized throughout US History in a couple of prominent wars; however, opposition has manifested against the Vietnam War and the draft, rightfully stemming from ethical opposition to the war and hatred for what the war and the draft stood for.
Every day, there are American citizens who risk their lives for the sake of their country's safety. Men and women who believe that justice, peace, and equality should be served. However, within their beliefs, some choose to exclude transgender individuals who have the same rights and freedoms. The American society considers the world to be progressively changing and growing, however, seem to forget that in order for the military to survive the 21st century, diversity is crucial. Although the medical costs may raise the overall healthcare median per year, transgender individuals should have the right to serve in the U.S. armed forces because any human being who meets the physical qualifications and has a willing attitude should have the right to serve.
On the 11th of November, the U.S. observes Veterans Day. On this day, we are meant to honor the men and women who have sacrificed so much of their own lives to serve this country. Whether one may favor the Army, Marines, Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, or the National Guard, we should all pay our respects to all those who served both current, former, and deceased. But what is the purpose of Veterans Day? And why is it so important to observe this particular holiday?
Having young men or even women drafted in the military would benefit everyone. The soldiers would benefit from gaining the knowledge and on-the-job training for a career when they get out and the militaries would not be suffering from the shortage of troops as they are today. It is a win-win situation!
The Great War was known as ‘the war to end all wars’ as it had such a dramatic and tragic impact on soldiers and civilians alike. Many aspects of the conscription debate, the home front, trench warfare and weaponry had a significant impact on Australia and its involvement in the war.
There are lots of ways to further your education. Most everyone instantly thinks about college as the next step in their education after high school. Some people just simply aren’t ready for college yet, or do not think that it is their thing. The next thing people consider is to join the workforce out of highschool. That is not always the best idea because you do not get any education by doing so. A better way to further your education would be to join the military. The military can give you education in things that no college is able to, help with expenses (including helping pay for college while you serve), and has an interesting daily lifestyle that is unique and different than college would be. The job I want to do in the military is to
Less than one percent of all Americans are enlisted in the military. An even smaller percentage of high school students are enlisted. Students are thought to be incompetent, and not mature enough to decide on enlisting in the military. However, students should be allowed to join the military. The military offers many benefits students can use to help their future. The protection of our country is not overlooked for recruits; they are awarded many personal benefits as well. Tuition assistance, job training, and many benefits that help prepare recruits for occupations while enlisted. Not only are students getting great benefits, but they are also in a small group of professional workers.
If people are dismayed by death, than why do we let one dispute turn into a war? So many people are overwhelmed by war, but no one has the guts to stand up and stop it. Lina from the book People of Sparks helped end a war by putting out a fire. But we don’t have to end a war if we can stop it from starting. So then why do people start a war based on what they believe in? Although in the past people have started wars over what they believe, there are better ways to solve our differences. For example, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks all fought peacefully for what they believe in. So I believe today there are better ways to stand up for our beliefs.
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.
As many other countries mandate young adults partaking in the military for two years, the United States should follow suit. Many beneficial consequences would be rendered as a result of the increase in service. This would also be a great commencement into the real world for any young adult. These statements can be explored by discussing the benefits of free college tuition, disciplined young adults who are ready to follow orders, and the sheer power of numbers.