All Americans should serve

I agree with bringing back the draft. Asking young people to step up and serve their country is part and parcel of being an American.

All physically able high school graduates should be required to immediately report for a 24-month tour of either civilian duty, which could cover opportunities at either the state or federal level, or military duty in a division of the armed forces. After the tour is completed, they could re-enlist or choose higher education or employment.

In return for this service to the country, they would receive from Congress two years of tuition-paid, books-paid education at the community college of their choice in the home state where they resided at high school graduation. Congress could include an amount for housing allowance, which would only be for partially offsetting the cost of away-from-home housing, not meant to cover the entire housing cost.

This plan presents the possibility of college to all high school graduates, even for students with disabilities. It relieves parents of concern for at least part of a child’s college expense. It also gives young people an opportunity to serve their country and build confidence and pride in themselves.

Robert E. White 
Bonner Springs

Comments

[Agro1981]

We need conscription like we need an inflamed boil on collective @ss. This has been the ploy of every tyrant in human history. Forced service will not build patriotism but rather undermine people's love of country. Besides, you think our defense budget is huge now, you ain't seen notin' yet.

[Rich]

As an American serving in our nations military for the last 19+ years, I totally disagree with forcing young Americans in to military service in an effort to pay for two years of college.

First, the cost of this recommendation is insurmountable. Our nation's military would have to be funded billions more to cover the cost of training, housing, and equipping such an enormous force.

Second, given the current state of our economy the U.S. government is in no position to pay for healthcare for all of its citizens much less send all of our high school graduates to college for two years after a minimum service requirement.

In my opinion as a career Soldier, we have the best all volunteer force on the face of this planet and I'd like to keep it that way.

[Greghand]

My definition of a liberal is a person who wants to enforce their beliefs on someone else or enforce their beliefs on an entire society without regard to personal freedoms. Making Robert a liberal in my book.

[Sammy]

"Asking young people to step up and serve their country is part and parcel of being an American."

I thought America was about freedom, not forcing others to do your will Robert.

What many have trouble recognizing is that being responsible, productive and interested and educated in what's happening, while enjoying our freedoms, are great ways to serve our country.