Thank-You For Serving!

[dales]

[Gob]

Sorry Dales, when I read the thread title, the first thing that came to my mind was;

[dales]

I was going to do sometning along those lines but I didn't want to offend any Vets here.

[oldr_n_wsr]

I didn't know about this.
Should be advertised more. but then it will just become another day for a sale

Anyway, thank you to all who serve, served and will serve.

[dgs49]

Bring back the draft.

Seriously.

The "Military" has become the institution by which we induce others to bear the burdens that we should all share collectively. The "All Volunteer Army" has allowed politicians (Presidents) to "play" in international combat with the currency of other peoples' lives and wellbeing, knowing that for most Americans, they are all volunteers, so fuck 'em.

If 100 or so congresspersons had adult children who had been conscripted into the Army (as enlisted men), there would not be so much loose talk of whether we should intervene in other peoples' misery around the world.

[dales]

Those congress critters would devise a "work around" via C.O. status or my kid has a boil on his butt and can't serve.

Members of congress are an elite and priveldge class of VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE. /sarcasm

[Big RR]

The "All Volunteer Army" has allowed politicians (Presidents) to "play" in international combat with the currency of other peoples' lives and wellbeing,

that was done with a draft as well--No one really cared as long as their sons were not drafted. I will say that phasing out the exemptions helped erode the "silent majority" support there was for the war, but I also think a draft made it easier to stock the front lines with cannon fodder; if they had to rely on volunteers, I'd bet the war would have ended much sooner, if only because there would not have been all that many volunteering.

But, FWIW, I don't really think a peacetime draft makes a lot of sense; inducting people for two years to participate in war games once or twice a year and then sit around and police the area or do other BS make work jobs generates nothing but hostility among those forced to put their lives on hold for the BS. If there was a way to make it a meaningful experience, perhaps it could work, but I'm not sure how that could be done.

[Sue U]

But, FWIW, I don't really think a peacetime draft makes a lot of sense; inducting people for two years to participate in war games once or twice a year and then sit around and police the area or do other BS make work jobs generates nothing but hostility among those forced to put their lives on hold for the BS. If there was a way to make it a meaningful experience, perhaps it could work, but I'm not sure how that could be done.

Two years mandatory full-time public service (whether armed forces or another service program like AmeriCorps) from ages 18-20.

[Lord Jim]

On this one, I agree with our resident commie...

I have long been an advocate of mandatory universal service...

I believe the benefits gained from such a system, both for the individuals and society in general would vastly outstrip the investment required...

I would provide additional incentives and benefits for those who opted for military service, because of the additional risks involved.

[Sue U]

We probably agree on a lot more than you'd think (and also too probably a lot more than we don't). It's why, at least in the near term, there is hope for the species.

[dgs49]

I agree with Sue. Good for America and good for Americans. Win, win.

[oldr_n_wsr]

Ditto for me too.
I see many a young'un in the meetings who have no direction and no structure and no discipline. Many could use the military or job corp experience not just for skills, but for attitude adjustment. While they may be trying to get sober (or off the pill/herion) thier futures do not look bright. But many "elders" in those meetings had similar experiences and can guide them, so there is hope.