Serving in the military when benefits are clearly explained (especially the VA Home Loan) is the closest thing to a cheat code for financial stability in America. The one thing that has always bothered me is the cases of our citizens (often our homeless population) who for whatever reason, have lost all forms of identification. That is the one barrier that would keep a citizen from attempting enlistment and from the steady income, housing, and healthcare that follows. I propose that DMV’s across America launch a partner program with military recruitment stations to obtain identification for citizens without the need for mail/previous tax statements/immediate payment etc.
Eligibility for this program would be a signed contract with a military recruitment station and DMV that the signee will to the best of their ability attempt to enlist in the military immediately following receiving identification for minimum one contract, and if ruled unfit to serve, the signee will provide the DMV with bank account information (which they will be able to do with identification) and be charged in 6 months time (hopefully long enough to find civilian employment with their new identification). Payment for ID could be covered early with cash or funds transfer if the signee chooses to do so at a date before the charge.
Military recruiters employed by their station would be authorized to transport identification-less citizens between their primary area of residence, the station, and the participating DMV.
Identity would be determined by DNA testing, fingerprinting, and/or facial recognition technology matched with preexisting identification photos. They are our people. If they somehow get by pretending to be someone else, they’re giving years of their life to serve our country which is more than most do in a lifetime of living in America. The opportunity cost is worth saving their life and strengthening our military with someone who sees it as the organization that saved their life.