National service
American citizens should partake in national service for a minimum of two years starting at age 18.
This would strengthen the country, provide discipline to youth which seems is sorely needed and be a foundation to improve the enlistment in the military.
Many service members obtain a degree while on active duty and learn a trade .
Only re enlisted individuals after national service would be applicable to military benefits.
It would restore pride in the country and stamp out all entitlement issues that we are plagued with today.
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I would add national service to include non military as one of the considerations.
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Meaning?
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Similar to a domestic peace corp option (or military service). These young people would be trained to go into service for early childhood educators (allowing universal pre-school) or healthcare among other needed service jobs. Discipline and service would be taught and in a short period of time, they can be deployed domestically. Similar to the GI bill, federal student aid would allow free or reduced cost of higher education. At college, there would be a more mature student population so colleges can go back to learning institutions versus needing to provide care to late adolescents. This workforce could facilitate other social programs.
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Agree to this. We need the basic understanding of the quality of our lives. Basically community service! Covered room, basic healthy food and experience.
Isn’t that just college though?? In a different form.
It’s an interesting idea but I meant National service in the military exclusively.
Then after the two years it’s a choice to continue in the military go to college or join peace corps domestic or otherwise.
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Americorps, the national park service, the department of health to name a few, but it could be almost anything the federal government already does.
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Kind of like the Finnish do it. Although not in for 2 years but rather varying durations, each male that turns 18 takes part in a call-up that same year. According to the Finnish constitution, every citizen is obligated to participate in national defense. Every male Finnish citizen aged 18-60 is liable for military service and women can do so voluntarily.
Yes this is more of what I was thinking of but why segregate?
I think all both boys and girls , (men and women) at aged 18 do a two year military service as you said defense of country non eligible for deployment.
No that is not what I was thinking at all.
National service in defense of country .
I understand you were referring to the military. I was suggesting that in addition to the military an option for other national service because not everyone is suitable for military service.
There are many branches in the military and all kinds of jobs including medical, policing , administration.
The point is to instill discipline , build character and produce cohesion of the American people.
Not to mention in todays climate show the world we as a people support our country.
To say not everyone is suitable for the military is like saying not all people can hold a job or be a productive member of society. Obviously a serious medical condition would negate service but just because you don’t feel like it or don’t want to is not a reason.
Our grandfathers and fathers fought for our freedoms and the the state the country is in they would turn in their graves.
A two year stint in any division of military would unite the country give participants a footing for a career and many options.The bonus being uniting the country , building respect and character in individuals which has sadly been lost.
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I don’t have full grasp on how women fulfill the ‘participation in national defense’, but it is clear that women have a choice when it comes to ‘military’ service. A good read on the Finnish Conscription System can be found at: Finnish conscription system - Puolustusvoimat - The Finnish Defence Forces
I’ve read all the posts again and thought about it. I’m sold on the idea without having non military options like I previously mentioned.
Please explain what you do not understand about women fulfilling national defense
I am glad we can agree to disagree 
on the form it would take
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We’re not disagreeing anymore I’m completely agreeing with your original posting with no exceptions.
I apologize I misread . Thankyou for discussing this with me
This makes sense in smaller nations, but we have over 4 million people turn 18 every year, meaning that EVERY year we would effectively double our military force of 2 million the first year and continuously have a minimum of 8 million serving ON TOP of those who stay after they turn 20. Good in theory but logistically does not make any sense. I think having vocational programs in high school starting at grade 9 would be much more beneficial.
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Would adding in national guard as addional placement have any appreciable value?