View Poll Results: Should there be Mandatory Service for the U.S. Armed Forces?
Yes, Mandatory service/ draft
15
35.71%
No, Kepp it completely voluntary
27
64.29%
Voters: 42. You may not vote on this poll
Draft/ Mandatory service
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 26
Tom, one, I do not nor will never be in a fox hole under fire in my carreer
Inbound Scuds were common at Saudi FOLs like KKMC, and watching the (early vintage) Patriot missiles miss them in broad daylight (not that daylight would make a difference) was not encouraging.
Still, the biggest hazard in the Air Force is simply driving your privately owned vehicle. My unit lost two troops this year to stupid behavior while riding their motorcycles...
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,496
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Canada
Re: Draft/ Mandatory service
Originally posted by Jimmy Dean
I think there should be a mandatory service of say 2 years....
I feel military member have a higher set of morals and values than the average civilian, also, military service gives you a larger view of the world and its real problems. I think this could help to straighten out some of the youth in our country.
I think there should be a mandatory service of say 2 years....
I feel military member have a higher set of morals and values than the average civilian, also, military service gives you a larger view of the world and its real problems. I think this could help to straighten out some of the youth in our country.
Why not just put everyone in prison for two years? How about a mandatory stint digging ditches for the state? How about mandatory service at state run hospitals, shelters, loony bins, etc for 2 years? Maybe you should prune trees in a national forest for two years? How about a 2 year tour at McDonalds? Maybe two years mandatory time at a monastery, theological college, gov't run "ethics college" to instill some morals?
Military members have higher morals standards? REALLY? Based on what? YOU CANNOT LEGISLATE MORALITY.
I think the reasons a draft is a BAD idea have been spelled out here pretty well already, by members of the military nonetheless.
Not enough volunteers for future needs? Perhaps the military should be examining the reasons behind this rather than forcing military service?
Besides, we don't need any more panty waist Conservatives in the military.
Waxy
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Chugiak, Alaska
I too spent a career in the AF, 24 years, and have since spent 15 years in civilian industry. A lot changes but forced military srvice won't get the job done. Parenting skills are at the lowest they can go, the military branches can't accept that responsibility. Our judicial system is a mess. There is no oversight with bleeding heart judges, Gun manufacturers being sued for someone getting shot, Fast food industry blamed for obesity, Tobacco industry blamed when the government has been warning people for years it is bad for you, etc. I like some of you learned my dicipline at a tender age from my parents and teachers. Yes, my teachers could spank me if I was out of line. I didn't want to come home from school in trouble because I knew I was still in trouble when I got home. Our militrary is the mightiest because we could avoid the draft with a volunteer force. They have also faces problems of retention in the past and survived very well. Don't make them a half way house for every spoiled brat that hasn't been taught manners and responsibility at home.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: California
Originally posted by Jimmy Dean
...I for one did learn my discipline in the civilian life, however most do not.
...I for one did learn my discipline in the civilian life, however most do not.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: Sandy Springs, GA
Originally posted by monckywrench
As an NCO (USAF MSgt, 22 years in so far) I react to mandatory service proposals with frothing, exasperated (chokes self in order to adhere to posting guidelines) AAAAGH!
As an NCO (USAF MSgt, 22 years in so far) I react to mandatory service proposals with frothing, exasperated (chokes self in order to adhere to posting guidelines) AAAAGH!
Thanks for your career service to our Country.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
I agree with the SNCOs...and monckywrench's post was right on the money. As an NCO I have enough problems dealing with airman that volunteered...I sure as hell don't want to deal with ignorant thugs or moma's boys that were forced into the military. A person has to want to better themselves, not be forced to.
As far as pay is concerned, I feel that the pay isn't bad. Sure you can make more in the civilian world...but not without the training. When you account for all the money spent on training, and then add in your pay & benefits, you will realize that you aren't doing bad at all. As a SSgt over 4 years, my base pay, BAS, and BAH add up to $34k and some change...that's not bad at all, especially when you add in all the other benefits, such as medical, 30 days of leave per year, and a "family friendly" atmosphere. I can't count the number of days I was given off (didn't have to take leave) to handle family issues (doctors appts, etc.).
If you really think about it, what other company is going to train you from scratch, give you a paycheck, make sure you have a place to live, food to eat, give you 30 days of leave per year, and then give you a retirement pension with free medical for the rest of your life ? The answer is simple...your not!
As far as pay is concerned, I feel that the pay isn't bad. Sure you can make more in the civilian world...but not without the training. When you account for all the money spent on training, and then add in your pay & benefits, you will realize that you aren't doing bad at all. As a SSgt over 4 years, my base pay, BAS, and BAH add up to $34k and some change...that's not bad at all, especially when you add in all the other benefits, such as medical, 30 days of leave per year, and a "family friendly" atmosphere. I can't count the number of days I was given off (didn't have to take leave) to handle family issues (doctors appts, etc.).
If you really think about it, what other company is going to train you from scratch, give you a paycheck, make sure you have a place to live, food to eat, give you 30 days of leave per year, and then give you a retirement pension with free medical for the rest of your life ? The answer is simple...your not!
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
From: Florida Hill Country
Tominator, WHY did you have to dig up that liberal conservative b.s. to ruin a good thread? Get out a dictionary and look the darn words up. You can't pigeon hole people that easy.
I'm for the volunteer army unless its for a situation such as WWII. We don't have enough fire arm training programs in this country anymore but that's another story.
I'm for the volunteer army unless its for a situation such as WWII. We don't have enough fire arm training programs in this country anymore but that's another story.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
From: Florida Hill Country
Originally posted by fordmarshall111
only one opinion on this subject. i am 18. if i am old enough to die for my country, why am i not old enough to have a beer?
only one opinion on this subject. i am 18. if i am old enough to die for my country, why am i not old enough to have a beer?
P.S. I agree with you.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: NC
No draft. I don't want them. And yes... I've look at the induction rate, and I'm very aware of the 34% attrition rate of first termers.
I'm not the police force of parents and teachers who have failed at instilling beliefs. Please do not use us as such. We are having enough trouble with the 34% plus percent that make it past the recruiters and pollute the system. The taxpayer is paying a FORTUNE on these folks that never produce a return for the dollar.
Put them into something other than the military, or at least something other than the United States Marines. We don't want the refuse.
Sorry if I'm abrupt or rude... but that's what those that don't want to serve prove to be.
I'm not the police force of parents and teachers who have failed at instilling beliefs. Please do not use us as such. We are having enough trouble with the 34% plus percent that make it past the recruiters and pollute the system. The taxpayer is paying a FORTUNE on these folks that never produce a return for the dollar.
Put them into something other than the military, or at least something other than the United States Marines. We don't want the refuse.
Sorry if I'm abrupt or rude... but that's what those that don't want to serve prove to be.
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