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1
goofus
2026 Jan 17, 12:12pm
The Swiss do this and it works well for them. Two years compulsory service at 18 or 3 years community service for conscientious objectors. They are, however, fairly homogenous compared with the US (though linguistically diverse). Late stage Rome, on the other hand, had compulsory service within a diverse population, and it didn’t go so well. Training and arming ethnic (and de facto cultural) aliens, what could go wrong?
2
mell
2026 Jan 17, 12:49pm
It's a good idea, but preferably with the option of alternative service for those who aren't comfortable, like Germany has/had. It used to he 3 months longer than military ("punishment") but then was changed to 12 months as well. Anything from taking care of elderly and disabled people, cleaning and cooking, bus/taxi for elderly and people in wheelchairs etc. Or logistics, of course no spot guaranteed. That could also be an option for those mildly "disabled" who claim they cannot perform military service.
Compulsory military trainig and serivce for 1 year at 18yo or after high school, whichever comes later.
Here are some details.
First, one very hard rule (among others that will need to be hashed out): Domestic functions ONLY. No service in any capacity in any foreign soil. Only on the main US soils. Not even during a declared war. There are already well trained career soldiers for that. This rule must be amended to the constitution clearly. No exceptions and no interpretations.
Both males and females. Extreme disabilities are to be evaluated for exemptions on a case by case.
3 months of boot camp, firearm, physical, mental, and camaraderie training.
1 month of basic classroom training on US constitution, history, law and order, leadership, critical thinking, world's affairs, and US visions.
1 month of basic job specific training. The kids will get a chance to try out all kinds of jobs in the militaries: chef, MP, security, firearm tester, IT, communications, interpreter, fitness coach, etc.... unlimited opportunities. The chosen job cannot be changed throughout the service.
The rest of the year serving in the chosen job.
A fixed annual stipen, a minimum of 200% of whatever prevailing federal minimum wage. Paid at the end of service. No federal or state taxes on this stipen.
Some of these kids and their parents already engage in some of these today, such as scouts, ROTC, certain team sports, etc.... but this will help all the kids. It does cost them 1 year of their early years but I believe the potential benefits both to them and to the country far exceed the costs. And those who may have wasted away their HS years and become even more lost after HS get another chance instead of aimlessly wondering around or worse. I would have liked to see kids in my family go through that. They will also be more mature and better prepared for their futures outside, with a bit of money earned.
That's all I can think of at the moment. Add your wishlist here.
And send this to Pete Hegseth !