Mandatory military service in the US

[hallett21]

@RiverDave

Go lol!


I’ve only heard the idea from self employed non veterans. Interested to hear from those who have or haven’t served.

I can certainly see the benefit of everyone learning fire arm safety, team work, how to operate equipment etc.

My hesitation would be that I personally have known some absolute POS people who joined just so they could go kill people. I think I’d rather see the military full of elite personnel than forced volunteers

 

[shaffewm]

My son is career army. I'm not sure you should make people have a commitment to something they don't want or believe in. I want people on his back that are committed and want to be there...Just my 2 cents.

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

We have three boys, one served, the other two did not. Love them all but I like the one that served the best. Hes got his shit together now that hes out while the other two are on their way to being liberal snowflakes still trying to suck off my teet as they close in on 30 years old.

I think it should be mandatory for all, 2 years would work.

 

[ArizonaKevin]

We have three boys, one served, the other two did not. Love them all but I like the one that served the best. Hes got his shit together now that hes out while the other two are on their way to being liberal snowflakes still trying to suck off my teet as they close in on 30 years old.

I think it should be mandatory for all, 2 years would work.

Do you think your son who served was already predisposed to discipline and having their shit together which is why he was drawn to the military? That seems to me like it could be a chicken or the egg type situation ya know?

 

[ka0tyk]

While I respect and appreciate the sacrifices those who have served or are serving... that path was NOT for me. I already had a career path chosen very young and have been successful at it. Not to mention most I know who have served really have issues adjusting back into "civilian life."

I'd be 100% against it being "forced" onto all. Some people a) are not cut out for war, or b) have better plans of their own.

 

[hallett21]

We have three boys, one served, the other two did not. Love them all but I like the one that served the best. Hes got his shit together now that hes out while the other two are on their way to being liberal snowflakes still trying to suck off my teet as they close in on 30 years old.

I think it should be mandatory for all, 2 years would work.

Have you served? From what you post you’ve done pretty well for yourself and I believe you’re self employed.

Honest question. Do you think 2 years of service would/could change your other kids for the “better”?

I say “better” because it’s subjective person to person.

Edit: sorry had to clean up my quote

 

[racetrash]

Works for Israel.

 

[Singleton]

IMO, you got the following options when you graduate HS
1 - enter a trade
2 - college (if you have an idea WTF you want to do and actually pulled grades in HS)
3 - military

 

[hallett21]

Works for Israel.

Agreed.

For the USA how would you logistically use the entire population of 18-20 year olds?

Edit: 2019 stats would equal roughly 8 million people. Using very rough math since stats are grouped in 5 year increments.

 

[rivrrts429]

@RiverDave

Go lol!


I’ve only heard the idea from self employed non veterans. Interested to hear from those who have or haven’t served.

I can certainly see the benefit of everyone learning fire arm safety, team work, how to operate equipment etc.

My hesitation would be that I personally have known some absolute POS people who joined just so they could go kill people. I think I’d rather see the military full of elite personnel than forced volunteers

Those who have gone on to win Medal of Honor awards or just flat out killers and seal team members all have an extremely monstrous side to them. The difference is there ability to control it.

I just had this conversation with my 12 year old about Harry Potter. Harry wouldn’t be able to defeat evil if he didn’t have a little evil himself. Same premise with our armed forces heroes.

There are differences in gangbanger wannabes and truly monstrous individuals. The wannabes usually get filtered out pretty quick with all the psyche and personality surveys the armed forces put you through.

 

[THE Cat Sass]

I could support the idea of a 2 year mandatory term. I firmly believe a bunch of the BS we see today disrespecting our country, our flag and anyone who disagrees with your point of view would not exist under that structure. You would still have shit bags who would get kicked out during their 2 years for being shit bags but I think it would make stronger men and women for the next century.

The path we are on today isn't sustainable and leads to very dark places down the road IMO. We need draconian changes across the board.

 

[hallett21]

Those who have gone on to win Medal of Honor awards or just flat out killers and seal team members all have an extremely monstrous side to them. The difference is there ability to control it.

I just had this conversation with my 12 year old about Harry Potter. Harry wouldn’t be able to defeat evil if he didn’t have a little evil himself. Same premise with our armed forces heroes.

There are differences in gangbanger wannabes and truly monstrous individuals. The wannabes usually get filtered out pretty quick with all the psyche and personality surveys the armed forces put you through.

Agreed. And to quote American Sniper, we need sheep dogs.

Even Chris Kyle was not headed on a military path until he felt compelled to serve.

Assuming the movie is correct it’s the perfect example. One brother was an absolute stud in the military while the other probably had no business being there.

Doesn’t make either a more or less successful person imo. The same way many excel in college while others crash and burn.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

Those who have gone on to win Medal of Honor awards or just flat out killers and seal team members all have an extremely monstrous side to them. The difference is there ability to control it.

I just had this conversation with my 12 year old about Harry Potter. Harry wouldn’t be able to defeat evil if he didn’t have a little evil himself. Same premise with our armed forces heroes.

There are differences in gangbanger wannabes and truly monstrous individuals. The wannabes usually get filtered out pretty quick with all the psyche and personality surveys the armed forces put you through.

Someone has been listening to Jordan Peterson...

I like the idea of mandatory service, but I'm not sure how it would be administered. I like a modified version of @Singleton's post

1. Trade
2. College
3. Military-In a role that is easily transitional to life outside the military. No grunts, and more mechanic, medic, accountant, etc. etc.

 

[hallett21]

I could support the idea of a 2 year mandatory term. I firmly believe a bunch of the BS we see today disrespecting our country, our flag and anyone who disagrees with your point of view would not exist under that structure. You would still have shit bags who would get kicked out during their 2 years for being shit bags but I think it would make stronger men and women for the next century.

The path we are on today isn't sustainable and leads to very dark places down the road IMO. We need draconian changes across the board.

Have you served?

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

Some of us didn't need what the discipline and structure of what military training brings. Thank you Mom and Dad for doing your job. Not for everyone.

 

[RiverDave]

I could support the idea of a 2 year mandatory term. I firmly believe a bunch of the BS we see today disrespecting our country, our flag and anyone who disagrees with your point of view would not exist under that structure. You would still have shit bags who would get kicked out during their 2 years for being shit bags but I think it would make stronger men and women for the next century.

The path we are on today isn't sustainable and leads to very dark places down the road IMO. We need draconian changes across the board.

That’s basically my position on it. Take the snowflake BS out of the military and two years for everyone.. and I have three kids @hallett21

 

[SBMech]

I believe it's a serious lack of discipline that is the leading the downfall of current society.

I have never served, but I had "strict" parents per say. I was also an athlete, so there was a lot of personal training effort physically and mentally to train to defeat opponents, even in team sports much less single sports like wrestling, you need a routine of mental and physical strength.

Most members of the Armed Forces I have met in my life time have been at least stable, and if not totally responsible, at least semi-capable of their own well being.

Look at countries like Switzerland, with a mandatory service requirement, they also keep the arms they trained with after discharge.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss...litary service,may volunteer for any position.

Very low crime rate, and overall a genial society.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

Works for Israel.

I think that's because they are a country surrounded by enemies that are constantly trying to kill them. They have something to rally behind and fight for. In America, it's out of sight and out of mind.

 

[hallett21]

That’s basically my position on it. Take the snowflake BS out of the military and two years for everyone.. and I have three kids @hallett21

I get that and where I disagree is. Why are those in this thread advocating for mandatory service allowed a free pass?

I hope I’m not coming across in an argumentative way. I’ve heard this argument for 10-15 years. And up until the Covid fiasco I never saw a parallel. But people who didn’t serve saying the younger generation should serve feels like “rules for thee not for me”.

There are those of us “millennials, Gen Z or whatever else” that turned out ok. I’m just not convinced serving for 2 years would really “fix” anyone.

 

[ChiliPepperGarage]

I said for years now that it should be mandatory however I look at it from having served in the '70s. I think the military is much different now and don't know if it would be as beneficial anymore.

 

[4Waters]

I get that and where I disagree is. Why are those in this thread advocating for mandatory service allowed a free pass?

I hope I’m not coming across in an argumentative way. I’ve heard this argument for 10-15 years. And up until the Covid fiasco I never saw a parallel. But people who didn’t serve saying the younger generation should serve feels like “rules for thee not for me”.

There are those of us “millennials, Gen Z or whatever else” that turned out ok. I’m just not convinced serving for 2 years would really “fix” anyone.

I didn't serve but I know for a fact that the military doesn't want a 45yo, especially me because I'm not going to put up with the DI's shit, I'm to old for that, lol

 

[DRYHEAT]

Those who have gone on to win Medal of Honor awards or just flat out killers and seal team members all have an extremely monstrous side to them. The difference is there ability to control it.

I just had this conversation with my 12 year old about Harry Potter. Harry wouldn’t be able to defeat evil if he didn’t have a little evil himself. Same premise with our armed forces heroes.

There are differences in gangbanger wannabes and truly monstrous individuals. The wannabes usually get filtered out pretty quick with all the psyche and personality surveys the armed forces put you through.

I think saying these soldiers have an extremely monstrous side to them is a bit of a disservice to their service and sacrifice.
Survival instinct and Get the job done never say die attitude has a lot to do with it I think.

There’s people that couldn’t change a tire on the side of the road with all the proper tools and there’s people that could fix a broken down car with bailing wire and a hammer out in the middle of the desert and survive.

People in the military are not any different than anybody else in society, there’s plenty of brilliant soldiers and plenty of idiots. They’re just better disciplined idiots.

 

[SBMech]

I get that and where I disagree is. Why are those in this thread advocating for mandatory service allowed a free pass?

I hope I’m not coming across in an argumentative way. I’ve heard this argument for 10-15 years. And up until the Covid fiasco I never saw a parallel. But people who didn’t serve saying the younger generation should serve feels like “rules for thee not for me”.

There are those of us “millennials, Gen Z or whatever else” that turned out ok. I’m just not convinced serving for 2 years would really “fix” anyone.

It's not, but there are probably 80 out of 100 that would get a lot out of it. Teamwork, individual confidence, pride in perfection, there are many good things about a structured military.

Really I am talking out my ass, just going off stories from people my age, the military of the 70's and 80's.

Most likely the military is a fucked up as our own government atm, since it's managed by them....

 

[monkeyswrench]

I don't know if this is the same situation now as it was when most of us were of "draft" age. We still had enemies abroad much more dangerous than the enemies within. Before I could possibly back any sort of mandatory service, I'd want to know those in control had the backing of the people, and their best interests in mind.
No, I did not serve. I came very close, but there were some circumstances that did not permit it. It probably would have changed things quite a bit for me, I possibly wouldn't have been such a fuktard.

 

[SBMech]

I don't know if this is the same situation now as it was when most of us were of "draft" age. We still had enemies abroad much more dangerous than the enemies within. Before I could possibly back any sort of mandatory service, I'd want to know those in control had the backing of the people, and their best interests in mind.
No, I did not serve. I came very close, but there were some circumstances that did not permit it. It probably would have changed things quite a bit for me, I possibly wouldn't have been such a fuktard.

You and me both!

 

[Singleton]

That’s basically my position on it. Take the snowflake BS out of the military and two years for everyone.. and I have three kids @hallett21

who the F is going to pay that bill

I get your thought process, but some kids are just not built for the military.

 

[Drew]

Can you imagine taking all of these young kids that always had trophies and put them in a military scenario.im lmfao. We won’t see this any time soon. I’m raising my kids to understand you don’t get anything for nothing . Hard work and saving ( hard to do with the wife) but at the end of the day even how I’m raising my kids I don’t think they would enjoy mandatory military life. That being said I for one think these snowflakes that are coming up are a cancer to the country . For instance the new age of moving out of mom and dads is late 30’s. So at 30 you get a real job. Start having a family at 40 and by the time your son or daughter graduates high school your not retired because you don’t have the money. And have your own kids sucking up to you and not moving out till they are late 30’s plus. No money to Carry on. No real wealth . It’s like a generation is missing.

 

[rivrrts429]

Someone has been listening to Jordan Peterson...

I like the idea of mandatory service, but I'm not sure how it would be administered. I like a modified version of @Singleton's post

1. Trade
2. College
3. Military-In a role that is easily transitional to life outside the military. No grunts, and more mechanic, medic, accountant, etc. etc.

I like Jordan. I got tickets to see him in April live but he’s not the first with the idea. He has however articulated it well in recent years.

The military, CIA, FBI, NSA have been recruiting these types for years. People who seemed like trouble in the younger years go on to be incredible leaders and doers in their adult life when paired with careers that many can’t fathom doing.

 

[RiverDave]

I get that and where I disagree is. Why are those in this thread advocating for mandatory service allowed a free pass?

I hope I’m not coming across in an argumentative way. I’ve heard this argument for 10-15 years. And up until the Covid fiasco I never saw a parallel. But people who didn’t serve saying the younger generation should serve feels like “rules for thee not for me”.

There are those of us “millennials, Gen Z or whatever else” that turned out ok. I’m just not convinced serving for 2 years would really “fix” anyone.

I actually went to join the military when I was 18. I ended up going down a different path as an apprentice machining program.

I would have had zero problem serving though, and I was saying two year minimum in the service since I was younger than you. I believe everyone should contribute something to their country.

By the way I didn’t serve, but I would say the weapons programs i prototyped and in some cases helped developed probably did more for national security than anytime I would have spent in the actual military. I feel like I did my part.

 

[RiverDave]

who the F is going to pay that bill

I get your thought process, but some kids are just not built for the military.

Tell that to Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Turkey and a ton of other countries..

You are right some kids aren’t built for it.. but if it’s real deal the military will form them to become a part of it.

 

[Cdog]

I was raised by the kids of German immigrants. Same thing. Lol! Both grandfathers were in WWII and told me I had enough discipline from my mom.


That said I have a tough time dealing with underachievers and “good enough “ mindset by lazy people. They seem to out number people like me.

I’m for some kind of service for several reasons.

People need to see how fucked up government is. This institution is full of double standards and yes men& women sucking their way to retirement. These low achiever’s shouldn’t be in charge of things like healthcare & retirements.

Discipline

Some ownership in our country & standards.

In return, free college education on CC & state level schools. Priority enrollment in private education. Free trade schools.

Possibly free room & board with minimum 3.0 average.

 

[Angler]

So many parents don't know how to raise a good child, it might not be a bad idea...

 

[Cdog]

Look around you though. They don’t want smart citizens. They want dependents, votes & losers.

Just enough smart ones to keep the tax’s paid..

 

[rivrrts429]

I think saying these soldiers have an extremely monstrous side to them is a bit of a disservice to their service and sacrifice.
Survival instinct and Get the job done never say die attitude has a lot to do with it I think.

There’s people that couldn’t change a tire on the side of the road with all the proper tools and there’s people that could fix a broken down car with bailing wire and a hammer out in the middle of the desert and survive.

People in the military are not any different than anybody else in society, there’s plenty of brilliant soldiers and plenty of idiots. They’re just better disciplined idiots.

My friends who have served, including one Purple Heart Seal Team Member, understand the description. The term is meant in the most endearing way.

 

[rivrrts429]

Agreed. And to quote American Sniper, we need sheep dogs.

Even Chris Kyle was not headed on a military path until he felt compelled to serve.

Assuming the movie is correct it’s the perfect example. One brother was an absolute stud in the military while the other probably had no business being there.

Doesn’t make either a more or less successful person imo. The same way many excel in college while others crash and burn.

Spot on

 

[TCHB]

Look around you though. They don’t want smart citizens. They want dependents, votes & losers.

Just enough smart ones to keep the tax’s paid..

I guess you blame the parents!

 

[hallett21]

Tell that to Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Turkey and a ton of other countries..

You are right some kids aren’t built for it.. but if it’s real deal the military will form them to become a part of it.

But what are we going to do with 8 million 18-20 year olds? Seems more like socialism at that point since military personnel would then need to take over civilian jobs.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I think kids in general should have some skills or trade. By some standards I'd be an underachiever as mentioned above, but by the time I'd graduated high school I'd been roofing part time for 6 years, and been doing head gaskets for 4. Kids now can't change a tire, or swing a hammer...some people my age can't either.

 

[pronstar]

Our armed forces are about 1.5 million active duty, 800,000 reserves.

Meanwhile, about 3.5 million kids graduate high school each year.

Mandatory military?
How big do y’all want our military to be?

 

[Cdog]

But what are we going to do with 8 million 18-20 year olds? Seems more like socialism at that point since military personnel would then need to take over civilian jobs.

We’re on the road to a surplus of fat guess my gender lazy worthless fucks living off the work of others & “living wage” displaced by automation.

It’s scary.

 

[hallett21]

Our armed forces are about 1.5 million active duty, 800,000 reserves.

Meanwhile, about 3.5 million kids graduate high school each year.

Mandatory military?
How big do y’all want our military to be?

Yuge!!!!

 

[TCHB]

18 year olds today do not seem to have maturity level of years ago. Just look at the high schools! Seniors being picked up by moms. The funny thing is that is ok by their peers. I think if they had mandatory military it would help them mature to deal with life. In Havasu I would talk to the high school kids on the golf coarse and almost all of them had never worked.

 

[hallett21]

18 year olds today do not seem to have maturity level of years ago. Just look at the high schools! Seniors being picked up by moms. The funny thing is that is ok by their peers. I think if they had mandatory military it would help them mature to deal with life. In Havasu I would talk to the high school kids on the golf coarse and almost all of them had never worked.

IMO this is a nationwide parenting issue. Using the US military to make up for parenting shortcomings sounds dangerous to me.

 

[Taboma]

Our armed forces are about 1.5 million active duty, 800,000 reserves.

Meanwhile, about 3.5 million kids graduate high school each year.

Mandatory military?
How big do y’all want our military to be?

With enough wars, I think we could keep the numbers actually returning from service at a manageable level.

 

[C08H18]

@RiverDave

I can certainly see the benefit of everyone learning fire arm safety, team work, how to operate equipment etc.

My hesitation would be that I personally have known some absolute POS people who joined just so they could go kill people. I think I’d rather see the military full of elite personnel than forced volunteers

I believe the military offers excellent training of discipline and teamwork. I did NOT serve, the draft closed at the end of the Vietnam war and before my number would have come up. BUT i would be a proud father if my children served. My father served, of all the things that he could be remembered for upon his death, he chose a military funeral and burial in a VA cemetery. I never really knew how proud he was of his service until his death and his final instructions to us.

Even though i have accomplish much in my life, I will never be able to say that i served my country. I wish I had that chance.

 

[2Driver]

Coming from a military family and I went to private military grade school growing up, its beyond me why anyone would think this is anything but a horrible idea.

 

[Outdrive1]

What happens to the kids that refuse to join? Or have family business they plan on working? Family farms? Do you put them in jail?

 

[jetur]

I didn't serve but grew up in a boot camp because my Dad served. I'm sure several of you can relate. Lol. It would probably be a good life experience for most but the demand for people to serve probably won't be there as military technology evolves.

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Have you served? From what you post you’ve done pretty well for yourself and I believe you’re self employed.

Honest question. Do you think 2 years of service would/could change your other kids for the “better”?

I say “better” because it’s subjective person to person.

Edit: sorry had to clean up my quote

I was accepted to Naval officer candidate school after college, with visions of becoming the next Maverick. Well, I was in love at the time and fucked that all up. I cant complain with how my life has worked out but it is one of my biggest regrets for not seeing it through. If I could enlist now at 56 I would in a heartbeat.

 

[TCHB]

IMO this is a nationwide parenting issue. Using the US military to make up for parenting shortcomings sounds dangerous to me.

It is happening now. My nephew got out of the military 10 weeks ago and he was suprised how lazy the young men were. He said the ladies worked a lot harder and did not complain like the men.