Mandatory National Service

Mandatory National Service

Mandatory national service is a very tentative subject. One side whole heartedly supports the idealism and benefits behind mandatory national service, and another side is highly against it. Many countries around the world still force their men, and in some cases women, to go into service. Countries like Iran, Greece, Russia, South Korea and Egypt to name a few. The United States, along with several other countries like Japan and Australia, run on voluntary military service. One may argue that compulsory national service undermines the American spirit and has no benefits for the nation; however, such an argument would be incorrect on both instances. Citizens would become stronger not only physically, but mentally as well. Our society would develop interests and knowledge about world affairs and such a size-able military experienced army would prevent countries from attacking our interests. Compulsory national service would provide young people with valuable work and life experience, help young Americans to live in a society with shared interests, and restore the idea of citizenship.
Before and during World War II, the idea of citizenship was an important aspect of the American life. In recent years the idea of citizenship has become obscure. Citizenship has become a misconceived right, whereas it should be a responsibility. It is believed that citizenship is a right that we are endowed with as humans; however, it is a responsibility that we uphold the values and ideas that our country was established on. Requiring young citizens to devote a year of their lives to their country would restore the concept that our society depends upon the contributions of all its citizens, rather than just those with altruistic intentions.
In the past we have regarded military service as a responsibility of citizenship. After the Vietnam War, when the constitutionality of the draft was greatly scrutinized, we turned toward an all volunteer...

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