Mandatory Military Service in the United States

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Mandatory Military Service in the United States The idea that members of a community have the duty to defend it, is as old as civilization itself (Ruschmann 10). The United States has an extensive history, starting with the original thirteen States of involuntary conscription in time of conflict. Citizen’s service is a standard principle of American military service, which places the obligation of service upon citizens to serve and to ensure that the state require those citizens to serve (Dalehite and Birskyte 1). With this obligation, young people will be imbued with a sense of “duty” and being part of the collective effort in which everyone will have and do their part for the benefit of the nation. Thereby, military service in the United States should be compulsory, because it will provide young adults with economic and social benefits that will give them a better understanding of commitment and sacrifice, making them better citizens and great assets to the nation. Scholars have defined public service as a “motivational force that induces individuals to perform meaningful public service (Dalehite and Birskyte 2).” History shows us the importance of service. The idea of members of a society serving and defending their community is nothing new; actually it’s as old as civilization itself. Starting with the Roman and Greek societies, who establish their militaries not through standing armies, but by requiring every able body male, 18 and older, to be prepare for service when called upon. This helped not only to prepare the nation and people for any conflict, it gave the citizens a sense of duty. These societies created the blueprint for the creation of the “citizen-soldiers”. Before the founding of the United States as a sovereig... ... middle of paper ... ...lehite, Estaban G. and Luicija Birskyte. “Shared Sacrifice? An Inquiry into the Willingness to Perform Compulsory Military Service”. Journal of the Military and Strategic Studies 12.1 (2009): 1-16. Print. Ruschmann, Paul. Mandatory Military Service (Point/Counterpoint). New York: Chelsea House Pub, September 2003. Print. Galston, Williams A. “Compulsory National Service Would Strengthen American Citizenship.” Usnews.com. U.S. News & World Report, LLC, 12 Oct. 2010. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. Lt Col Coates, Charles. “A Call to Service for America’s Youth.” Dtic.mil. U.S. Army War College, n.d. Web. 12 May 2014. Mazur, Diane. A More Perfect Military: “How the Constitution Can Make Our Military Stronger. New York: Oxford University Press, October 2010. Print. Ruschmann, Paul. Mandatory Military Service (Point/Counterpoint). New York: Chelsea House Pub, September 2003. Print.

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